Total Hip Replacement

If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult. Your hip may be stiff, and it may be hard to put on your shoes and socks. You may even feel uncomfortable while resting.

If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and the use of walking supports do not adequately help your symptoms, you may consider hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities.

Benefits of Hip Replacement

During hip replacement surgery, your problem hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis).

Total hip replacement surgery almost always:

• Stops or greatly reduces hip pain. Even the pain from surgery should go away within weeks.
• Increases leg strength. Without hip pain, you’ll be able to use your legs more. This will build up your muscles.
• Improves quality of life by allowing you to do daily tasks and low-impact activities in greater comfort.
• Provides years of easier movement. Most total hip replacements last for many years.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery for You?

The decision to have hip replacement surgery should be a cooperative one made by you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopaedic surgeon. The process of making this decision typically begins with a referral by your doctor to an orthopaedic surgeon for an initial evaluation.

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. People who benefit from hip replacement surgery often have:

• Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
• Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
• Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
• Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports