Hip replacement is an operation in which a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one to ease pain and improve movement. It may be considered when hip pain limits daily life and non-surgical treatment has not been enough.
Note: This is general information. The decision to operate is made by the surgeon together with the patient after examination and imaging.
When This Operation May Be Considered
The operation may be considered when the following are present and confirmed by examination and imaging:
- Hip or groin pain that limits walking, sleep and daily activities
- Stiffness and difficulty putting on shoes or climbing stairs
- Pain that has not improved with non-surgical treatment
- Clear joint damage on X-ray
- Joint damage after a fracture of the femoral neck or another hip injury
Why the Hip Joint Becomes Damaged
The hip can be affected for several reasons, including:
- Osteoarthritis, the wearing of cartilage with age
- Chronic inflammatory joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Reduced blood supply to the head of the femur
- Earlier fractures and injuries around the hip
- Joint shape problems from childhood, such as developmental hip dislocation
Diagnosis
It starts with your symptoms, then an examination of the hip for movement, strength and the way you walk. An X-ray of the hip is taken, and an MRI or other tests may be added depending on the case.
Your own condition, and whether it needs surgery, can only be decided after an in-person examination.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical options are usually tried first, and they may ease pain for some patients.
- Activity changes and avoiding what makes the pain worse
- Physiotherapy and hip-strengthening exercises
- A cane or crutch for walking when needed
- Weight management when relevant
- Medication or injections under the doctor's supervision in some cases
Surgical treatment
In the operation the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the femoral head and the socket and replaces them with artificial components. It is performed under anesthesia, and the surgeon chooses the approach and materials that suit the case.
Many patients may have less pain and better movement, but results vary from person to person and the operation carries risks that the surgeon explains beforehand. To compare with another option, read Hip Resurfacing.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery time varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment. Your surgeon gives clear instructions about movements to avoid at first.
- Getting up and walking with help from the care team after surgery
- Wound care and medication as set by your doctor
- Strengthening and movement exercises guided by a specialist
- Moving gradually away from walking aids as your surgeon directs
- A gradual return to daily activities
When to see the doctor
See an orthopedic surgeon if you have:
- Hip pain that persists or worsens
- Growing difficulty walking or sleeping
- Stiffness that limits daily movement
- Severe pain after a fall with being unable to stand, which is an emergency
- Redness, pain or warmth around a hip that was replaced earlier