Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery ?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint with arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from metal and plastic components. It usually is done when all other treatment options have failed to provide adequate pain relief. The procedure should relieve a painful hip joint, making walking easier.

The hip is one of the most commonly replaced joints. It allows us to move our legs and bend and straighten our body. Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, is the main reason for Hip Replacement Surgery. Other conditions, including trauma, may also cause the need for a hip replacement.

What Do You Expect After The Hip Replacement ?

When you have a knee injury or arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, the damage, inflammation, and pain can limit your ability to flex and extend your knees. Over time, the deterioration of your joint and surrounding tissue can make it difficult to perform basic daily activities, even sitting and lying down. Knee replacement surgery is a common solution for people whose knees have become too worn from this deterioration..

However, hip replacement surgery will not enable you to do more than you could before your hip problem developed. Following surgery, you will be advised to avoid certain activities, including jogging and high-impact sports, for the rest of your life. You may be asked to avoid specific positions of the joint that could lead to dislocation. Even with normal use and activities, an artificial joint (prosthesis) develops some wear over time. If you participate in high-impact activities or are overweight, this wear may accelerate and cause the prosthesis to loosen and become painful.

What Is The Right Age For Total Hip Replacement Surgery ?

While most hip replacements are performed in patients between 60 and 80 years of age, older or younger age is not a contraindication to surgery. Hip replacement is occasionally performed in patients in their teens and early twenties. In this age group its most successful indication has been in relieving pain and improving function in patients with debilitating childhood inflammatory arthritis.