We Know: The Facts on Hip Replacement

What is hip replacement?

Hip replacement therapy is a medical procedure to replace diseased parts of your hip with new, artificial parts called prostheses. It's designed to decrease or eliminate pain and make movement easier.

Why have hip replacement?

The most common reason for hip replacement is damage to the hip joint through long-term osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, injury to the hip, or bone tumors may also make hip replacement therapy seem like a viable choice.

Hip replacement is a last-ditch effort to relieve pain and make walking easier, and a doctor should try physical therapy, walking with a cane or walker, or other interventions before suggesting it. Most people do tolerate it well, however, with the exception of those who have very weak muscles due to chronic illness or other reasons.

If joint damage does not show up on X-rays, hip replacement therapy is not recommended by most experts.

What are the drawbacks, and are there alternatives to hip replacement?

Hip replacement therapy is major surgery, which is always something to be careful with. But, though in the past hip replacement was considered a major step, today hip replacement surgery is becoming more common and more reliable in its benefits. Fewer than ten percent of patients today need further surgery. Most of those who do have problems with joint displacement, which is also associated with weakened muscles around the hip joint. Another common problem is inflammation caused by particles that flake off the replacement; this is generally treated with anti-inflammatories.

Alternatives to hip replacement can include combinations of NSAIDs, exercise and diet regimens to strengthen the area around the hip, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe an osteotomy, which is a less-invasive surgery to reposition the hip joint before moving to a full hip replacement.

Is Hip Replacement a Good Idea?

It depends on your specific situation. If you're in so much pain that your daily routine is difficult for you, and if other interventions have been tried to no avail, then hip replacement therapy may be your best choice.

If you decide to have hip replacement surgery, keep the following things in mind:

Recovery can be slow and painful, and require plenty of physical therapy.
Because hip replacement therapy is an emerging medical technology, you should seek out a doctor that performs this procedure on a regular basis, not once in a while.
Only start an exercise program with your doctor's approval, and make certain you don't overdo it soon after surgery.

You can find more information on hip replacement therapy from the Arthritis Foundation or from The Hip Society.