Most simply, hip replacement surgery is a treatment for pain and disability in the hip. The most common condition that results in the need for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. “If you’re getting pain in the groin and buttocks and it interferes with getting sleep or being able to walk, you may need a hip replacement,” Paul Naylor, MD, explained. “We don’t want anyone stuck on the sidelines.”
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the loss of joint cartilage in the hip. Damage to the cartilage and bones limits movement and may cause pain. People with severe pain due to degenerative joint disease may be unable to do normal activities that involve bending at the hip, such as walking or sitting, because they are painful.
Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that results from a hip injury, can also lead to degeneration of the hip joint.
Hip replacement may also be used as a method of treating certain hip fractures. A fracture is a traumatic event that may result from a fall. Pain from a fracture is severe and walking or even moving the leg is difficult.
Hip surgery may be the best option for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis or a fracture. “This is not your grandfather’s hip replacement,” Dr. Naylor said. “This surgery takes less than an hour and is a real life changer very quickly.”
