You can read all about hip arthritis, through the AAOS patient information package below:
If you cannot view the PDF, click here to download it.
Hip replacement surgery may be necessary when hip arthritis causes significant damage to the hip joint, leading to pain and impaired function. Here are some signs that it may be time to consider hip replacement surgery:
- Persistent Pain: Pain in the groin, thigh, or buttocks that doesn’t improve with rest or non-surgical treatments. The pain may be severe and worsen with weight-bearing activities.
- Reduced Mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities due to pain and stiffness in the hip joint.
- Progression of Disease: If imaging studies (such as X-rays or MRI) show that the bone has started to collapse or the joint space is narrowing, hip replacement may be recommended to prevent further damage.
- Failed Non-Surgical Treatments: If other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, have not been effective in relieving symptoms, hip replacement may be the best option.
- Impact on Quality of Life: If hip arthritis is severely affecting your quality of life, including your ability to work, sleep, or engage in activities you enjoy, a hip replacement can help restore function and alleviate pain.
Total hip replacement can provide significant relief from pain and improved joint function for most patients, making it a very effective solution for those with hip arthritis. However, all surgery carries risk and results may vary by individual patients.
Total hip replacement is typically performed in a day surgery setting, meaning that most patients will return home on the same day as surgery and not stay overnight in the hospital. The recovery from surgery has historically been associated with significant pain for the first 2 weeks, however, recent work on multimodal pain medicines, inflammation reduction and minimizing blood loss has seen many patients recover without any need for strong pain medicines (narcotics). Dr Montgomery is eager to help you minimize your inflammation and post-surgical pain, and importantly, get you back on your feet with minimal use of potentially addictive medicines.
Read more about Hip replacement surgery here.
