Hip Surgery: Support and Healing

What is hip replacement surgery?

The goal of hip replacement surgery is to replace the parts of the hip joint that have been damaged, and to relieve hip pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments. Hundreds of thousands of artificial hip replacement surgeries are performed yearly.

Hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or damaged hip with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery may be considered following a hip fracture (breaking of the bone) or for someone who has severe pain due to arthritis. Hip replacement may become necessary if activities such as walking, sitting, or even resting become painful.

Who might be a candidate for hip replacement?

The most common condition that results in the need for hip replacement surgery is arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis causes the loss of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hips.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the lining of the joint (or the synovial membrane) and results in excessive fluid, can lead to severe pain and stiffness.
• Traumatic arthritis (arthritis due to injury) can cause damage to the articular cartilage of the hip.

Hip replacement surgery is also a method of treating a hip fracture that may result from a fall. Pain from a fracture is severe and walking or even moving the leg is difficult. Other conditions, such as infections and hip deformities, may cause hip joint degeneration.

The decision to replace the painful joint with an artificial one is a decision made by the patient and doctor. Our Joint Replacement Center Specialists recommend reviewing our 10 Steps Before Considering Surgery.