If your hip joint is damaged, normal activities can become increasingly challenging over time. Even simple tasks like putting on socks or getting out of a chair can become difficult.
You may already have started to explore the different treatment options available. Or, you may have found medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes aren’t improving your symptoms. In either case, you may want to consider hip replacement surgery to relieve your pain, improve your mobility, and return you to a your regular, active lifestyle.
What Causes Hip Pain?
The cartilage at the hip joint can wear down or become damaged through injury or disease such as arthritis. The cartilage acts as a smooth lining to help the “ball” at the top of the thighbone (femur) and “socket” of the pelvic bone to glide together smoothly.
Without the protection of the cartilage, the rough surfaces of the bones rub together and can result in pain and restricted mobility. Cartilage damage can cause the hip joint to become stiff and inflamed.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a procedure in which the damaged portions of the hip joint are replaced with artificial parts.
The “ball” atop the femur is replaced with a metal or ceramic ball with a stem that fits into the bone. Damaged cartilage lining the “socket” in the pelvis is replaced with a prosthesis.
The end result is a smooth gliding surface for the replacement parts. This will ensure your hip will function as a natural joint would – and without pain.
A partial hip replacement, also known as a hemiarthroplasty, involves replacing the “ball” only, and not the “socket.” This procedure may be recommended when hip joint damage is due to something other than arthritis (which tends to affect the entire joint).
Recovery After Surgery
On average, someone who has had hip replacement surgery will stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after a joint replacement surgery.
Rehabilitation with a physical therapist usually starts within 24 hours of your operation, starting with sitting up, getting in and out of bed, and building up to walking using a walker or crutches. Physical therapy then continues for 6-8 weeks, at which point normal activities can resume, including driving and even a return to sports.
What Are the Risks?
Hip surgery is considered very safe and is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for hip pain. Most people who have hip replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction in hip pain and discomfort and find their mobility significantly improves. But, like with all types of surgery, there are always potential complications, such as infection at the site of the surgery, injuries to blood vessels and nerves, hip dislocation and difference in leg length. Your orthopedic specialist can discuss the pros and cons with you if you’re considering a hip replacement procedure.
How Long Do Hip Implants Last?
On average, hip replacements last about 20 years. The life expectancy of the implant depends on factors such as how active your lifestyle is (because excessive activity can speed up the wear and tear of the implants) and whether you are overweight (which puts a lot more stress on the hip joint).
How Movement Orthopedics Can Help You Get Back to It
If you are suffering from hip pain, contact Movement Orthopedics for more information about your treatment options. We offer comprehensive treatment utilizing the best techniques for treating musculoskeletal and joint dysfunction. Our patients benefit from a less invasive form of hip replacement surgery, which spares healthy muscle tissue, allowing for a faster recovery with less pain and scarring as well as fewer post-op risks and complications.
Contact Movement Orthopedics for more information about a hip replacement or any other orthopedic concern you have. Call us at (586) 436-3785 or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to assisting you.
