Hip Joint Replacements: When Is It Time To Get One And What Are The Options?

Hip replacement surgery is used to treat people who are suffering from hip pain due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. When the hip becomes damaged, the cartilage wears out because of any of these conditions which prevent normal movement. This can make it difficult to move around and painful when you do move. There are two types of hip replacements that can be done; one is a total hip replacement and the other is a hemiarthroplasty. The first reduces pain but does not restore movement whereas the latter provides both pain relief and restored movement. 

Common causes for hip joint replacement

The hip joint is formed like a ball and socket joint, with the ball-like femoral head in the pelvic bone and the cup-like acetabulum in the pelvis. Common causes for hip joint replacements is osteoarthritis in the joint. Other causes include:

The most common cause of severe pain in the hip is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative condition that can also affect other joints, including knees and spines. Osteoarthritis tends to get worse over time, but that may be slowed if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

During a hip replacement operation, your surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from your hip joint and replaces it with an artificial implant. The implant is usually made of metal alloys or ceramic materials.

When to get one?

If you are in constant pain, you should consult with your physician to see if a hip replacement is an option. There are many different surgical methods, but it is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you do not have to spend the night in the hospital.

Doctors recommend this surgery for people who experience constant pain, which sometimes extends to the thigh or knee. A hip replacement can relieve pain and improve your quality of life by giving you more mobility.

The decision to get a hip replacement should be based on if your current lifestyle is being affected by an arthritic hip. If you are able to perform normal activities of daily living, but have difficulty climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car, then a hip replacement may be right for you.

Joint replacements in adults

Most joint replacement surgeries are done on people over the age of 65, but people of all ages can experience disabling knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Most adults who need a joint replacement will be candidates for a total joint replacement. The artificial joint is designed to replicate the shape and function of the native joint. The components that make up a total joint replacement are:

The metallic base plate or femoral component that attaches to your thigh bone (femur) and provides a stable foundation for the implant.

The acetabular cup or metal socket that fits inside your pelvis to form a stable connection with your thigh bone.

The femoral head component that fits inside the acetabular cup and sits atop a stem that’s attached to your thigh bone.

The stem is a metal cylinder through which a multitude of instruments can be used to manipulate the implant.

Hip replacements in the pediatric population

Hip replacements are increasingly common in children and teenagers, and long-term results appear to be good. Despite the growing popularity of this procedure in children and adolescents, little has been written about the indications and patient and family issues surrounding the use of joint replacement in this age group.

Conclusion

Proper hip replacement surgery is a very effective and safe procedure. The benefits of this surgery significantly outweigh the risks and most patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and mobility after surgery.

There are, however, some long-term complications that may occur as a result of this procedure, including implant failure and fracture of the femur or pelvis. Also, due to new advances in medical technology, hip replacement surgery has evolved from a straightforward procedure done only on older patients with severe arthritis to a complex surgery commonly performed on young patients with various types of hip problems.

The decision to undergo hip replacement surgery is an important one and should be made only after consulting with your doctor and learning about all your options.