Hip replacement surgery, also called total hip arthroplasty, is most commonly performed on patients with hip pain due to osteoarthritis or injury, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The surgeon may use a traditional approach through a single, relatively large incision, or a minimally invasive approach through one or two small incisions. In either approach, the surgeon removes the diseased joint and replaces it with an artificial implant or prosthesis made of metal or ceramic, according to the Mayo Clinic. The hip socket is also replaced with one made of plastic, metal or ceramic.
Joint Damage
Hip replacements are performed to correct damage to the hip joint as evidenced by positive findings on X-rays, MRI--magnetic resonance imaging--or CT, also known as computed tomography scans, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients with osteoarthritis may show loss of cartilage space in the hip socket, "bone-on-bone" appearance, brittle bones, bone spurs or bone cysts that limit the patient's quality of life. Other conditions that destroy the hip joint include osteonecrosis--loss of blood supply to the femur head--as well as infection, developmental abnormalities, rheumatoid arthritis or injury.
Pain
Patients who cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs or glucosamine sulfate, or whose pain is not relieved by medication, physical therapy and reduced activity may benefit from hip replacement surgery. Hip pain is dull and aching, and may be constant or intermittent. It may be felt in the thigh, buttock, knee or groin as well as in the hip. Activity makes it worse, and it may keep the patient up all night, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hip replacement can relieve the patient's pain and improve quality of life. However, the pain returns when the artificial joint eventually wears out, requiring a second operation to replace the joint.
Loss of Function
Pain and stiffness in the hip limits a patient's ability to perform her usual daily activities, including walking, bending, tying shoes, climbing stairs, dressing, clipping toenails and rising from a seated position, according to the AAOS. At first, physical therapy or using a cane may help improve mobility. However, immobility increases as time goes on and the patient is forced to stop activities that she once enjoyed or needs to do to remain independent. Hip replacement can restore range-of-motion and mobility to the joint so that most activities can be resumed. However, high-impact sports, running and activities that require bending the hip joint more than 90 degrees are off-limits.
