Total Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is one of the most important surgical advances of this century. Today, more than 300,000 procedures are being performed every year in the United States alone. Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, involves removing the diseased bone and cartilage and replacing it with orthopaedic implants. Hip replacement may be recommended only after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. You may benefit from surgery if you have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, you have harmful or unpleasant side effects from your hip medications or other treatments such as physical therapy do not relieve hip pain.

The first step to returning to an active lifestyle is to make an appointment with your orthopaedic surgeon. After a thorough examination, your surgeon will make a recommendation regarding surgery. Generally speaking, you are a candidate if you experience hip joint pain that is severe enough to prevent you from carrying out normal daily activities and your pain is not responsive to nonsurgical treatments. Chronic hip problems can prevent you from enjoying everyday activities, but thanks to today’s advanced technology, you no longer have to live with pain. Total hip replacement surgery is the second step toward returning to a normally active, pain-free lifestyle.