hip replacement surgery

INTRODUCTION

You have been recently notified that you qualify for a hip replacement, also known as an artificial hip. This is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Hip replacements are major surgeries; but they are very common. Good preparation beforehand prevents disappointment and possible further injury and your rehabilitation after a successful surgery requires effort and willpower from you and your support system. This brochure will help you decide if hip replacement surgery is right for you.

The hip joint

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. When you walk, the femoral head (ball) moves smoothly around in the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. This is possible because the ball and the socket are coated with a layer of cartilage. Cartilage is a smooth and resilient tissue; however, aging tends to reduce the quality of cartilage. This wear and tear is commonly referred to as a “worn out hip”.

When is surgery necessary?

The most common complaint when patients experience wear and tear of the hip joint is pain. This pain is generally felt in the groin, buttocks area, the thighs and the knees. With time and left unaddressed, the joints become stiffer and as the wear continues, the pain complaints increase. After a while, medicine and physical therapy cease to alleviate the pain. After this point, a hip replacement is usually the only long-term solution. Pain is often one of the main reasons patients opt for surgery.