Do I Need A Total Hip Replacement?

What Is A Total Hip Replacement?

A total hip replacement also referred to as total hip arthroplasty and often called a hip replacement or abbreviated to THR for short is where damaged bone and cartilage is surgically removed and subsequently replaced with prosthetic components. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint in which the head of the femur “the ball” and the pelvic acetabulum “the socket” are covered by articular cartilage which enables smooth multi directional movements of the joint. During a hip replacement surgery the damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint are removed and replaced with metal, ceramic and/or plastic parts. A total hip arthroplasty operation is generally considered a very successful surgery and can relieve both the experience of hip pain and improve and individuals movement in what was prior a painful arthritic hip joint.
A THR is considered a relevant option if an individual has severe hip arthritis that significantly interferes with their daily life and other more conservative measures (such as activity modification and physiotherapy) have failed to achieve an appropriate improvement to the quality of life. A number of diseases and conditions can cause damage to the articular cartilage of the hip joint including prior joint injury, being overweight, having hip joints that formed differently such as hip dysplasia, having femoroacetabular impingement,  increasing age, genetic (inherited) defects in the cartilage… THR surgery is an effective option in many circumstances to relieve severe arthritis pain that significantly limits an individuals daily function.

When Is Hip Arthroplasty A Recommended Option?

Although most individuals undergoing a total hip arthroplasty are between 50-80yrs old every individual is assessed on a case by case basis and recommendations for surgery are generally based on pain and disability not based on age, however age is clearly taken into account. Ideally any decision regarding having a total hip replacement is an informed joint decision made between the individual, their loved ones, their GP and the treating orthopaedic specialist. People who may benefit from hip arthroplasty and therefore individuals who may be recommended by their doctor to consider total hip replacement surgery and book in and have a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon can include those suffering with:

• Hip pain which is limiting activities of daily living such as impacting walking, the getting in and out of the car and bending actions…
• Hip stiffness limiting the ability to move freely this can become so marked making dressing a challenge such as putting on trousers, shoes and doing up shoe laces.
• Hip discomfort experienced at rest when pain has moved beyond not exclusively being felt during loading activities.
• Failure to achieve adequate relief from a combination of medication or active therapy including exercise programs and physiotherapy treatment.

At Sydney Physio Clinic our physio team have experience in treating people with a range of hip complaints and help people with post surgical rehabilitation following such hip surgery or assist them in trying to avoid surgery. If you have hip pain or suspect you may have hip arthritis requiring hip arthroplasty then we are happy to assess you and your hip and discuss your options and become involved in the conversation around the relevance of undergoing any invasive treatment options.

Disclaimer: Sydney Physio Clinic provides this information as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific advice or assistance on Do I Need A Total Hip Replacement? should consult his or her general practitioner, physiotherapist, medical specialist, or otherwise appropriately skilled practitioner.