If you’re dealing with hip pain, you might be wondering if you need a hip replacement. Hip replacement surgery is a major operation, so it’s not a decision to be made lightly. Here are a few things to consider that will help you decide.
Hip replacement surgery is a major operation, so it’s important to think about the pros and cons.
Have you seen a professional?
If you have been suffering with hip pain and mobility issues due to this, it is recommended you seek out an orthopeadic surgeon. These are surgeons who specialise in in replacements and can give you advise as to whether you are suitable or not.
They may conduct tests like X-rays or MRI’s, bone scans or blood tests. This will help them determine your suitability for a hip replacement.
Are you the right fit for surgery?
Having just hip pain may not be the main reason why you are recommended surgery. There will be a few things that your orthopeadic surgeon may consider before recommending your surgery. Here is what they might think about.
Have you got arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the major reasons people have joint replacement surgery. This can occur due to many reasons, such as disease, injury or ‘wear and tear’. Damage to the cartilage can cause pain and stiffness in the hip that will restrict your daily activities and even walking unaided.
The types of arthritis that usually indicate a good candidate for surgery is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
You have had a hip injury or fracture
Severe or acute damage to the hip after an injury or fracture is another reason you may be a candidate for surgery. When people suffer with fractures, typically avascular necrosis results from this which normally causes lots of pain and death of the cartilage. Meaning the best treatment method is to replace the joint.
Non-operative treatments have been exhausted
To try and treat your hip pain it is more then likely you been through every physical therapist in the area and every injection there is known to try and reduce the pain. But to no avail the pain still occurs. If pain management techniques aren’t working it is more than likely time to talk about a replacement.
You feel the pain at night and at rest
Ideally, hip pain should ease during the night and when you are resting. However, even with adequate rest and you are still unable to perform your daily tasks without pain and stiffness, you should talk to an orthopeadic consultant.
If you feel like you check these boxes, it may be time to think seriously about surgery. Seek a professional and have investigative scans performed to determine the cause.
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