More Information About Hip Replacement Surgery

Reasons for Hip Replacement

Arthritis is the most common reason that the hip joint wears out. This condition results from chronic inflammation inside the joint, which wears out the protective cartilage and weakens the joint capsule and ligaments. As the protective cartilage is worn away, bone begins to rub on bone, which causes pain.

 

Some people have infections, injuries, or diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, that may speed up this wearing-out process. Other patients can be born with or develop an altered hip at an early age. This causes the normal wear-and-tear process to accelerate faster because the mechanics of the hip are changed.

 

Regardless of the cause, the end result is a painful hip that limits motion and the ability to perform daily activities.

 

 

Alternatives

Before suggesting hip replacement surgery, your doctor will usually first recommend non-surgical treatment methods for decreasing the symptoms of a worn-out joint. These can include:

 

Recovery From Hip Replacement

After the hip replacement surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room. In this room, you will be with other post-operative patients, and healthcare providers will be available to assist you with any problems or concerns. You will be kept here until your healthcare providers feel that you are recovering well; usually this is within one to two hours.