If you are experiencing debilitating hip pain despite medications, and it is interfering with your routine, sleep, and work, your doctor may recommend hip implant surgery. Hip implant surgery is generally recommended for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hip injuries or improper hip bone growth. During hip implant surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the thigh bone and pelvis and replaces it with artificial balls and sockets. The ball could be metal or ceramic, while the socket could be metal, plastic, or ceramic. Your surgeon will recommend the ball and socket type after considering several factors such as your health, age, medical history and recovery criteria.
Broadly, hip replacement surgeries can be of three types: –
Total Hip Replacement is the most common hip replacement surgery, where the damaged hip sections are replaced with an artificial ball and socket.
Partial Hip Replacement is generally recommended for older patients with a fractured hip. This surgery involves the replacement of just one side of the femoral head, instead of replacing both sides of the hip joints.
Hip Resurfacing is recommended primarily in young and active patients. It involves resurfacing the hip ball (femoral head) and the socket.
Indication
Severe to moderate pain in the frontal thigh or butt even at rest or sleep, stiffness, mobility issues and difficulty in activities such as climbing stairs may suggest the need for hip replacement surgery. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or bone death may be recommended this surgery.
