Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint and replaces the worn-out bone and cartilage with an artificial joint (implant). The replacement joint is usually made from metal, ceramic, and very hard plastic. Another name for hip replacement is hip arthroplasty.

Why Is Hip Replacement Surgery Done?

Conditions that can damage the hip joint, sometimes making hip replacement surgery necessary, include:

• Osteoarthritis. Commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis damages the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. Caused by an overactive immune system, rheumatoid arthritis produces a type of inflammation that can erode cartilage and occasionally underlying bone, resulting in damaged and deformed joints.
• Osteonecrosis. If there isn’t enough blood supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint, such as might result from a dislocation or fracture, the bone might collapse and deform.

How to diagnose?

Before you have a hip replacement, you will need to visit an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon will examine you and see how your affected hip compares to your other hip. They will check your range of motion (how far you can move your hip and leg) and the strength of the muscles that support your hip and leg. The surgeon will ask about your medical history, including your symptoms, treatments you have tried, and any medications or supplements you take.

You will need several tests before scheduling a hip replacement. These may include:

• Hip X-rays
• Blood tests
• Urinalysis (testing your pee)
• Additional imaging scans such as MRI or CT scan
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart health