Hip Prosthesis: When Is It Appropriate to Consider Surgery?

When the hip joint becomes stiff, everyday actions like getting up from a chair, walking short distances, or climbing stairs can become difficult. Replacing the damaged joint with a prosthesis allows individuals to regain a quality of life lost due to pain and limitations. Hip replacement surgery is, in fact, one of the most common joint replacement procedures.

When Does Hip Prosthesis Surgery Become Necessary?

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of joint damage that necessitates a hip prosthesis. This "ball-and-socket" joint is formed by the end of the thigh bone, the femoral head, which fits into a cavity of the pelvic bone called the acetabulum. The cartilage that covers these surfaces allows for smooth movements, but in cases of arthritis, this cartilage deteriorates, causing the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Pain often radiates to the groin or knee.

While osteoarthritis is associated with aging, it can also result from injuries. Medications, exercises, cortisone injections, and other non-invasive approaches are typically recommended before considering surgery. However, if conservative treatments are insufficient, surgery becomes an option to evaluate. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged tissue and replaces the joint with prosthetic components.

Signs That May Indicate the Need for a Hip Prosthesis:

• Persistent pain resistant to medications.
• Pain and stiffness that limit daily activities.
• Significant joint damage or advanced arthritis.
• Avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis, a condition that limits blood supply to the femoral head, causing pain and deterioration.

In addition to arthritis, some hip fractures may require a prosthesis when repair is not possible.

Undergoing major surgery can be daunting, but today, hip replacement surgery utilizes more durable materials, less invasive techniques, and faster recovery times, ensuring significant improvement in quality of life for many patients.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hip Prosthesis Surgery?

Minimally invasive hip prosthesis surgery offers numerous advantages over traditional techniques. Among the main benefits is the ability to make smaller incisions, reducing the need to remove or damage surrounding muscles and fascia. This approach minimizes tissue trauma, allowing for a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery, enabling the patient to resume normal daily activities sooner.

Facing hip prosthesis surgery without fear is possible by consulting with a specialist to clarify any doubts about risks, benefits, available surgical techniques, recovery times, and prosthesis longevity. In collaboration with the orthopedic surgeon, it's possible to identify the most suitable therapeutic solution based on individual needs and expectations.

Discover more about the Orthopedic Prosthetic Surgery Center at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.