Surgical treatments
When non-surgical treatments no longer offer sufficient pain relief and the discomfort and disability are having very serious effects on your daily activities, it may be time to consider surgery. Alternative operations are available to you depending on how badly your hip joint is damaged or worn. Treatments include arthroscopy (e.g. keyhole surgery to clear away loose tissue or resculpt bone abnormalities inside the joint), traditional hip replacement or hip resurfacing (a more bone conserving solution).
Hip replacement surgery has been demonstrated to be a successful procedure for many patients and may bring long-term benefits for people who undergo it. Some people delay surgery however due to fear, misinformation or a lack of awareness about their treatment options. There is no cure for osteoarthritis though and it is also degenerative – meaning that any pain and limited mobility are likely to get worse over time.
It is important to weigh up the risks and benefits before deciding to proceed with surgery. Potential benefits may be significant, including the removal of pain, an improvement in mobility and a return to a more active lifestyle.
All surgery involves some element of risk though and complications can occur, e.g. pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), infection, leg length discrepancy, fractures, sciatic nerve injury, vascular injury, dislocation, bony in-growth or adverse reactions to debris caused from implant wear inside the joint. It is important to discuss these with your surgeon before you make a decision.
Always remember that you, the patient, have the final decision on whether to go ahead if hip surgery is offered. More information on hip resurfacing and hip replacement is provided on the following pages:
Hip resurfacingHip resurfacing offers a solution for patients in the earlier stages of arthritis, minimising the need for bone removal in the younger, more active patient. |
Hip replacementGenerally aimed at patients with more advanced signs of arthritis, this procedure involves replacing the femur with a metal ball that is attached to a long stem that goes in the thigh bone, as well as replacing the damaged 'ball and socket' joint. |
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
