Surgical treatments
When non-surgical treatment solutions such as exercise, weight management or medication no longer offer sufficient pain relief, it may be time to consider surgery.
Hip surgery may involve resurfacing or replacing a hip joint that has been damaged or worn away, usually by arthritis or injury. Normally, the ball moves smoothly in the socket on a lining of shock absorbing articular cartilage. If the cartilage is worn away though, it can make the joint painful and stiff – a new hip joint may help improve mobility and reduce pain.
However, surgical treatment such as hip resurfacing or hip replacement may not needed by all arthritis sufferers. Your doctor may recommend surgical treatment when other non-surgical measures have failed, and the pain and disability are having very serious effects on your daily activities. It is important to weigh up the risks and benefits before deciding to proceed with surgery. Potential benefits may include the removal of pain, an improvement in mobility and a return to a more active lifestyle. You should discuss risks and any other concerns you may have 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 being offered. Hip replacement surgery has been demonstrated to be a successful procedure for many patients and may bring long-term benefits for people who undergo surgery.
Some people delay surgery due to fear, misinformation or a lack of awareness about their treatment options. However, there is no cure for osteoarthritis and it is also degenerative – meaning that any pain and limited mobility you are experiencing are likely to get worse over time.
It is important to weigh up the risks and benefits before deciding to proceed with surgery. The benefits are obvious – the removal of pain, an improvement in mobility and a return to a more active lifestyle. The risks, although infrequent, are less obvious, and you should discuss these and any other concerns you may have with your surgeon before you make any decision. Remember though that hip replacement surgery is generally very successful and brings great long-term benefits for most people who undergo it.
Alternative operations are available to you, depending on how badly your hip joint is damaged: Two common operations include:
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.
