Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure involving a process of removing damaged cartilage and the bone and replacing them with artificial components. With the hip being the largest weight-bearing joint, it is one of the most important joints in the body. A number of diseases and conditions can cause damage to the articular cartilage. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities.
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability. The three most common types of arthritis that affect the hip are:
It is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage wears down, the bone ends rub against each other and cause pain in the hip.
This is an autoimmune disease in which the tissue lining the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed. This leads to loss of cartilage causing pain and stiffness.
This is a type of arthritis resulting from a hip injury or fracture. Such injuries can damage the cartilage and cause hip pain and stiffness over a period of time.
The most common symptom of hip arthritis is joint pain and stiffness restricting the motion. Vigorous activity can aggravate the pain and stiffness which may result in limping while walking. As the arthritis progresses, night pain becomes a regular feature.
Benefits of surgery include drastic improvement in quality of life and the ability to enjoy pain free movement and more often than not no need for a stick or support when walking.