Hip Replacement

Total hip arthoplasty (THA) is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the United States. Total hip replacement has also been touted as one of the most successful procedures in medicine as it allows patients to reduce pain, restore function, and regain an active quality of life. Total hip replacement is often indicated with a fracture, avascular necrosis, or when a patient with debilitating pain has exhausted all conservative treatment options and still is unable to achieve a desired quality of life. 

What are the most common conditions that cause hip pain? 

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Fractures
• Labral tear
• Avascular Necrosis
• Cancers

What symptoms that may require seeing a hip specialist? 

• Hip pain that worsens with activity
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain on the inside or outside of the hip joint
• Pain in the groin, buttocks, or thigh
• Development of a limp

What conservative or non-surgical modalities may be implemented to treat hip pain? 

• Lifestyle modification
• Low impact exercise
• Weight loss
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Injections
• Stem cells
• Regenerative medicine 

What are signs that it may be time to consider hip replacement?

• Imaging studies show significant joint damage or advanced arthritis.
• Injections or medication no longer provide adequate pain relief.
• You require help to complete daily or routine tasks. 
• You have pain that keeps you awake or wakens you at night and is not controlled through medication or conservative modalities.
• You experience significant pain with simple motions such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, or getting into a vehicle. 
• Your hip feels like it is crunching, grinding, or has popping sensations

When should I seek medical help right away regarding hip pain? 

• You can not put weight on your hip
• You heard a popping noise in the joint with a correlating fall or injury
• A fall or injury brought on the hip pain
• You can not move your leg or hip
• Your joint looks deformed or is bleeding

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