Total hip replacement surgery (total hip arthroplasty) involves cutting of the damaged hip sections and replacing it with prosthetic components. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the thighbone (femur) and the socket is a ‘cup-shaped’ part of the pelvis called the acetabulum. Total hip replacement involves surgical removal of the diseased ball and socket and replacing them with a plastic/ceramic socket and a metal/ceramic ball and stem.

An individual may consider hip replacement if they are experiencing hip pain that:

• Worsens with walking, even with a cane/walker
• Persists despite pain medication
• Affects sleep
• Makes rising from a seated position difficult.
• Affects the ability to climb up or down stairs.

In order to undergo a hip replacement surgery, there are no age/weight limitations. The surgery is ultimately recommended only after the orthopedic surgeons’ assessment of a patient’s extent of disability and pain

The surgical procedure takes a few hours. Here, the orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone and then positions the new metal, plastic, or ceramic implants to restore the alignment and function of the hip. Surgical procedures may differ depending on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s approach.

Post-surgery, a patient may experience stiffness while bending sharply, which will fade away in a couple of weeks. The total hip replacement surgery considerably reduces the pain one feels before surgery. It also increases the strength and range of motion in the hip joint, enabling comfortable walking, shoe wearing, climbing stairs etc. in about 2-4 weeks.
Most surgeons advise against high-impact activities like running, playing football etc. that may strain the artificial joint. But in about 6-12 weeks, the patient may be able to comfortably play golf, swim or even ride a bike.