Hip Replacement Surgery

If you are considering having a hip replacement or have just had one, know that surgery is just the first step. Your surgeon may have done a fine job, but this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to use your hip as you did before. Physical therapy is important for complete recovery, strength, and a full range of motion once your hip joint begins to heal. Our physical therapists are excited to help you achieve this in the shortest time possible. Contact us today and request an appointment with one of our physical therapists.		
	

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure performed to replace damaged parts of the hip or the total hip joint with artificial parts made from metal or plastic. It is usually performed to relieve chronic hip pain caused by arthritis. Although, other conditions such as injury to the hip may require a replacement. Hip replacement surgery is the last resort when other treatment plans for hip pain have been ineffective.		
	

Know Your Hip

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The femur (thigh bone) has a ball at its’s upper end which is called the femoral bone. The socket is part of the pelvis bone, and it’s called the acetabulum. As the ball moves in the socket, this allows you to rotate your legs and move them sideways, forward, or backward. The surfaces of the socket and the ball are covered with a tissue called the articular cartilage. This tissue prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Another thin tissue called the synovial membrane produces fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction.		
	

What Causes Hip Replacement

The chief cause of hip replacement is hip pain as a result of arthritis. Although injury and other conditions might warrant a hip replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis

This form of arthritis is common in persons from 50 years of age. It can also occur in younger people. What happens is that the cartilage that keeps the bones from rubbing against each other wears away

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This happens when your immune system attacks your joints. The synovial membrane covering the joint becomes inflamed. This can damage the cartilage and lead to stiffness and pain

Post-traumatic Arthritis

This begins to develop after a hip injury, where fractures and tears may damage the cartilage.

Avascular Necrosis

This occurs when blood is no longer supplied to the femoral head (ball). This causes the surface of the bone to be damaged, resulting in arthritis.

Is Hip Replacement Right For Me?

You and your surgeon will make the final call on whether hip replacement is what you need. However,

Then, you are a suitable candidate for a hip replacement.