Your hips are crucial aspects of your body, and you use them more than you think. Over time, it's common to have some wear and tear in the hip joints, which can lead to severe pain and disability.
When hip pain strikes, it could be something minor that will go away by itself – but if it continues and gets worse even with treatment, it could be a sign you need a new hip joint.
A total hip replacement is an option for people who have severe hip pain that continues despite conservative measures, and it affects their everyday lives. It's also one of the treatments Dr. Brandon Downs and the team at Orthopaedic Specialists offer at the practice in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Downs is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon who carefully evaluates your hip pain to determine the best treatment route, even if that means total hip replacement surgery.
A total hip replacement is a type of surgical procedure that allows an orthopaedic surgeon to remove damaged parts of the joint and replace them with prosthetic devices.
Surgeons typically don't suggest a total hip replacement as the first line of treatment for hip pain because it's an invasive procedure. It also requires a significant recovery and months of physical therapy to get back on your feet.
However, it may be your only option if you have severe hip pain that doesn't get better with conservative treatments. Dr. Downs assesses your hip before suggesting a hip replacement and orders an MRI to evaluate the affected joint.
If you're a candidate for hip replacement surgery, Dr. Downs discusses the benefits and risks before scheduling surgery.
On the day of surgery, you have either general or regional anesthesia during the procedure. Dr. Downs makes an incision over the affected hip joint and, using specialized tools, removes the damaged bone and cartilage that are causing pain.
After cleaning the hip joint, Dr. Downs measures the area for the proper sized prosthetic, either ceramic, metal alloy, or medical grade plastics. He then secures the prosthetic in place with screws and bone cement.
You may need to spend the night in the hospital after a total hip replacement. However, start physical therapy as soon as the day after surgery.
A hip replacement is a big deal and is often an option when you have chronic hip pain that doesn't get better on its own or with conservative treatments. But what are the signs of hip trouble in the first place?
Pain is one of the significant signs of a problem in your hip. You may have pain with activity when sitting down or at night while you sleep. Chronic hip pain could indicate damage to the joint from osteoarthritis or other medical conditions.
Stiffness and swelling around the hip are also signs of a problem in the joint. The stiffness may cause difficulties walking up steps or getting out of bed in the morning.
If your hip pain or stiffness makes it difficult to perform your everyday activities despite home treatments and conservative measures like pain medications, physical therapy, or joint injections, it may be time to consider a total hip replacement.
The only way to determine if a total hip replacement suits you is to make an appointment with Dr. Downs to discuss your symptoms. He talks to you about your hip pain and orders an MRI to see the damage to your hip.
If you have severe arthritis in the hip joint or conditions like osteonecrosis or a severe fracture, you may be a good candidate for a hip replacement. There's no age limit on a hip replacement, but the younger you undergo one, the more likely you need another prosthetic later in life.
There's also no weight restriction for a total hip replacement. However, it's better to be average weight to avoid excess strain on the prosthetic. Dr. Downs can help you determine if you should lose weight before your procedure.
There are some restrictions regarding a total hip replacement, which Dr. Downs discusses with you at your consultation.
Ultimately, you may want to consider a total hip replacement if you're having chronic hip pain that's limiting your daily activities or isn't getting better through other treatment modalities.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Downs, call Orthopaedic Specialists today or request an appointment using the convenient booking tool on the website.
