Total hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. Because of the long history of hip replacement surgery, this procedure has become a safer and more reliable method to treat severe hip arthritis pain. Hip replacement is a medical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a synthetic implant. It is the most successful, cheapest and safest form of joint replacement surgery.

Common symptoms of hip arthritis:

Patients who have severe hip arthritis typically have some or all of the following symptoms:

  -   Difficulty walking 
  -   Stiffness of the hip joint 
  -   Pain in the groin and thigh 
  -   Back and knee pain. 
  -   pain in low back, buttock, or outside of the thigh 
  -   Low back problems 
  -   Hip bursitis 
  -   Knee conditions


Causes of Arthritis:

Genetics

Exactly how much heredity or genetics contributes to the cause of arthritis is not well understood. However, there are likely genetic variations that can contribute to the cause of arthritis.

Age

Cartilage becomes more brittle with age and has less of a capacity to repair itself. As people grow older they are more likely to develop arthritis.

Weight

Because joint damage is partly dependent on the load the joint has to support, excess body weight can lead to arthritis. This is especially true of the hips and knees that can be worn quickly in heavier patients.

Previous Injury

Joint damage can cause irregularities in the normal smooth joint surface. Previous major injuries can be part of the cause of arthritis.

Occupational Hazards

Workers in some specific occupations seem to have a higher risk of developing arthritis than other jobs. These are primarily high demand jobs such as assembly line workers and heavy construction.

Some High-Level Sports

Sports participation can lead to joint injury and subsequent arthritis. However, the benefits of activity likely outweigh any risk of arthritis.

Illness or Infection

People, who experience a joint infection (septic joint), multiple episodes of gout, or other medical conditions, can develop arthritis of the joint.

How is hip replacement performed?

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the femoral head - the "ball" of your thighbone - with a metal ball. The metal ball attaches to a metal stem that fits into your thighbone. A plastic and metal socket is implanted into your pelvic bone to replace the damaged socket. The prosthetic parts, which mimic the natural design of your hip, fit together and function like a normal hip joint.

Artificial hip joints come in many varieties. Generally your surgeon decides which hip joint is the best for you. Materials used in making the prostheses include a combination of durable, wear-resistant plastic and metals, including stainless steel and titanium. Implants are biocompatible - meaning they're designed to be accepted by your body - and they're made to resist corrosion, degradation and wear.

Hip replacement surgery usually takes two to three hours, during which time you'll be under general or regional anesthesia. During the operation, the surgeon separates your thighbone from the socket. Working between the large hip muscles, the surgeon removes the diseased or damaged bone and tissue, leaving healthy bone and tissue intact. The artificial socket is pressed into place. The top end of the thighbone is hollowed out to allow insertion of the metal stem with the attached ball. The ball and the socket join to form the new hip joint.

After surgery you're moved to a recovery area for a few hours while your anesthesia wears off. Nurses or other anesthesia aides watch your blood pressure, pulse, alertness, pain or comfort level and your need for medications.