Risks and benefits of hip replacement

Overview

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure to remove damaged parts of the hip joint and replace them with artificial parts, called implants. It is done to relieve pain and improve movement in people with severe hip damage.

Yes, hip replacement is a very common surgery. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world have a hip replacement to treat severe hip arthritis or injury.

Hip replacement is most often done for older adults with arthritis, but it can also help younger adults who have hip damage from injury, disease, or a condition like hip dysplasia.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe hip pain that makes it hard to walk, climb stairs, or get out of a chair.
• Stiffness in the hip that limits how far you can move your leg.
• Pain that does not get better with rest, pain relievers, or physical therapy.
• Sleep disrupted because of hip pain.
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected leg.

Symptoms in children

• Hip replacement is rarely done in children, but may be considered for severe hip problems from birth (like hip dysplasia) or from diseases like juvenile arthritis.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain and stiffness that make it hard to walk or do daily tasks.
• Pain that continues even with medication and physical therapy.
• Hip pain that wakes you up at night.
• Leg length difference or limp from the damaged joint.

Causes

Main causes

• Hip replacement is done when the hip joint is badly damaged, most often by osteoarthritis (wear and tear of cartilage).
• Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, hip fracture, hip dysplasia (born with shallow hip socket), avascular necrosis (bone dies from lack of blood), and previous hip injuries.

Risk factors

• Age (more common over 50).
• Weight (extra weight puts more stress on the hip).
• Genetics (family history of arthritis or hip problems).
• Previous hip injury or surgery.
• Certain diseases that affect joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have had hip replacement surgery and develop signs of infection (fever, wound redness or drainage) or a blood clot (swollen, hot, painful leg).
• If you have severe hip pain that comes on suddenly after a fall or injury.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If hip pain limits your daily activities and does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.
• If you have been diagnosed with hip arthritis and your pain is getting worse.
• Before making a decision about hip replacement, talk to your primary care doctor or an orthopedic surgeon.

Diagnosis

Hip replacement is not a diagnosis; it is a treatment option. Your doctor will diagnose the cause of your hip pain using a medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays of the hip to see the amount of cartilage loss, bone spurs, or fracture.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to look at soft tissues like cartilage and tendons.
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection or autoimmune forms of arthritis.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about your pain, stiffness, and how your hip affects your daily life. They will move your leg to check range of motion and strength. Based on the results, they will talk to you about treatment options, including whether hip replacement might be right for you.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain starts with non-surgical options. If these no longer help, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. The decision involves understanding the benefits (pain relief, better movement) and the risks (infection, blood clot, implant wear).

Self-care at home

• Low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling to keep the joint moving without stress.
• Using a walking stick or cane to take weight off the painful hip.
• Applying heat or ice packs to the hip to ease discomfort.
• Losing weight if you are overweight, to reduce pressure on the joint.
• Avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping.

Medical treatments

Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications (your doctor can advise which are safe for you), and corticosteroid injections into the joint to reduce inflammation temporarily. These can help delay surgery but do not cure the damage.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments no longer control pain, and the pain is severely affecting your daily life, sleep, and ability to walk. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks and benefits for your situation.

Living with this condition

After hip replacement, most people can return to everyday activities within a few months, but full recovery may take up to a year. You will need to avoid certain movements (like crossing your legs) for a while to prevent dislocation. Follow your physiotherapist's advice.

Lifestyle tips

• Use a walking stick or crutches for the first few weeks as recommended.
• Adapt your home: remove rugs, keep pathways clear, and use a raised toilet seat or chair if needed.
• Avoid kneeling, squatting, or twisting the hip for the first three to six months.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with enough protein and calcium helps healing and bone strength. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are good after recovery. Avoid high-impact sports to protect the implant.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hip pain and recovery from surgery can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your healthcare team or a counselor if you feel low. Joining a support group can also help.

Prevention

Hip damage cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of needing hip replacement by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active with low-impact exercise, avoiding smoking, and getting prompt treatment for hip injuries.

Complications

If left untreated

• If hip damage is not treated, pain and stiffness can become worse, making it hard to walk or do daily tasks.
• Joint deformity or permanent stiffness (contracture) can develop.
• Muscles around the hip can weaken from lack of use.
• Falls may become more likely due to instability.

Long-term outlook

For most people, hip replacement provides excellent pain relief and a better quality of life. The surgery has a high success rate. Serious complications are rare but include infection, blood clots, implant loosening, or dislocation. With proper care and follow-up, most people enjoy their new hip for many years.

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