Hip Replacement 101: Find a Hip Specialist

Hip Replacement 101: Find a Hip Specialist

Tue Jul 19 2022

Hip replacement surgery is a standard procedure used to treat various hip conditions. Hip specialists perform this surgery to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial joint or prosthesis.

This surgery is highly effective in relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe hip arthritis. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of hip replacement surgery.

What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. Hip replacement surgery can be performed as a total hip replacement or a partial hip replacement. Hip specialists typically recommend hip replacement surgery for patients who have suffered severe hip pain that has not responded to other treatment options.

During a total hip replacement, the surgeon will remove the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint and replace it with an artificial implant—the synthetic implant of metal and plastic materials. A partial hip replacement only replaces the damaged ball portion of the hip joint.

Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery experience significant pain relief and improved mobility following their procedure. However, it is essential to note that hip replacement is major surgery with risks involved. Patients will need to take care to avoid activities that put too much stress on their hip joints, such as running or high-impact sports.

If you are experiencing pain, talk to your doctor about whether hip replacement surgery may be right for you. Hip specialists can provide you with more information about this type of surgery and help you make the best decision for your situation.

How do you know if you need to find a Hip Specialist?

A hip specialist can determine if your hip pain is due to arthritis or another condition. If hip replacement surgery is recommended, it’s because nonsurgical treatments haven’t worked, and your hip pain significantly interferes with your quality of life.

Some common signs that you may need hip replacement surgery include:

  • Severe hip pain that limits your everyday activities, such as walking and bending
  • Hip pain that interferes with sleep
  • Stiffness in the hip joint that makes it difficult to move your leg or walk
  • Limited range of motion in the hip joint
  • Tenderness or swelling in the area around the hip joint
  • Hip pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter or prescription medications

Assessment for hip replacement surgery

When you visit a hip specialist for the first time, they will likely want to assess your candidacy for hip replacement surgery. This assessment will involve taking your medical history, running some lab tests, and performing a physical examination.

  • Your medical history is essential because it can give your doctor an idea of any underlying health conditions that may increase your risk of complications during or after surgery. They will also want to know about any previous surgeries you’ve had, as well as any medications you’re currently taking.
  • The hip specialist will also order some lab tests to understand your overall health better. These tests might include a complete blood count, a basic metabolic panel, and a coagulation profile.
  • Your doctor will perform a physical examination to get a better idea of the condition of your hip joint. They will likely want to see x-rays of your hip joint to better understand the damage’s extent.

After all this information has been gathered, the hip specialist can recommend whether or not hip replacement surgery is right for you.

Don’t suffer from hip pain any longer

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that can give a solution to your current health condition. If you are considering hip replacement surgery, be sure to research your options and consult with a qualified surgeon.

At Arizona Specialty Hospital, we offer comprehensive hip replacement surgery, and our team of experts will work with you to ensure you have a smooth recovery and would love to help you get back to doing the things you love. Find a Hip Specialist today.