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According to a 2017 report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, hip replacements increased 30% between 2007 and 2017. And though we might consider this surgery for older adults, there’s been a spike in hip replacements in those between the ages of 45 and 54.
Osteonecrosis, hip fractures, hip joint tumors or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to hip replacement. However, the most common condition that leads to hip replacements is osteoarthritis. This “wear-and-tear” arthritis thins cartilage in the hip joint, leading to inflammation, discomfort, stiffness and popping noises. As the condition worsens, signs you might need to consider hip replacement are if:
- Daily activities like getting dressed are a challenge
- It interferes with your sleep
- Persists, despite pain medication
- You have difficulty standing from a seated position
- You struggle to go up or down the stairs
- Your movement is limited
- Your pain persists, despite medication or using a cane/walker
If you are battling any of these problems and considering hip replacement, you’re not alone. According to Harvard, 330,000 hip replacement surgeries are conducted in the United States annually. There are generally two approaches. With the anterior approach, an incision is made through the front of the hip joint. An incision is made beside or behind the hip joint during the posterior method.
Surgery is a long-term solution for many, as only 4.4% of patients required revision after 10 years. After 20 years, 15% required revision. This might be due to advancements in the procedure. In a 2021 report about hip replacement innovations, The New York Times found robotic surgeries trumped traditional surgery. Robotic methods were fives times more accurate at ensuring the leg attached to a new hip is the same length as the other leg. It also aids the surgeon in making sure the new joint is aligned correctly.
Talk with your surgeon about how to ease your hip pain. If they decide surgery is right for you, discuss the approach and remember to follow their advice about preparation and recovery. How well you prepare for surgery and adhere to a recovery plan are just as important as how the surgery is performed.
