A hip replacement surgery is usually necessary when your hip joint(s) are worn or damaged from overuse, injury or health conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
When the cartilage that cushions the joint degrades or is worn away completely, the bones rub together and become scraped and rough. This causes inflammation known as osteoarthritis, which results in pain and stiffness that make walking and other movement difficult. The implants used in hip replacement are smooth like the surfaces of a healthy hip.
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Diseased Hip |
Hip Implant |
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How to Know if You Need A Hip Replacement
- Reduced mobility/range of motion in hip joints
- Persistent or reoccurring pain
- Pain while resting
- Pain that prevents you from sleeping
- Difficulty performing daily activities, such as walking or using stairs
- Difficulty rising from a seated position
- Limping or limpness in one leg
- Swelling or tenderness in the hip area
- Feeling of instability in the hip joint
Any one or combination of these symptoms may mean you need a hip replacement.
Hip Replacement Surgery
During hip replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the diseased and damaged parts of your hip joint and inserts an artificial joint. Joint replacements can be made from metal, ceramic or very hard plastic. The new joint will greatly reduce your pain and improve your hip mobility and function.
A robotic hip replacement is similar to a traditional hip replacement. Your surgeon removes damaged tissue in your hip and replaces it with an artificial joint. The difference is that it's done with assistance from a robotic arm or handheld robotic device (depending on the robotic system used for your surgery). Your surgeon will work with you and help you decide which surgery is best for you.