Do I Need A Hip Replacement?

If intense hip pain and stiffness are making it difficult for you to live a normal and active life, you may be wondering if hip replacement surgery is right for you. Hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) involves removing damaged components of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial joint implants, known as prostheses, to help restore fluid hip movement and significantly reduce discomfort.

Hip replacement surgery is rarely a patient’s first course of treatment, but it may be appropriate if any of the following scenarios apply to you:

• More conservative approaches like physical therapy, medication, and minimally invasive procedures have failed to provide meaningful pain relief.
• You can’t stand on one leg (on the side of the affected hip) for more than one minute.
• Your hip stiffness prevents you from lifting your leg or makes it difficult for you to put on shoes.
• Your hip pain is present almost constantly and makes it difficult for you to walk, stand, and perform everyday actions.

Our Approach to Hip Replacement Surgery

Of course, only an orthopedic physician can determine if hip replacement surgery is your best treatment option. If you are dealing with any type of joint pain that does not respond to self-care measures like rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain medication, it’s important to promptly speak with an orthopedic physician about your symptoms.

In the Louisville, Kentucky, area, many people choose Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic for world-class joint care. Our team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who perform hip replacement procedures while utilizing the latest advancements in surgical care, including anterior-approach and muscle-sparing techniques that streamline the recovery process.

If you’d like to learn if you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery and what other treatments may be right for you, contact Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic today to schedule an appointment. Most major insurances are accepted at our practice.