Who Needs a Hip Replacement?

Who Needs a Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement is an effective treatment method, especially for patients suffering from advanced hip joint disorders. In this article, we comprehensively discuss who is recommended for hip replacement, the surgical indications, and the treatment process.

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure performed when there is advanced degeneration or damage in the hip joint. It is usually done to reduce pain and movement limitations in the hip joint and to improve the patient’s quality of life. So, who exactly needs a hip replacement and under what circumstances is it preferred? In this article, we will provide detailed answers to these questions.

The hip joint, one of the largest and most mobile joints in the body, consists of the head of the femur and the socket in the pelvis called the acetabulum. When the functions of the joint are impaired due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or structural deformities developed in the hip joint, pain becomes chronic and movement is restricted. In such cases, hip replacement surgery becomes an option.

Major Conditions Requiring Hip Replacement

The necessity of hip replacement surgery usually arises in the following clinical conditions:

Advanced Osteoarthritis

The cartilage in the hip joint gradually wears away, causing severe pain and movement restrictions due to friction between the joint bones. If pain and loss of function persist despite medication, physical therapy, and exercise programs, a prosthetic surgery is considered.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Joint Diseases

These diseases lead to joint inflammation and damage to cartilage and bone. Most patients suffer from pain, joint stiffness, and functional loss.

Traumas and Fractures

Injuries such as fractures in the femoral neck or acetabulum, especially from high-impact trauma, can disrupt the structural integrity of the hip joint. In some cases, prosthetic surgery may be necessary to restore joint function.

Avascular Necrosis (Femoral Head Osteonecrosis)

This condition is characterized by the death and collapse of bone tissue in the femoral head due to disrupted blood supply. If not diagnosed early, the femoral head collapses, making prosthesis implantation necessary.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip and Its Consequences

If defects develop in the joint structure due to congenital or developmental hip dislocation, hip replacement may become necessary at an advanced age.

Who is a Candidate for Hip Replacement?

The success of hip replacement surgery and its positive impact on the patient’s quality of life make proper patient selection critically important. Generally, patients who meet the following criteria are considered suitable for hip replacement surgery:

Severe Hip Pain

Pain that affects daily activities and cannot be controlled with painkillers.

Movement Restriction and Loss of Function

Difficulty with basic movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or sitting and standing.

Failure of Other Treatments

Inadequate pain relief with conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections.

Decline in Quality of Life

Functional problems that adversely affect the patient’s social and professional life.

Young Patients and Prosthesis Selection

In young, highly active patients, the decision for prosthetic surgery must be taken carefully. Prostheses have a limited lifespan and may require revision surgery in the future. For these patients, techniques and advanced surgical methods that prolong prosthesis life are preferred.

Surgical Procedure and Aftercare

Hip replacement surgery is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The duration of surgery and type of prosthesis vary depending on the patient’s condition. Successful rehabilitation after surgery plays a major role in regaining hip function. Physical therapy programs, pain management, and regular follow-ups support recovery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, hip replacement surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, prosthesis dislocation, and nerve damage. However, with modern surgical techniques and sterilization methods, the complication rates are quite low.

It is essential for patients considering hip replacement surgery to be evaluated by an expert orthopedic surgeon, ensuring accurate diagnosis of joint damage and appropriate treatment planning.