The benefits of hip replacement surgery

If you suffer from hip pain or issues, you'll know that it can be a difficult and quite often disabling experience.

Suffering from arthritis, a hip fracture, or any other condition that affects the hip joint can have a major effect on your everyday life. However, to many, hip replacement surgery is a ray of light - an opportunity to gain mobility again, to alleviate pain, and enhance their quality of life.

Understanding hip replacement surgery

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery (also known as hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a damaged hip joint with an artificial one (known as a prosthesis).

The hip is a 'ball-and-socket' joint where the head of the femur (also called the thighbone), fits snugly into a cavity in the pelvis. This joint can become damaged by arthritis, injury, or other conditions, which can lead to significant pain and limited movement.

During a hip replacement, the surgeon removes the defective parts of your hip and replaces them with artificial ones. These usually consist of a metal stem that is placed into the hollow core of the femur; a ball made from metal or ceramic fixed to the top of the stem; and a metal socket that is implanted into the pelvis. A spacer made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed between the new ball and socket to ensure that they move smoothly together in a gliding motion.

Types of hip replacement

There are several types of hip replacement procedures, each suited to different needs and conditions:

• Total hip replacement: This is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. In this procedure, both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. It is usually performed if you have a lot of joint damage.
• Partial hip replacement: Also known as hemiarthroplasty, this procedure involves replacing only the ball portion of the hip joint. It is often used in cases like treating specific types of hip fractures and is normally recommended to patients who are less active, usually older.
• Hip resurfacing: This is an alternative to total hip replacement where the surgeon trims the damaged bone and cartilage in the hip socket and replaces it with a metal shell. The head of the femur is then covered with a smooth metal cap. This procedure keeps more of your own bone and may be preferable if you're younger and more active.

What is important to understand is that not everyone is a candidate for all types of hip replacement. The choice is made based on factors such as your age, activity level, bone quality, and the degree of hip damage. Your surgeon will be able to tell you which hip replacement surgery option is most appropriate for you.

Key hip replacement benefits

Pain relief

Probably the biggest and most noticeable benefit of hip replacement surgery is the reduction of pain. Many patients claim to have had their pain levels significantly relieved, with some even referring to the change as life-altering.

Chronic hip pain can be persistent and may be present throughout the day, during work, during leisure activities, and even into the night during sleep.

After recovery, most who undergo surgery find that the persistent pain they have been experiencing is either minimised or absent entirely.

This relief is not only limited to your hip area but goes further. Some patients with hip issues have compensatory pain in other areas of the body, like the lower back, knees, or the opposite hip, due to the inability to bear weight on the affected hip. As the hip pain subsides post-surgery, these secondary pains often resolve as well, leading to overall improved comfort and wellbeing.

Improved mobility and range of movement

The other major hip replacement benefit is enhanced mobility and range of motion. Before undergoing surgery, most people experience a lot of difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair. This stiffness and pain in the hip joint can make even simple movements strenuous.

After successful hip replacement surgery and physiotherapy, patients can see a significant increase in their mobility. This means that activities which used to be painful or impossible are now doable again. Many report being able to walk longer distances, climb stairs with greater ease, and participate in low-impact sports or exercise.

This renewed mobility not only has a great impact on your physical health but also instils a feeling of being free and independent which may have been hampered by hip issues.

Enhanced quality of life

The combination of pain relief and improved mobility leads to a significant enhancement in the overall quality of life for most hip replacement patients. Chronic pain and limited mobility can have a far-reaching impact on your life, affecting everything from sleep quality to mental health to social interactions.

After recovering from hip replacement surgery, many patients report feeling like they've been given a new lease on life. They're able to be more productive at work and engage in their hobbies and social activities. The things that gave them joy, like going for a walk in the park, playing with grandchildren, or travelling, become enjoyable again instead of causing anxiety or pain.

This enhancement in quality of life usually extends to your family and caregivers as well, who may have been affected by your condition.

Long-lasting results

One of the most reassuring benefits of hip replacement surgery is the longevity of the results.

Today's hip implants are robust and designed to last. As WebMD reports, a modern hip replacement should last at least 10 years 95% of the time, with many (75%) lasting 15-20 years, and just over half lasting 25 years or more. This means that for many, especially people who are older when they have the surgery, a hip replacement can offer them effective relief for the rest of their lives.

Of course, the lifespan of a hip implant can be influenced by your age, activity level, and general health.

Younger, more active patients may eventually need another procedure to replace worn components. However, advances in implant materials and surgical techniques continue to enhance the durability of hip replacements, giving patients the hope of long-term relief from hip pain and joint disorders.

Better sleep

You might know that chronic hip pain is known to hugely interfere with sleep, causing fatigue, irritability, and other health complications. Many people with severe hip issues have trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in and often wake up several times during the night due to the pain they feel.

After hip replacement surgery and the first period of rehabilitation, most report significant improvement in the quality of their sleep.

Decreased pain means that you can position yourself more comfortably and so can have longer periods of undisturbed sleep.

Such an enhancement in the quality of your sleep can lead to numerous positive life changes, including mood and cognitive function to better overall health.

It's important to mention that while some patients may have occasional sleep disturbances during the initial recovery phase, the outlook for sleep quality is favourable in the long term.

Reduced reliance on pain medication

For many people suffering from chronic hip pain, pain management becomes a part of their daily routine. Even though these medications can help provide relief, they may cause side effects and lead to dependency problems when taken for a long time. Therefore, another hip replacement benefit that is sometimes overlooked is the possibility of minimising or completely removing the use of painkillers.

When the new hip joint is healthy and the pain is reduced, many patients feel they no longer have to take pain medication just to get through the day. Besides reducing the chances of side effects, this decrease in medication use also has the potential to improve general health and wellbeing. It should be mentioned, however, that any changes in medication should be done on the advice and supervision of your doctor.

Comparing types of hip replacement

Total hip replacement: pros and cons

Total hip replacement is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. In this procedure, both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components.

Pros:

• Comprehensive solution for widespread joint damage
• Highly effective for pain relief and improved mobility
• Long-lasting results, with many implants lasting 15-20 years or more
• Well-established procedure with predictable outcomes

Cons:

• More extensive surgery compared to other options
• Longer recovery time
• Slight risk of leg length discrepancy
• May limit certain high-impact activities

Partial hip replacement: pros and cons

Partial hip replacement, or hemiarthroplasty, involves replacing only the ball portion of the hip joint. This procedure is typically used for certain types of hip fractures, particularly in older patients.

Pros:

• Less invasive than total hip replacement
• Shorter surgery time and potentially quicker initial recovery
• Preserves more natural bone, which can be beneficial if future revision is needed
• Can be very effective for specific types of hip fractures

Cons:

• Not suitable for patients with arthritis in the hip socket
• May not provide as complete relief as a total hip replacement for some patients
• Potential for acetabular erosion over time
• May need to be converted to a total hip replacement in the future

Hip resurfacing: pros and cons

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to traditional hip replacement that involves trimming and capping the femoral head rather than removing it entirely.

Pros:

• Preserves more natural bone, which can be advantageous for younger patients
• May allow for a greater range of motion
• Potentially easier to revise to a total hip replacement if needed in the future
• Lower risk of dislocation due to larger ball size

Cons:

• Not suitable for all patients, particularly those with poor bone quality or certain hip deformities
• Requires larger incision than some minimally invasive total hip replacement techniques
• Potential for femoral neck fracture
• Concerns about metal ion release in metal-on-metal designs

Could you benefit from hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery offers many significant benefits for people living with chronic hip pain and reduced mobility. Ranging from dramatic pain relief and improved range of motion to a new level of quality of life, physical activity, and independence, the positive impacts of this procedure can be life-changing.

It’s important to remember that despite the many benefits of a hip replacement, it’s a major surgery. The decision to undergo hip replacement surgery should be made carefully, after consulting an experienced orthopaedic specialist who will advise you depending on your circumstances.

Are you considering hip replacement surgery? Don't let hip pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Book an appointment online today with Circle Health Group or give us a call directly and we'll help you find the right orthopaedic specialist to discuss your options and potential benefits of undergoing the procedure.

Our team of expert surgeons and dedicated healthcare professionals are here to guide you towards improved mobility and a more pain-free life.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hip-replacement-overview

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hip-replacement-surgery

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-hip-replacement/

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17102-hip-replacement