Reasons for having a hip replacement
A hip replacement may be recommended if hip pain and stiffness is having a big effect on your life and other treatments have not worked.
The most common reason you might have a hip replacement is because of problems caused by osteoarthritis. This is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff.
Other conditions that can also be treated with a hip replacement include:
- rheumatoid arthritis – a condition where the immune system causes joint damage, pain and stiffness
- pain and stiffness caused by damage to the hip after a fall, injury or accident
The hip usually moves smoothly because the ends of the bones are covered with a layer of tough tissue called cartilage. If the cartilage is worn away or damaged by an injury, the bones rub against each other, making your joint painful and stiff.
During a hip replacement, the damaged parts of your hip are replaced with metal, ceramic and plastic parts.
Hip replacements are usually very successful and most people will have less pain and better movement.