What causes the hip to deteriorate, when do you need hip replacement surgery from orthopedic surgeons, and what kind of recovery should you expect?

Are you finding that your movements are more limited? Do you find that you are getting less flexible and limping more often when you move? If so, you may want to consider consulting with orthopedic surgeons, as you may be a good candidate for total hip replacement surgery.

Usually you become a candidate for surgery when you have exhausted all other methods of treating your pain and loss of flexibility. When your team of orthopedic surgeons performs your surgery the part of the joint that is diseased will be replaced with the implant. There are a couple of different types of implants, but most are constructed with metal alloys, plastic, or porcelain.

What causes your joints to deteriorate? Orthopedic surgeons have found that there are two main things that cause the joints to fall apart. These are:

1. Osteoarthritis, where you will feel much discomfort in the groin area and thigh after being inactive for several hours, and the pain usually gets worse the more often that you move; and

2. Osteonecrosis, where there is a disruption of the supply of blood to the bone and the bone starts to die leading to the joints being destroyed.

How will you know if you are a good candidate for replacement surgery? Your team of orthopedic surgeons will review your evaluation and determine whether or not the best way for you to have long-term pain relief is to have the replacement surgery. They will also make sure that you understand the risks and possible complications that could come during and after the surgery is completed. At this appointment, they will review your medical history, do a physical examination, and an x-ray, as well as blood tests and an MRI if they feel a need for them.

What will the post-surgery recovery entail? After your surgery you will usually stay in the hospital for a few days where you will feel discomfort and pain for which you will be given pain medicine to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You will begin walking as soon as a day after surgery and you will begin seeing a therapist so that you can learn the specific exercises to help bring back pain free movement to your joint.

The best way to recover completely is by following the instructions given to you by your team of orthopedic surgeons for wound care, the proper diet, and the right amount of activity, which could include some type of walking program, doing normal things around the house, and exercising daily.

If you suffer from pain in your hip and you have tried several different medications and options for pain relief, orthopedic surgeons are available for consultation as you may be a good candidate for a total hip replacement surgery, which could result in complete disappearance of your pain.

Article Tags: Orthopedic Surgeons, Replacement Surgery, Good Candidate