Total hip replacement surgery is a procedure that can help people with severe hip damage and chronic hip pain. Hip replacement operations have successful outcomes in terms of restoring pain free living. People with prosthetic hips can walk without an aid, play non-impact sports and function normally.
Good candidates for hip replacement surgery are people with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other ailments, and also people who tried less invasive treatments but were unsuccessful. Depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the pain, the doctor may recommend physical therapy and the use of a crutch before recommending a hip replacement surgery.
During hip replacement operation, an incision is made on the outer aspect of the hip, 4-6 inches down the length of the leg. The top end of the thigh bone is removed; a ball attached to a stem is placed into it. The hip socket is hollowed out to make a shallow cup and an artificial socket is located. The artificial part of the thigh bone can then fit into the socket. The prosthetic is typically made from cobalt chrome and titanium.