Medically Reviewed by Wesley Eagle, PA-C
Reasons for total hip replacement
Total hip replacement is only considered when you have tried and failed more conservative treatments, yet you continue to have significant pain, stiffness, or problems with the function of your hip.
Total hip replacement may be performed on adults with a deteriorated hip. However, the replacement parts can break down over time, and healthcare providers generally recommend delaying hip replacement until it is absolutely necessary.
Therefore, if you are considering undergoing total hip replacement, it is important to have all the information. In this article, you will find a list of advantages and disadvantages of total hip replacement.
Disadvantages of total hip replacement:
1. An artificial hip isn’t as good as a natural hip.
It has some limitations. For instance, extreme positions such as crouching aren’t optimal because of the risk of displacement of the hip joint.
- Change in leg length.
It can occur on some occasions that after total hip replacement one leg may feel longer or shorter than the other. Even though your orthopedic surgeon will make sure to keep leg lengths equal, minor differences may take place as a consequence of making sure to maximize the stability of the hip, which is the main concern of the surgeon.
An experienced surgeon will know to balance the question of the hip stability and the length of the legs, but the end result will depend on your own anatomy and condition.
Advantages of total hip replacement
- High success rate
On the whole, total hip replacement is seen as one of the most successful operations that medicine has to offer. In the right patient, it can be an effective, safe, and durable way to treat many of the problems that come with severe arthritis of the hip.
- Relieving your pain
This is the greatest benefit that the procedure offers and the main reason for surgery. A hip replacement can provide a dramatic reduction in pain, with almost all patients getting complete, or near complete relief from arthritic hip pain.
- Improved mobility and hip function
After the reduction in pain, increased mobility is the next major benefit. A hip replacement should allow you to get back to walking without restraint. The improved hip function should also help significantly with other typical problems linked to hip arthritis, such as going up the stairs, putting on socks, getting up from a chair, etc.
- Long lasting effect
A hip replacement is a long-lasting approach to treat the problems that come with severe hip arthritis. Current evidence shows that 80-85% of hip replacements are still working at 15 years after they were inserted.
Total Joint Replacement in Raleigh
The Raleigh Orthopaedic board-certified, fellowship-trained total joint replacement surgeons bring together many years of experience to manage and treat joint complications resulting from degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis, musculoskeletal disease or joint trauma. Click here to learn more about our Total Joint Orthopedic Surgeons.
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.