Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement Overview

Each year, more than 450,000 hip replacements are performed in the United States. This type of joint replacement is used to alleviate hip discomfort and restore hip function.

Hip pain may be the result of wear and tear over time, or it can be caused by an acute or chronic injury. Regardless of the cause, the longer you deal with hip pain, the more uncomfortable you may be, leading to difficulty with walking or even getting into an upright position.

When medications, lifestyle changes and the use of mobility aids, like a walker, no longer help with your hip pain, a hip replacement performed by the experienced orthopaedic surgeons at Hattiesburg Clinic may be the solution.

Reasons for Hip Replacement

The hip, which is a ball-and-socket joint, is one of the largest joints in the body. The socket of the joint is part of the pelvic bone and the ball is the femoral head, which is the upper end of your thigh bone. The surfaces of these bones are covered with cartilage, which cushions the bones.

When these hip components are working optimally, they allow for easy movements. But when they’re damaged in any way, hip pain can be the result. A hip replacement may be recommended for hip pain related to a number of conditions, including:

Hip fracture: a partial or total break of the thigh bone portion of the hip joint
Osteoarthritis: a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear that leads the cartilage surrounding the hip bones to wear away
Osteonecrosis: a condition caused by an injury to the hip that limits the blood supply to the femoral head, which can cause the bone to collapse
Posttraumatic arthritis: a form of arthritis that results after a hip fracture or another severe injury to the hips, leading to stiffness and pain
Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disorder that causes the synovial membrane to become inflamed, which can damage the hip’s cartilage

How Hip Replacement Works

If nonsurgical treatment options, such as medication or physical therapy, have failed to alleviate your discomfort, a hip replacement may be recommended.

During a hip replacement, the damaged portion of bone and cartilage are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial parts, which may be made of ceramic, metal or plastic. Following a hip replacement, many people experience pain relief, improved function of the hip joint and increased mobility.

An orthopaedic specialist at Hattiesburg Clinic can talk with you about your individual situation, including your symptoms and overall health, and help you determine a treatment plan best for your needs. If a hip replacement is recommended, we will talk with you about what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

The team of orthopaedic specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic has years of experience and expertise in a full spectrum of health conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. From your first visit through your post-treatment recovery, we will offer you thorough, comprehensive care designed to get you back to your best.

Hip Replacement Overview

Reasons for Hip Replacement

How Hip Replacement Works

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

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