Total Hip Replacement Surgery: Hip Pain & Hip Arthritis Treatment- By Dr. Balaraju Naidu, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon, ONUS Robotic Hospitals

Severe hip pain, stiffness, difficulty walking, limping, hip fracture, arthritis, or avascular necrosis can affect daily life, sleep, mobility, and independence. When medicines, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or injections no longer provide enough relief, Total Hip Replacement Surgery may be advised after proper orthopedic evaluation.

Total Hip Replacement is an advanced orthopedic procedure where the damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. The aim is to reduce pain, improve walking ability, restore joint movement, and support better quality of life after rehabilitation. Hip replacement can reduce pain and improve hip range of motion, though recovery and activity levels vary from patient to patient.

What Is Total Hip Replacement?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the head of the thigh bone, and the socket is part of the pelvis. In a healthy hip, smooth cartilage allows painless movement. When the joint is damaged due to arthritis, fracture, AVN, or long-term wear and tear, the cartilage and bone surfaces may become painful and stiff.

In Total Hip Replacement Surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial implants. This helps the hip move more smoothly and reduces bone-on-bone pain.

When Is Hip Replacement Needed?

Total Hip Replacement may be considered when hip pain becomes severe and affects daily activities such as:

Walking
Climbing stairs
Standing for long periods
Sitting and getting up
Sleeping comfortably
Dressing or wearing footwear
Doing routine household or work activities

It may be advised in conditions such as advanced hip arthritis, severe hip fracture, avascular necrosis, damaged hip joint, post-traumatic arthritis, or failed conservative treatment.

Common Conditions That May Require Hip Replacement

1. Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis causes cartilage damage inside the hip joint. As cartilage wears down, patients may feel pain, stiffness, reduced movement, and difficulty walking. Pain may be felt in the groin, thigh, buttock, or around the hip.

2. Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are common after falls, especially in elderly patients or people with weak bones. Some fractures may require fixation, while others may need hip replacement depending on the fracture type, age, bone quality, and mobility needs.

3. Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis, also called AVN or osteonecrosis, happens when blood flow to the bone is reduced, causing bone tissue to weaken or die. In advanced cases, AVN can lead to joint collapse, and treatment may include surgery to restore blood flow or replace the damaged joint.

4. Severe Hip Stiffness

Long-term arthritis, injury, inflammation, or joint damage can cause stiffness. Patients may find it difficult to bend the hip, sit cross-legged, climb stairs, or walk normally.

5. Post-Traumatic Hip Damage

Previous accidents, fractures, or hip injuries may damage the joint over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and arthritis.