Hip replacement surgery is a common treatment used for severe hip arthritis. Patients should certainly try to improve their symptoms with simpler treatment methods, but when these are no longer effective, surgical treatment may become necessary. Hip replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a hip joint and replaces them with new, man-made parts. The goals of this surgery are to:

• Relieve pain
• Help the hip joint work better
• Improve walking and other movements.

Traditional hip replacement has been performed for more than 40 years. The incision is five to eight inches long, and patients generally require four to five days of hospitalization. They may stand or walk with the help of a cane, crutches or a walker the day after receiving their new hip joint.

New techniques in hip replacement surgery are:

• Mini-Hip Replacement

A new technique in orthopedics is called a mini-hip replacement. This procedure uses two small incisions, and X-ray to guide the prosthesis into proper position. Some surgeons feel the mini hip replacements are not as good as standard hip replacements.

• Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing surgery is an alternative to standard hip replacements for patients with severe arthritis. In a hip resurfacing surgery, the implant is smaller, and less normal bone is removed. Hip resurfacing is gaining interest, especially in younger patients.

The decision on which procedure is appropriate for a specific patient should be based on a complete evaluation of that patient and a discussion of risks and benefits by the patient and the surgeon.

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