Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement - Arete Orthopaedic Centre

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged hip joint with an artificial joint to reduce pain and restore function. This procedure is typically performed when non-surgical treatments, such as medication and physiotherapy, have failed to alleviate pain and improve function. This surgical treatment is commonly done in patients with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.

There are two main types of hip replacement surgery:

Total Hip Replacement: This procedure involves replacing both the femoral head and the acetabulum.

Partial Hip Replacement: This procedure involves replacing only the femoral head, while the acetabulum remains intact.

The choice between total and partial hip replacement depends on various factors, including the extent of the damage to the hip joint, the patient's age and overall health, and the surgeon's recommendations.

Signs That You May Need a Hip Replacement

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a hip surgeon for a detailed evaluation and find out if a hip replacement is appropriate for you.

1. Chronic Hip Pain

Persistent pain in and around the hip joint even when at rest. This pain may even radiate to the groin, thigh, lower back and knee joints.

2. Difficulty Standing on One Leg

Difficulty balancing or supporting body weight on one leg can be a sign of weakness or instability in the hip joint. The loss of function in the hip joint, often due to cartilage damage or bone-or-bone friction, can make it difficult to bear weight effectively.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Many people with hip issues find that their pain worsens when they are lying down or trying to sleep. They often struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position because even slight movements can trigger pain.

4. No Relief From Other Treatments

Before considering hip replacement surgery, doctors usually recommend trying conservative options such as anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and steroid injections. However, in serious cases, these options may fail to provide relief and hip replacement becomes the best option.

5. Routine Tasks Are Difficult to Complete

When pain becomes so severe that everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, putting on shoes, and getting in and out of chairs become difficult, it may warrant a hip replacement.

6. Hip Stiffness Limiting Your Movements

Difficulty walking, bending the hip, or lifting the leg can be caused by joint damage, such as arthritis or cartilage wear. Inflammation and muscle weakness can also contribute to stiffness. When this is persistent and accompanied by severe pain, a hip replacement may be necessary.

7. Joint Pain Is Causing Emotional Distress

The constant pain from hip problems can take a toll on your mental health, leading to anxiety, hopelessness, depression, or social isolation. If you are experiencing these challenges, it might be a sign that there are more serious underlying issues that require a more invasive approach.

You do not have to live with chronic hip pain. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, please consult an orthopaedic surgeon to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

Dr Wang Lushun

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)

With over 18 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery, including being the former Head of the Hip and Knee Division at Ng Teng Fong Hospital, Dr Wang Lushun is skilled in the treatment of all types of hip conditions. He has extensive experience in complex revision hip replacement surgery, as well as minimally invasive and robotic hip surgery. Dr Wang is dedicated to helping his patients regain their active and independent lifestyles.