Is It Time for a Hip Replacement?

More than half a million Americans undergo hip replacement surgery each year. When conservative treatments fail to improve mobility and pain, replacing the damaged bone and cartilage can restore function, lower inflammation, and eliminate pain.

If you’ve had problems with your hip for a while now and are unsure whether a hip replacement is the next step to take, read on, as we asked our expert, Dr. Thomas Kane III, what the signs are that you may need a hip replacement.

Persistent pain that limits daily activities

If you experience ongoing hip pain while walking, bending, stair climbing, or even with simple tasks like getting in and out of a chair or car, this could be a sign that joint damage is extensive.
Another sign of extensive hip damage is pain that continues at rest or at night. For some, the pain may disrupt sleep.

Stiffness that reduces your range of motion 

If your hip feels stiff, making it difficult to rotate your leg, put on shoes or socks, or perform routine movements, a replacement may help restore function and enable you to perform simple tasks without help.  “Start up pain”, pain when you first get up from bed or a chair, is a common feature of hip arthritis.

Reduced mobility despite conservative treatments

Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and lifestyle changes can sometimes provide relief if the cartilage isn’t severely damaged. However, once the cartilage is worn off, due to the lack of blood supply to the tissue, it can’t regenerate itself, and only a replacement can help you regain mobility.  Stem cell injections or PRP have no scientific basics in treating hip arthritis.

Difficulty walking or relying on support

Sometimes pain and limited mobility can reduce your ability to walk, forcing you to use a cane or walk only short distances. If that’s the case, this is usually a sign of advanced hip degeneration.

X-ray or imaging findings showing severe joint damage

Imaging findings are a reliable way to determine whether conservative or surgical treatments can improve quality of life. Your provider may recommend surgery if imaging shows cartilage loss, joint-space narrowing, or bone-on-bone contact.  MRI is usually unnecessary.

Learn more about managing your symptoms

Whether conservative or surgical interventions are needed, know that both are used to improve your quality of life and reduce pain. With the latest tools, Dr. Kane also uses muscle-sparring techniques to help you avoid muscle loss in your hips and ensure a smoother recovery.

Today’s techniques are less invasive and more effective than ever at getting you back on your feet. Most of Dr Kane’s patients are up and walking within 4 hours of surgery.  Want to know what could help your symptoms improve? Contact us to schedule an appointment in our office located in Honolulu, Hawaii.