Hip Replacement – Arthroplasty – Fort Worth

Hip Replacement – Arthroplasty – Fort Worth Hip replacement surgery, or hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure during which a damaged, poorly functioning hip joint is removed and replaced with artificial parts (prostheses) in order to improve hip functionality and reduce pain. The artificial hip joint is typically constructed out of metal, ceramic, or hard plastic biomaterials. Although hip replacement surgery is usually only recommended after more conservative treatments have been unsuccessful, hip arthroplasty is performed over 300,000 per year in the U.S. and is considered one of the most effective orthopedic surgeries developed that is performed by our OSMI orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth.

Please read our 4-part article on Total Hip Replacement – Arthroplasty:

Total Hip Replacement – Arthroplasty – Fort Worth

Nonsurgical hip treatments may include:

Pain medications
Steroid injection in the hip joint
Weight loss
Physical therapy

In some cases, surgical alternatives other than total hip replacement can be effective, especially in young patients with active lifestyles.

Surgical alternatives can include:

Hip osteotomy
Hip resurfacing

Hip arthroplasty is usually recommended if pain, stiffness, and functionality do not improve with these conservative measures.

Why Hip Arthroplasty is Performed

Most total hip replacement surgeries are necessitated by deterioration of the hip joint due to osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, which progresses with aging.

Other conditions which can result in the need for hip replacement surgery include:

Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammatory condition which can erode cartilage causing damage and deformity to the hip joint
Osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis): Bone damage caused by inadequate blood supply to the ball of the hip joint
Posttraumatic arthritis: Damaged cartilage due to a hip injury or fracture
Childhood hip disease: Childhood hip problems, even after successful treatment, can cause arthritis if the hip joint surfaces are affected

Is Hip Replacement – Arthroplasty Right for You?

Hip arthroplasty may be a good treatment option for patients if:

Everyday activities are limited due to continued hip pain
Managing stairs is problematic
Hip pain occurs even at rest
Walking or rising from a seated position is difficult
Stiffness limits leg movement

When to undergo hip arthroplasty should be a cooperative decision that you make with your orthopedic surgeon and family, as the recovery time can take several months and includes vital physical therapy that must be adhered to for optimum results. Recommendations for total hip replacement surgery are usually based on the amount of pain and disability caused by the affected hip joint. Patients of all ages can be successfully treated with hip arthroplasty, however, some patients are not good candidates for the procedure due to other medical conditions or increased risk factors.

Conditions which can cause ineligibility for hip arthroplasty include:

Infection: Patients with current infections or who are prone to infection may be cautioned against hip replacement.
Osteoporosis: Brittle bones may not be able to properly support the new hip joint. In some cases, bone density treatment may be advised prior to hip arthroplasty.
Nicotine usage: Total hip replacement candidates are usually encouraged to refrain from using nicotine for a time prior to surgery.
Inability to comply with postoperative instructions: Patients with mental impairments such as dementia or alcoholism may be unable to follow through with necessary post-surgical therapies thus compromising the success of the surgery.

While there are no age or weight restrictions for having hip arthroplasty, being older or overweight can increase the risk of complications, although the risk is relatively low for most patients.

The professional team at OSMI is highly trained and qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your hip condition by using the least invasive and most effective methods available. If you are experiencing hip pain or are concerned that you may have a hip injury or disorder and would like to schedule an appointment, please submit an online appointment request or contact our office at 817-529-1900.