Indications

Hip Joint replacement or Total Hip Replacement is surgery to replace all or part of the hip joint with an artificial device to restore joint movement (a prosthesis). Hip joint replacement is mostly done in older people. The operation is usually not recommended for younger people because of the strain they can put on the artificial hip.

The indications for the replacement of the hip joint include:

hip pain that has failed to respond to conservative therapy (NSAID medication for 6 months or more)
hip osteoarthritis or arthritis confirmed by X-ray
inability to work, sleep, or move because of hip pain
loose hip prosthesis
some hip fractures
hip joint tumors

This surgery is not recommended for:

current hip infection
poor skin coverage around hip
paralysis of the quadriceps muscles
severe disease of the blood vessels of the leg and foot (peripheral vascular disease)
nerve disease (neuropathy) affecting the hip
severe limiting mental dysfunction
serious physical disease (terminal disease, such as metastatic disease)
morbid obesity (over 300 lb.)

Review Date: 5/31/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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