Who needs hip replacement surgery?
Osteoarthritis of the hip most commonly affects people who are middle-aged and older. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and immobility. Treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement. When conservative methods of treatment fail to provide adequate relief, total hip replacement may be considered. An orthopaedic surgeon, who specialises in treating problems of the bones and joints, will decide if you are a candidate for a hip replacement. The surgeon will discuss your medical history, measure the range of motion and muscle strength of your hips, and observe how you sit, bend, and move. In addition, x-rays will be taken to determine the extent of damage to your hip joints. If the x-ray shows severe joint damage and no other means of treatment has provided relief, the orthopaedic surgeon may suggest hip replacement surgery. Total hip replacement has evolved to be one of the most predictable and reliable medical procedures av
