Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Get the Compare Your Your Quiz Your Summary This decision tool is for people considering hip replacement surgery. If you are considering other types of surgery for your arthritis, talk to your doctor. Osteoarthritis is a problem that affects all parts of the joint. For example, when cartilage breaks down, the bones start to rub against each other. This rubbing damages your tissues and bones. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness after you sit or lie down, and not being able to move freely. Arthritis may get worse over time. But it may stay the same or even get better. Hip replacement surgery replaces damaged parts of your hip joint with new metal, ceramic, or plastic parts. It can help with severe pain. It may also improve how well the joint works and moves. This type of surgery is an option for people with severe osteoarthritis who have lost a lot of cartilage and do not get pain relief from other treatments. Most artificial hip joints last for at least 15 years. And more than half last for 25 years or more. But this can depend on how much stress you put on the joint and how well your new joint and bones mend. There are many treatments for osteoarthritis. But what works for someone else may not help you. Work with your doctor to find what is best for you. Often a mix of things helps the most. Treatments other than surgery include: Some other things that you may try include: Most people get out of bed with help on the day of surgery. You will start physical therapy right away. You will do special exercises and may need crutches for several weeks. It usually takes people 2 to 3 months to get back to doing their usual activities. But it may take a little longer than that for some people. A full recovery may take 6 to 12 months. After you have recovered, you will probably be able to do your daily activities more easily and with less pain. You may find it easier to climb stairs, walk without getting tired, and do other activities that you did before surgery. All surgery has risks, such as complications from anesthesia. And after any major surgery, there is always a small chance of a blood clot or a heart attack. With total hip replacement, there is also a small risk of infection or hip dislocation. And some people, over time, may have other problems. These include the feeling that one leg is longer than the other, loosening of the parts of your new joint, or sensitivity to metal. If you are allergic to certain metals, tell your doctor. The evidence suggests that, like most surgeries, hip replacement may have some risks. Take a group of 100 people who have the surgery. About 4 out of 100 people have a serious complication like a joint infection, a blood clot, or a heart attack within 3 months after surgery.footnote 5 If you are older or have other health problems, your risk may be higher. footnote 7footnote 6, footnote 2 Your doctor might recommend hip replacement if: Compare What is usually involved? What are the benefits? What are the risks and side effects? These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. I've always been active. I worked on the farm and also worked nights at the hospital for over 30 years. The pain in my hips has gotten so bad that it's really hard for me to work, take care of the garden, or go for walks with my grandkids. I've seen people in the hospital with hip replacements, and I know what to expect. It's not going to be easy, but I'm determined to get back to doing the things I enjoy—with less pain. Carrie, age 66 I never pictured myself as the type who would use a cane. But it helps a lot. I know that surgery is an option, but I don't know who would take care of my sister at home while I was recovering in the hospital. And I don't want to spend any time in a rehabilitation center. So I'll get by with my cane and my pain relievers as long as I can. Elliot, age 73 I don't remember when I had a good night's sleep. My hip hurts when I walk, sit, or lie down. My doctor and I have talked about replacing my hip, and I know I may have to do that one day if things get worse, which my doctor says may or may not happen. I want surgery to be the last resort because the new hip could wear out before I die. For now, my doctor and I are going to try some different pain pills. Gardner, age 54 I thought I'd fixed the dysplasia problems in my hip when I had an osteotomy about 10 years ago. But my osteoarthritis seems to be getting worse. I've decided to go ahead with hip replacement surgery. My husband and I have been planning a special anniversary, and I want to get the surgery and rehab done so that I can really enjoy it. Carma, age 68 Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to have hip replacement surgery Reasons not to have hip replacement surgery I'm in too much pain to do my daily activities. I'm able to manage my pain and do my daily activities. I think I can complete a long rehabilitation program. I don't think I can go through a long rehabilitation. If I need another hip replacement later, I'll be glad to get it. I'm worried about needing another hip replacement later. I'll do whatever it takes to feel better, including surgery. I don't want to have surgery for any reason. My other important reasons: My other important reasons: Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Having surgery NOT having surgery Check the facts Decide what's next Certainty 1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. This decision tool is for people considering hip replacement surgery. If you are considering other types of surgery for your arthritis, talk to your doctor. Osteoarthritis is a problem that affects all parts of the joint. For example, when cartilage breaks down, the bones start to rub against each other. This rubbing damages your tissues and bones. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness after you sit or lie down, and not being able to move freely. Arthritis may get worse over time. But it may stay the same or even get better. Hip replacement surgery replaces damaged parts of your hip joint with new metal, ceramic, or plastic parts. It can help with severe pain. It may also improve how well the joint works and moves. This type of surgery is an option for people with severe osteoarthritis who have lost a lot of cartilage and do not get pain relief from other treatments. Most artificial hip joints last for at least 15 years. And more than half last for 25 years or more. But this can depend on how much stress you put on the joint and how well your new joint and bones mend. There are many treatments for osteoarthritis. But what works for someone else may not help you. Work with your doctor to find what is best for you. Often a mix of things helps the most. Treatments other than surgery include: Some other things that you may try include: Most people get out of bed with help on the day of surgery. You will start physical therapy right away. You will do special exercises and may need crutches for several weeks. It usually takes people 2 to 3 months to get back to doing their usual activities. But it may take a little longer than that for some people. A full recovery may take 6 to 12 months. After you have recovered, you will probably be able to do your daily activities more easily and with less pain. You may find it easier to climb stairs, walk without getting tired, and do other activities that you did before surgery. All surgery has risks, such as complications from anesthesia. And after any major surgery, there is always a small chance of a blood clot or a heart attack. With total hip replacement, there is also a small risk of infection or hip dislocation. And some people, over time, may have other problems. These include the feeling that one leg is longer than the other, loosening of the parts of your new joint, or sensitivity to metal. If you are allergic to certain metals, tell your doctor. The evidence suggests that, like most surgeries, hip replacement may have some risks. Take a group of 100 people who have the surgery. About 4 out of 100 people have a serious complication like a joint infection, a blood clot, or a heart attack within 3 months after surgery.5 If you are older or have other health problems, your risk may be higher. 76, 2 Your doctor might recommend hip replacement if: These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I've always been active. I worked on the farm and also worked nights at the hospital for over 30 years. The pain in my hips has gotten so bad that it's really hard for me to work, take care of the garden, or go for walks with my grandkids. I've seen people in the hospital with hip replacements, and I know what to expect. It's not going to be easy, but I'm determined to get back to doing the things I enjoy—with less pain." — Carrie, age 66 "I never pictured myself as the type who would use a cane. But it helps a lot. I know that surgery is an option, but I don't know who would take care of my sister at home while I was recovering in the hospital. And I don't want to spend any time in a rehabilitation center. So I'll get by with my cane and my pain relievers as long as I can." — Elliot, age 73 "I don't remember when I had a good night's sleep. My hip hurts when I walk, sit, or lie down. My doctor and I have talked about replacing my hip, and I know I may have to do that one day if things get worse, which my doctor says may or may not happen. I want surgery to be the last resort because the new hip could wear out before I die. For now, my doctor and I are going to try some different pain pills." — Gardner, age 54 "I thought I'd fixed the dysplasia problems in my hip when I had an osteotomy about 10 years ago. But my osteoarthritis seems to be getting worse. I've decided to go ahead with hip replacement surgery. My husband and I have been planning a special anniversary, and I want to get the surgery and rehab done so that I can really enjoy it." — Carma, age 68 Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to have hip replacement surgery Reasons not to have hip replacement surgery I'm in too much pain to do my daily activities. I'm able to manage my pain and do my daily activities. I think I can complete a long rehabilitation program. I don't think I can go through a long rehabilitation. If I need another hip replacement later, I'll be glad to get it. I'm worried about needing another hip replacement later. I'll do whatever it takes to feel better, including surgery. I don't want to have surgery for any reason. My other important reasons: My other important reasons: Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Having surgery NOT having surgery 1.
Is hip replacement the only option for treating osteoarthritis? 2.
After surgery, will you be able to resume your daily activities? 3.
Will a new hip last forever? 1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? 1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Current as of: July 31, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardArthritis: Should I Have Hip Replacement Surgery?
Arthritis: Should I Have Hip Replacement Surgery?
1
Facts2
Options3
Feelings4
Decision5
Yourself6
Get the facts
Your options
Key points to remember
What is osteoarthritis?
What is hip replacement surgery?
What treatments other than surgery are available?
What should you expect after surgery?
What are the risks of total hip replacement surgery?
What do numbers tell us about the benefits and risks of hip replacement?
Pain relief with surgery
Need for repeat surgery
Problems after surgery
Why might your doctor recommend hip replacement?
Compare your options
Personal stories about hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis
What matters most to you?
Where are you leaning now?
What else do you need to make your decision?
Your Summary
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and References
Author Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.Arthritis: Should I Have Hip Replacement Surgery?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
Key points to remember
What is osteoarthritis?
What is hip replacement surgery?
What treatments other than surgery are available?
What should you expect after surgery?
What are the risks of total hip replacement surgery?
What do numbers tell us about the benefits and risks of hip replacement?
Pain relief with surgery
Need for repeat surgery
Problems after surgery
Why might your doctor recommend hip replacement?
2. Compare your options
Have hip replacement surgery Don't have your hip replaced What is usually involved? What are the benefits? What are the risks and side effects? Personal stories
Personal stories about hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis
3. What matters most to you?
4. Where are you leaning now?
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
By Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Have hip replacement surgery Have hip replacement surgery
Don't have your hip replaced Don't have your hip replaced
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Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
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Somewhat sure
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Credits
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Citations
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
FAQs
More important
Equally important
More important
More important
Equally important
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Leaning toward
Undecided
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You're right. Most people with hip pain can try other treatments like medicine and physical therapy before they have hip replacement.
You're right. People who have had hip replacement usually have much less pain than before surgery, are able to return to their daily activities, and have a better quality of life.
You're right. Most artificial hip joints will last for at least 15 years without loosening. But this can depend on how much stress you put on the joint and how well your new joint and bones mend.
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
Credits
References
Citations