Do I Need a Total Hip Replacement?
Is hip pain beginning to affect your quality of life?
If you're finding it more difficult to sleep, walk, perform everyday tasks, or participate in activities you enjoy, it may be time to see an orthopaedic joint specialist about total hip replacement surgery.
What Is Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the damaged bone and cartilage of the ball and socket are replaced with implants. It’s a common and successful procedure in the U.S., with more than 450,000 surgeries performed each year to help improve the mobility and daily function of people with hip arthritis.
Dr. Cafferky, a leading hip replacement surgeon at The Steadman Clinic, offers patients an anterior hip replacement whenever possible. This innovative approach is less invasive, enables a faster recovery, and has one of the highest long-term success rates, with 90% of implants functioning after twenty years.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Many conditions can contribute to hip pain, such as fractures, labral tears, and tendonitis, but the most common cause is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a debilitating condition caused by the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the bones in the hip joint. This can lead to the bones rubbing against each other, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults but can occur in younger adults who have had an injury. Symptoms may include:
Pain in the hip or groin
Stiffness or decreased range of motion
Weakness or instability in the leg
A grinding sensation when moving your hip
If possible, Dr. Cafferky will recommend conservative options as the first line of treatment. These include:
Weight management (if applicable)
Anti-inflammatory medications
Exercise programs to improve strength and flexibility
Steroid injections
When Should I Consider Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
Here are some signs that it’s time to consider hip replacement surgery:
Conservative treatments are no longer effective
You have persistent pain and stiffness that limits your daily activities
Your pain wakes you up
You feel like you’ve lost your freedom
You can no longer participate in the activities you enjoy
Your quality of life is being impacted
If your hip pain is the result of trauma, like a fracture, and not osteoarthritis, a partial hip replacement may be an option. Learn more about partial hip replacements.
Benefits of Total Hip Replacement Surgery
After a hip replacement, most people can return to the activities or sports they used to enjoy before hip pain impacted their ability to do so.
Dr. Cafferky’s patients frequently report the following outcomes:
Significant pain relief
Improved mobility
More freedom and independence
More physically active and able to return to the hobbies or sports they love
Overall improved quality of life
Deciding when to move forward with a total hip replacement is a big decision, but it can also be one of the most successful ways to reclaim your active lifestyle.
Contact the Top Hip Replacement Doctor in Colorado
If hip pain impacts your daily life, contact Dr. Cafferky and his team at The Steadman Clinic today. Known for their care, compassion, and expertise, they will be with you every step of the way throughout your hip replacement journey.
Team Cafferky conveniently offers outpatient total hip replacements at clinics in Eagle and Summit County. Call (970) 476-1100 today to schedule a consultation. You can also submit an appointment request using Team Cafferky's online form.
