Patients typically consider hip replacement surgery when they experience chronic pain that affects their daily activities, such as walking, sitting, or climbing stairs.
A thorough clinical evaluation is critical; common indicators include persistent discomfort that does not improve with conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.
Symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion and difficulty carrying weight can also signal the need for surgical intervention.
In addition, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs can reveal significant damage to the joints, such as arthritis, fractures, or vascular necrosis, further justifying the need for surgery.
If pain management is unsuccessful over time and mobility worsens, patients may find that surgical options, such as arthroscopy of the hip joint for repair or replacement of a hip joint for severe atrophy, become necessary.
It is essential that patients have an open dialogue with their orthopaedic surgeon to fully understand their condition and the potential benefits of surgery, as well as all the risks involved, to reach an informed decision about their course of treatment.