Total Hip Arthroplasty (HIP REPLACEMENT)

Total Hip Arthroplasty (HIP REPLACEMENT)

The hip joint is one of the most common sites for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis refers to joint degeneration, which can be primary (idiopathic) when the cause is unknown or secondary when it results from another pathological condition. In both cases, the outcome is the gradual destruction of the articular cartilage.

The main symptoms include pain and stiffness. Pain is typically felt in the groin area (proximal thigh) and may radiate to the knee. It often occurs after intense physical activity but gradually becomes more frequent, even at rest. Stiffness initially occurs after prolonged inactivity (e.g., in the morning or after sitting for extended periods) and progressively worsens, sometimes making it difficult for patients to put on socks or shoes. In advanced cases, limping may occur. If pain and movement restriction cannot be alleviated with conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, activity modifications, or intra-articular injections, hip arthroplasty may be considered.

Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful surgeries in medical history. It is performed when joint damage is extensive and severe enough that no alternative treatment is viable other than joint replacement.

In this procedure, the entire joint is replaced using specially designed metal implants. In recent years, significant advancements in implant design and material technology have resulted in increased durability, reducing long-term wear.

Hip arthroplasty successfully eliminates pain and stiffness in the vast majority of patients and restores near-full functionality postoperatively.