When you have a hip injury that is causing overwhelming pain, you will seek a suitable remedy to alleviate the pain. Doctors will recommend anti-inflammatory drugs that will help control the pain, but sometimes the drugs may not work. After exhausting all non-surgical remedies, hip replacement surgery may be the answer.
This operation entails removing and replacing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial metal hip joint. The procedure is done to relieve the pain the patient is experiencing. It can be performed partially (only one part of the joint is replaced) or totally (both parts are replaced), depending on the injury.
Various factors may lead one to undertake this operation. This surgery is recommended when:
- a hip bone is damaged due to an accident
- a patient finds it difficult to walk
- painful arthritis is present
- the hip aches while resting
- there is constant pain in the hip
Before you qualify to have this operation, there will be tests and imaging done to pinpoint the source of the problem, and to determine is hip replacement is the solution.
The orthopedic surgeon who will operate will have a consultation with the patient before the surgery. The doctor is focused on preparing the patient for the operation and determining if the patient has any medical conditions that may jeopardize the process. There are three approaches to doing this hip surgery, and the surgeon will determine which is best for the patient’s situation.
When looking for an orthopedic surgeon, one has to do some research. Any operation is a risky process, and thus you would want an experienced doctor performing the procedure. Verify the surgeon has lots of experience with this type of surgery and with the method and approach to be used.
For more information on hip surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.
Daniel Albright, MD 