Probably not is the answer. In the past, young people had limited options for the treatment of hip problems as new joints only lasted a relatively short time. Nowadays, the treatments available mean young people can have lasting results from hip replacement surgery, with little to no restriction on their lifestyle.
The most common reason for having a hip replacement is painful hip arthritis, which significantly limits everyday activities. Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Arthritis wears down the normal lining of the joint (cartilage). Without the cartilage, bones rub together causing pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced function and possibly a limp. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is linked to ageing. It is normally associated with older people but can occur in people of all ages. It may occur following a previous injury but usually happens without a known cause.
Another less common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is a long-term disease causing inflammation and destruction of the joint. While arthritis is the most common reason for a hip replacement, all joints can ultimately wear out due to the activity and weight put upon them.
Do I need to have an operation?
Not all people with hip arthritis will need an operation; many can successfully control their symptoms with painkillers, physiotherapy, weight management and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Assessment
When a patient is examined by a doctor to see if they need a hip replacement, the doctor will look for restricted hip movements associated with pain. They will also ask for an x-ray, as this will show the degree of arthritis in the joint. It is also important to exclude other causes of hip pain (such as back problems) and occasionally it is necessary to do additional investigations.
What is a hip replacement?
A traditional hip replacement involves replacing the worn out socket with one made from plastic (polyethylene) and the ball is replaced by a metal implant, which is held in place by a stem inserted into the femur (the long bone in the upper part of the leg). These two pieces are together known as ‘hip prosthesis’. Orthopaedic cement is used to secure the replacement pieces to the existing bone. This type of hip replacement can last for 15-20 years.
Modern hip replacements have a ‘hard on hard’ bearing surface of either metal or ceramic which gives incredibly low wear rates, meaning they can last longer if not forever. In addition to new prosthesis, new surgical techniques have been developed, for example ‘hip resurfacing’. In this operation, the cup in the socket is replaced with a metal one but the ball is not replaced and instead is covered with a metal cap.
Back to News and Events
