Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery helps thousands of patients every year. Because it’s an elective procedure, the decision to undergo surgery is entirely up to the patient. Which raises the question:

How do I know when it’s time?

A Total Hip Replacement is indicated for patients who suffer from severe, symptom-producing hip arthritis that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatment. Four signs that it’s time to have a THR are:

1. Groin Pain. The development of groin pain is a sign that hip arthritis has reached the point where a replacement is necessary. Once groin pain presents, many patients have difficulty walking, even standing. This is one of the most limiting symptoms of hip arthritis and a sure-fire sign that a replacement is warranted.
2. Inability to perform day-to-day activities. Once patients can no longer perform daily activities necessary to live a happy, functional life, it’s a good time to get a replacement. Walking, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom are the three most important activities that patients should be able to do on their own. 
3. Arthritis has reached the point where it’s bone-on-bone. X-rays read by an orthopedic specialist that show bone-on-bone rubbing can be a strong indicator that its time for a replacement.
4. Inability to sleep. Pain that wakes or keeps patients up throughout the night can be resolved once the arthritic hip is replaced.

When making their final decision, patient should keep any, all, or any combination of these four signs in mind. They should also always seek the expert advice and opinion of an orthopedic specialist. Their education, knowledge, and experience allow them to steer patients in the right direction during the decision-making process.

Seeking The Right Doctor for Total Hip Replacement

A THR is a 1-2-hour procedure done under general anesthesia. Patients are usually allowed to return home following a 2-3-night hospital stay. Recovery is physical therapy intensive and can take a few months months. Results are remarkable—some of the best in all of orthopedic surgery.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our prestigious Hip Program is led by Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Richard McCormack.  Dr. McCormack attended Harvard University where he was captain of the two-time national championship winning Harvard Lightweight Rowing team.  Dr. McCormack is an expert in Total Hip Replacement and has helped thousands of patients regain an active and healthy lifestyle. When you’re ready to talk to an orthopedic specialist about your hip condition, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at one of our 5 Long Island offices. The road to a pain-free, functional life starts when you walk through our doors.