Hip replacement is the most successful joint replacement performed. It is done for end stage arthritis in the hip where symptoms of hip pain cause disability and loss of independence. A useful guide to hip symptoms is the Oxford Hip Score.
Once conservative measures fail (painkillers, therapy), then surgery is an option. Seeing a specialist will involve being examined and X-rays or a MRI being performed. If joint preservation surgery is not indicated, and the severity of symptoms warrant joint replacement surgery, surgery is the best option. It involves a 2-3 day stay in hospital, and is performed under regional anaesthesia (spinal). The operation itself takes around 45 minutes and patients are mobile the day after surgery, full weight can be put on the leg straight away. For detailed information and risks please find the link here.
There have been a lot of news articles in the media recently highlighting that joint replacements last a lot longer than previously expected. Please find the link here.
Previously 10-15 years was the expected lifespan for a hip or knee replacement, but analysis of joint registries has shown that over half last longer than 20 years. This is reassuring for patients as they can have a hip replacement in the knowledge that it will serve them well for many years to come.