The hip is the largest joint in the body, and after years of wear and tear, whether due to daily activity, sports injuries, or health conditions, it can become a common source of pain.
For some people, hip pain can be managed with lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, or over-the-counter painkillers. However, if it has become persistent and severe, and is impacting your quality of life, you may be considering hip surgery.
To help with your decision, we’ll explore eight signs hip replacement might be right for you.
What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in the UK. According to the National Joint Register, over 100,000 hip replacement procedures were carried out in 2018 throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland – a figure predicted to increase by 40% over the next 30 years.
Hip surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed on the hip joint to relieve pain, improve mobility, or both. It’s typically used to address pain caused by an injury or health condition, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, or hip dysplasia.
Most hip surgery patients are aged between 60 and 80, but this age is falling, and it’s becoming more common for people in their 50s and 40s to undergo the procedure.
During surgery, a surgeon makes an incision on the side of the hip, removes the damaged hip joint, and replaces it with an artificial joint. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
Hip replacement can be performed using a general or spinal anaesthetic. The right procedure for you will depend on your individual needs. You can find out more about the different types of hip surgery on Practice Plus Group’s website.
What are the benefits of hip replacement surgery, and are there any risks?
Hip replacement surgery has a high success rate, and most people are able to return to normal movement and mobility after their operation.
In this recent NHS survey, 93% of hip replacement patients said the results of their operation were excellent, very good, or good. However, the speed of returning to normal activities will vary from person to person.
That said, while hip replacement is considered a safe operation, all surgical procedures carry risks. Complications can include dislocation, infection, fracture, deep vein thrombosis, difference in leg length, and injury to blood vessels or nerves. However, steps are taken during and after surgery to help decrease these risks.
It’s worth noting that prosthetic hip joints last between 10 and 15 years, and you may need a replacement after this time. You may also need to use a walking aid for a couple of weeks following surgery, and you’ll need physiotherapy to teach you how to move with your new hip.
8 signs that hip replacement might be right for you
Hip replacement surgery is usually necessary when the hip joint has become worn or damaged to an extent that it significantly hinders your quality of life.
Below, we’ll explore some signs that hip replacement surgery might be right for you.
1. Hip pain has become more persistent and severe
One of the most obvious signs that hip surgery might be right for you is if you’re experiencing persistent and severe hip pain. Hip pain can vary depending on its cause, but if it’s intense and ongoing, it might be worth considering surgery.
It’s worth noting that pain may not be isolated to the hip joint alone. Many people also experience pain in their groin, back, knees, and front of their thighs.
Mr Alex Chipperfield, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital, says, “The number one symptom for arthritis of the hip is pain. That pain can be anywhere around the hip area, commonly though it’s right at the front, right in the groin. A lot of people think they have a groin strain or a muscle injury and often actually turn out to have a problem with the hip joint, but they don’t associate that area with the hip itself.”
That said, pain isn’t the only sign that hip surgery is needed. For example, some people with osteoarthritis experience very little or no pain at all, but may still need surgery to replace a joint that has worn away.
2. Hip stiffness is affecting your mobility
It’s normal to lose joint flexibility with age, but ongoing hip stiffness impacting your mobility may signal that you need hip surgery.
Some common mobility issues include…
- Hip stiffness that affects your ability to walk or causes you to rely on a cane or other mobility device
- Experiencing pain when bending or moving your hip joint
- Hip stiffness that makes it difficult or impossible to lift or move your leg
- Hip stiffness that prevents you from bending down to pick things up from the floor
- Clicking, grinding, or popping in your hip joint that affects your normal range of movement
Mr Matthew Oliver, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital, explains, “People often notice a general feeling of stiffness in the groin. They may be seated for a while, watching a movie or having dinner, and when they get up, they just have a slight catching sensation and feel that the hip is a little stiff, and then it momentarily passes and everything’s back to normal again.
“As the condition develops, joint stiffness gradually increases, and you’ll notice that you can’t do some things that you could have done in the past easily. For example, putting on your shoes and socks, clipping your toenails, getting in or out of a car, and running up the stairs.”
It’s important to address hip pain that affects your mobility. People tend to move less as their mobility reduces, which can cause muscle strength and joint function to further decline.
If hip replacement surgery is delayed too long and joints become increasingly damaged, it can affect your ability to recover from surgery.
3. You experience hip pain that makes it difficult to stand on one leg
According to Nuffield Health, another key sign that hip surgery might be right for you is if you’re unable to stand on one leg for longer than a minute, even while holding a door frame or tabletop for balance.
This is known as the one-leg test and is a good way to test your strength on each side of your body. Being unable to stand on your problematic leg for longer than a minute may signal a badly damaged hip.
4. Arthritis of the hip has caused significant joint damage
One of the most common reasons for needing a hip replacement is hip arthritis.
Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that acts as a cushion between bones. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to wear away, which can lead to joint damage as bones begin to rub against each other. This often results in pain, swelling, and inflammation. If joint damage becomes severe, surgery may be necessary.
Other conditions that can cause damage to the hip joint include rheumatoid arthritis and septic arthritis.
5. Hip pain is affecting your quality of life
We all slow down a bit later in life, but it’s not normal to struggle with everyday activities. Hip pain that affects your daily life could be a key sign that hip surgery might be right for you.
Examples of daily activities that may be affected by hip pain include getting in and out of the car, bending over to put on your shoes, and walking for long periods.
Having to adjust your lifestyle or stop doing things you enjoy as a result of hip pain can have an impact on your mental wellbeing and quality of life, so it’s important not to dismiss it.
6. Your mental health is suffering
Dealing with pain daily can be stressful and upsetting. If left unchecked, this can begin to take its toll on your mental health – particularly if hip pain is affecting your ability to carry out life as usual.
For example, studies have identified a link between long-term chronic pain and a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
It’s important to remember that taking care of your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of depression as a result of hip pain, it’s important to speak to your GP.
7. Hip pain is impacting your ability to sleep
If hip pain is interfering with your ability to get enough good-quality sleep, hip surgery might be worth considering.
Research has found that around 80% of people with arthritis experience disrupted sleep. Over time, this can impact the body’s ability to heal, which may exacerbate hip pain and impact overall health.
8. Non-surgical treatments are no longer effective
Treatment for hip pain will depend on its cause. Many people find that they’re able to manage their pain with rest, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter medication at first. However, home remedies can sometimes begin to lose their effectiveness over time.
Luckily, several non-surgical treatments are available for hip pain, including physiotherapy, hip exercises, and steroid injections. But some people find that these only offer relief for a certain period.
If you’re still experiencing pain or mobility issues, having exhausted all non-surgical treatments, surgery may be the next option.
How much does hip surgery cost?
In the UK, the cost of private hip surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surgery you have and which healthcare provider to choose. However, hip replacement surgery costs an average of £13,402, with private procedures ranging from £10,720 to £16,575.
Many providers have self-pay options, so patients can spread treatment costs. Hip surgery is available through private health insurance, too.
While those who are eligible can have hip through the NHS, waiting lists can be long. To access hip surgery, you’ll need to first see your GP, who, where appropriate, will refer you to a specialist.
Final thoughts…
Hip pain can be distressing to live with, and if it’s significantly impacting your life, you may have considered hip surgery. While it’s a major operation, many people find that it offers them a new lease of life.
Do you have any experience with hip replacement surgery that you’d like to share? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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