When hip osteoarthritis pain makes everyday living challenging, or if other treatments do not provide adequate pain relief, surgery may be recommended. Surgery options include:
Total Hip Replacement (Hip Arthroplasty)
The most common and successful surgery to treat hip osteoarthritis is hip replacement. About 10% of people will get a hip replacement in their lifetime. 1 Culliford DJ, Maskell J, Kiran A, et al. The lifetime risk of total hip and knee arthroplasty: results from the UK general practice research database. Osteoarthr Cartil. 2012;20(6):519–24. As cited in Murphy NJ, Eyles JP, Hunter DJ. Hip Osteoarthritis: Etiopathogenesis and Implications for Management. Adv Ther. 2016;33(11):1921–1946. doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0409-3.
See Indications and Eligibility for Total Hip Replacement Surgery
During hip replacement surgery, damaged cartilage and bony surfaces of the joint are removed and replaced with artificial prostheses. This is a major surgery, and most patients require between 6 weeks and 3 months to stop taking pain medication, regain the ability to walk normally, and fully return to daily activities.
Hip Resurfacing
During hip resurfacing, the ball of the hip’s ball-and-socket, called the femoral head, is shaped and covered with a smooth metal cap. The goal is to reduce friction within the ball-and-socket, reducing hip pain and enhancing hip movement. Some research suggests this procedure benefits active males under the age of 55; however, there are concerns about the effects of the release of metal ions into the blood (resulting from wear and corrosion) as well as the risk of needing a second surgery (revision surgery) compared to a total hip replacement. 2 Sehatzadeh S, Kaulback K, Levin L. Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty: an analysis of safety and revision rates. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. 2012;12(19):1–63. As cited in Murphy NJ, Eyles JP, Hunter DJ. Hip Osteoarthritis: Etiopathogenesis and Implications for Management. Adv Ther. 2016;33(11):1921–1946. doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0409-3. , 3 Matharu GS, Pandit HG, Murray DW, Treacy RB. The future role of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing. Int Orthop. 2015;39(10):2031–6. As cited in Murphy NJ, Eyles JP, Hunter DJ. Hip Osteoarthritis: Etiopathogenesis and Implications for Management. Adv Ther. 2016;33(11):1921–1946. doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0409-3. , 4 Matharu GS, Pandit HG. Murray DW. Poor Surviviorship and Frequent Complications at a Median of 10 years after Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing Revision. Clin Orthop Res Res 2017;475;304. , 5 Marshal DA, Pykerman K. et al. Hip resurfacing vs. total hip arthroscopy; a systematic review comparing standardized outcomes. Clin Orto[ Re;at Res 2014; 472:2217.
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Hip Arthroscopy/Osteotomy
These are surgeries that may be recommended in very early arthritis or for prevention of developing worsening arthritis. They are not recommended to treat more severe hip osteoarthritis. 6 Tibor LM, Sink EL. Periacetabular osteotomy for hip preservation. Orthop Clin N Am. 2012;43(3):343–57. As cited in Murphy NJ, Eyles JP, Hunter DJ. Hip Osteoarthritis: Etiopathogenesis and Implications for Management. Adv Ther. 2016;33(11):1921–1946. doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0409-3.