What is Hip Osteoarthritis?

“Arthritis” is an umbrella term that includes autoimmune arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. In general, “arthritis” simply means “wearing out”. Arthritis is a complex interplay of mechanical factors, changes in joint fluid content, inflammatory factors, and many more. Most patients have osteoarthritis, which is the general wear-and-tear that happens over a lifetime of using the joint, where the cartilage wears away causing pain and stiffness.

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​Most patients suffering from a worn out hip experience pain, stiffness, and limitations to normal daily activities such as putting on socks and shoes, going up and down stairs, or getting in and out of the car. Pain is usually experienced in the groin, but at times will be located more over the outside of the hip. It can also shoot down the front of the thigh to the knee.

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The need for and timing of surgery should be a shared decision between you and your surgeon. Generally, you should ask yourself the question: “Is this hip affecting my ability to live the life I want to live?” If the answer is yes, then the next discussion is if non-surgical options have been attempted. Oftentimes, patients may get significant relief and avoid surgery for several years before a surgery would be needed.

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As we discuss the appropriate timing for your joint replacement, we need to keep two important points in mind – 1. the pain that the worn out joint is causing, and 2. any stiffness or weakness that is occurring in and around the joint.

 

For the best possible outcome from a hip replacement, we want to time the surgery for when the joint is causing pain and affecting your quality of life, but ideally before the hip gets too stiff or the muscles around the hip get weak. Weakness and stiffness prolong full recovery time.