Over the last twenty five years, major advancements in hip replacement have improved the outcome of the surgery greatly. Hip replacement surgery is becoming more and more common as the population of the world begins to age. Causes There are many conditions that can result in degeneration of the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is perhaps the most common cause that patients need to undergo hip replacement surgery. There may be a genetic tendency in some people that increases their chances of developing osteoarthritis.
Avascular necrosis is another curious cause of degeneration of the hip joint.
This leads to collapse of the femoral head and degeneration of the joint. Abnormalities of hip joint function resulting from fractures of the hip and some types of hip conditions that appear in childhood can lead to degeneration many years after the injury. The mechanical abnormality leads to excessive wear and tear - just like the out of balance tire that wears out too soon on your car. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an important indication. In tumors involving the upper end of the femur, custom made hip replacements are done.