The progressively intense chronic pain together with impairment of daily function including walking, climbing stairs and even arising from a sitting position, eventually become reasons to consider a total hip replacement. Because replaced hip joints can fail with time, whether and when to perform total hip replacement are not easy decisions, especially in younger patients. Replacement is generally considered after pain becomes so severe that it impedes normal function despite use of anti-inflammatory medications. A total hip joint replacement is an elective procedure, which means that it is an option selected among other alternatives. The surgery is also performed to replace a badly fractured knee and when previous joint replacements have failed.
Bilateral replacement means that both knees are replaced at the same time.
Other treatments are usually used before knee replacement surgery. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Doctors' Hospital, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this website. The information, content and artwork provided by this website are intended for non-commercial use by the reader.