The decision whether to have hip replacement surgery should be a cooperative one between you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopaedic surgeon. The process of making this decision typically begins with a referral by your doctor to an orthopaedic surgeon for an initial evaluation. While most patients who undergo hip replacement surgery are age 60 to 80, orthopaedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Recommendations for surgery are based on the extent of your pain, disability, and general health status, not solely on age (as age varies). You may benefit from hip replacement surgery if: Hip pain limits your everyday activities such as walking, bending. Hip pain continues while resting, either day or night Stiffness in a hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg. You have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs. You have harmful or unpleasant side effects from your hip medications. Other treatments such as physical therapy don’t relieve hip pain.