This question comes up with almost every discussion of hip arthritis and it is an important consideration.
This question comes up with almost every discussion of hip arthritis and it is an important consideration.
First, a hip replacement is not dictated by an X-ray. Patients commonly have arthritis on X-rays, but it only matters if it is keeping you from living comfortably and doing the things you want to do. There is no urgency to replace a hip. The severity of arthritis rarely changes the complexity of the procedure.
First, a hip replacement is not dictated by an X-ray. Patients commonly have arthritis on X-rays, but it only matters if it is keeping you from living comfortably and doing the things you want to do. There is no urgency to replace a hip. The severity of arthritis rarely changes the complexity of the procedure.
On the other hand, it was recommended in the past that patients wait as long as possible before undergoing hip replacement to avoid wearing out the prosthesis and requiring a revision. I don't think this is a major issue today. A well-placed hip prosthesis will likely outlast you. Secondly, the loss of function and enjoyment of life with hip arthritis is significant. It is profoundly limiting. Waiting until you are using a cane or a walker isn't the right answer.
On the other hand, it was recommended in the past that patients wait as long as possible before undergoing hip replacement to avoid wearing out the prosthesis and requiring a revision. I don't think this is a major issue today. A well-placed hip prosthesis will likely outlast you. Secondly, the loss of function and enjoyment of life with hip arthritis is significant. It is profoundly limiting. Waiting until you are using a cane or a walker isn't the right answer.
I ask people to think about how the symptoms or limitations are affecting their lives. The important points are:
I ask people to think about how the symptoms or limitations are affecting their lives. The important points are:
Sleep: If you can't fall asleep, it is waking you up, or you are feeling unrested in the morning despite adequate time in bed, it is an issue. Sleep loss can lead to medical and psychological health issues, loss of interest in activity, and weight gain.
Sleep: If you can't fall asleep, it is waking you up, or you are feeling unrested in the morning despite adequate time in bed, it is an issue. Sleep loss can lead to medical and psychological health issues, loss of interest in activity, and weight gain.
Fitness: If you avoid the activities you enjoy, you are losing your strength, endurance and overall fitness. This is a red flag.
Fitness: If you avoid the activities you enjoy, you are losing your strength, endurance and overall fitness. This is a red flag.
Friends and Family: If you avoid social engagements and activities because you don't want to feel pain or don't want to hold up the group.
Friends and Family: If you avoid social engagements and activities because you don't want to feel pain or don't want to hold up the group.
It is not black and white, and consideration of medical issues, activity level, and expectations are also questions we talk about during clinic visits to help in this decision.
It is not black and white, and consideration of medical issues, activity level, and expectations are also questions we talk about during clinic visits to help in this decision.
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