- Osteoarthritis – the most common reason
- Femoral neck injury, damage or fracture
- Femoral head necrosis
- Arthritis (infectious complications)
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Joint overload
- Complete destruction of the femoral head
- Deterioration of cartilage tissues
- Dysplasia (congenial deformities of the hip joint)
- Arthrosis and arthritis of the hip
- Excessive weight
- Metabolic and circulatory disorders
- Systemic diseases
- Chronic stress disorders, etc.
Many of the conditions treated with a hip replacement are age-related so hip replacements are usually carried out in older adults aged between 60 and 80. However, a hip replacement may occasionally be performed in younger people. Hip replacement surgery is usually performed when all other treatment options (non-surgical treatments, pain medications, and physiotherapy) have failed to provide adequate pain relief. Treatment with medications provides temporary pain relief, but is unable to stop the process of cartilage erosion.
The purpose of a new hip joint is to restore the ability to move without pain and improve the function of the hip, thereby improving quality of life (it may no longer be necessary to use walkers or canes).
The ultimate success of hip replacement surgery depends on how closely the patient follows the rehabilitation guidelines and physician’s recommendations. The patient receives instructions for controlled loading of the operated hip through special physical exercises.