When do you need a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures for over-50s in the UK. The National Joint Registry report the number of hip replacements to be on a year-on- year rise, and set to increase by 40% over the next 30 years. While the procedure is most commonly associated with older patients between the ages of 60 and 80, the procedure can be for anyone with a worn hip joint.

According to the National Joint Register, more than 100,000 procedures were carried out in 2018 throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Hip joint replacement has become one of the most successful innovations in modern medicine, improving the quality of life and overall happiness for patients who undergo the procedure.

Knowing if you need hip replacement surgery is not definitive and some conditions may manifest with symptoms whereby a hip replacement may be considered. If you suffer from any of the symptoms below, consult your local GP to discuss your treatment options.

When a hip replacement is needed and what to look out for

Hip replacement surgery is usually necessary when the hip joint is worn or damaged to the extent that your quality of life is dramatically hindered. Mr Kumar Reddy, Associate Specialist Surgeon, says: "The symptoms that one can experience are usually pain, stiffness, and the inability to walk any distance, even short distances, can become a challenge".

Further indications from our experts that you may need a hip replacement are as follows.

Daily hip and/or groin pain

Mr Alex Chipperfield, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, explains that "The number one symptom for arthritis of the hip is pain. That pain can be anywhere around the hip area, commonly though it's right at the front, right in the groin. A lot of people think they have a groin strain or a muscle injury and often actually turns out to have a problem with the hip joint, but they don't associate that area with the hip itself".

If you have pain during your normal day-to-day activities such as walking, resting or even sleeping, this could be a sign of arthritis in the hip.

Stiffness in your hip

Mr Matthew Oliver, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon advises, "I believe people notice just a general feeling of stiffness in the groin. They may be seated for a while, watching a movie or having dinner, and when they get up, they just have a slight catching sensation and feel that the hip is a little stiff, and then it momentarily passes and everything's back to normal again.

"As the condition develops, the pain and joint stiffness gradually increases, and you'll notice that you can't do some things that you could have done in the past easily. Such as put on your shoes and socks, clip your toenails, get in or out of a car, and run up the stairs".

Limited walking distance

Mr Oliver also explains; "As things move and progress, you'll notice that you'll start to walk with a limp, and you won't be able to take part in more vigorous activities such as a hike, walking around the golf course, or other sorts of strenuous activities. If you leave your hip too long, you'll be significantly hampered by it, and you may notice it making all sorts of funny noises like a grating or crackling sound that's usually quite an advanced osteoarthritic picture.

“Those patients don't necessarily have that much pain in the groin anymore; the pain is transferred to the knee joint of the same limb."

Check yourself with the one leg test

In some instances, a hip replacement is not always the best course of action and, depending on your lifestyle, may dramatically change your life. However, in cases where replacements are vital, quality of life is dramatically improved.

The one leg test is a very good way to test your strength on each side of your body. If you have trouble standing on your problem leg for longer than a minute, you might have a badly damaged hip. If you need to, make sure to use the support of a door frame or sturdy table to maintain your balance. If you have trouble, consult your GP.

A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 years. Most people experience a significant reduction in pain, improvement in their range of movement and overall quality of life.

Hip and knee replacement surgery at Benenden Hospital

At Benenden Hospital, we pride ourselves on our quality of service and on ensuring that each and every patient leaves us feeling happy.

Mr Reddy explains why patients choose Benenden Hospital for their orthopaedic surgery "Benenden Hospital is a leading provider of private hip treatments in Kent. Hip replacements are carried out in our laminar flow theatres, and we have an experienced team of colleagues. Benenden Hospital has achieved high satisfaction rates with its rapid recovery programme".