Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Hip replacement surgery removes the damaged ball-and-socket surfaces of the hip joint and replaces them with an artificial implant, relieving pain and restoring the ability to walk and move comfortably. It is considered once the hip joint has deteriorated enough that non-surgical treatment no longer provides meaningful relief.
Types
Total Hip Replacement
Both the socket and the ball of the hip joint are replaced, the most commonly performed type.
Hemiarthroplasty
Only the ball (femoral head) is replaced, most often used for certain hip fractures in older patients.
Revision Hip Replacement
A repeat procedure for a previous hip implant that has worn out, loosened, or failed.
Hip Resurfacing
The femoral head is capped rather than removed, an alternative approach used in select younger, active patients.
Common Causes
Hip replacement becomes necessary when the joint surfaces have worn down or been damaged enough that pain and stiffness significantly limit daily activity.
- Osteoarthritis - progressive wear of the hip joint cartilage, the most common cause.
- Avascular necrosis - loss of blood supply to the femoral head, causing the bone to collapse.
- Hip fractures - certain fractures of the femoral neck are best treated with replacement rather than fixation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis - autoimmune joint damage affecting the hip.
- Developmental hip conditions - hip problems present from childhood that lead to earlier joint wear in adulthood.
Signs and Symptoms
- Groin, thigh, or buttock pain that worsens with walking or standing
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to put on shoes or get in and out of a car
- A limp that develops due to pain or joint instability
- Pain that disturbs sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side
- Reduced hip movement noticed during daily activities
Diagnosis
Diagnosis combines a clinical examination of hip movement and gait with X-rays showing joint space narrowing, bone changes, or fracture. An MRI may be used when avascular necrosis or a less obvious cause of hip pain is suspected.
Treatment Approach
Surgery is generally recommended once pain and stiffness significantly affect daily life and non-surgical treatment - medication, physiotherapy, and activity modification - is no longer sufficient. The choice between total replacement, hemiarthroplasty, or resurfacing depends on the underlying cause, the patient's age, and activity level. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna assesses each case individually before recommending the most appropriate procedure.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026