What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement is the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur (thighbone) that form your hip joint. It is performed primarily to relieve hip pain and stiffness caused by hip arthritis.

This procedure is also sometimes used to treat injuries such as a broken or improperly growing hip, and for other conditions.

How do you know if you need a hip replacement?

If you have these arthritis symptoms, you should consider a hip replacement:

• severe hip pain that is not relieved by medication and that interferes with your work, sleep or everyday activity
• hip stiffness that restricts motion and makes it difficult to walk