Am I Too Young for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is the last resort to restore comfort and mobility to a degraded hip joint. Although most hip replacements are performed due to the ravages of age-related osteoarthritis, it’s not the only reason. Injury, trauma, and other inflammatory diseases can also damage the hip joint to the point where it needs to be replaced.

About 450,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Hip replacements are usually associated with women and men over age 65, but younger adults may benefit from today’s muscle-sparing hip replacement techniques. In fact, among those aged 45 to 55 in the United States, hip replacements increased by 200% between 2000 and 2010.

Even among young adults and teens, hip replacement is on the rise. When juveniles have conditions such as osteonecrosis and juvenile idiopathic osteoarthritis, a hip replacement may be the only way for them to regain mobility. Today’s hip replacements are so durable that they can last for decades. 

At McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Lubbock, Texas, fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Austin McPhilamy specializes in joint replacement surgery, including total hip replacement. He’s certified in Mako® robotically assisted surgery, which reduces trauma, and enables more precise component positioning. 

Are you tired of living with unrelenting hip pain, but worried you may be too young for a total hip replacement? These questions may help you find the answer.

Are you in pain almost all the time?

You may be a candidate for total hip replacement if your hips hurt constantly, both day and night. When your hip pain is bad enough, you may not even be able to sleep at night.

Poor sleep, in turn, worsens your pain and also affects the health of your hips.

Another sign that pain has progressed to the point where a replacement is necessary is if you discover that the pain actually gets worse when you walk. The pain may persist even if you use assistance, such as a cane, walker, or crutches.

Do you have trouble getting through daily tasks?

When your hips are so stiff that it’s hard to walk up or down stairs, or even get in or out of a car, it may be time for a hip replacement. Hip replacements don’t only resolve your pain, they also restore normal joint function and mobility. 

Today’s hip replacements are so advanced that you should recover full function of your hip joint. Most people find that they’re even able to participate fully in their favorite sports or exercise regimens once they’ve healed.

Have lifestyle changes and supplements failed to help?

If you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any other inflammatory disorder, your first step is making lifestyle changes that lower the amount of inflammation in your body. Your primary care provider may advise you to eat a wholesome diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Even if your joints are stiff, you should exercise regularly. Movement helps your joints release synovial fluid, which lubricates the hip socket to ease friction. Your provider can help you find an exercise routine that keeps your hips mobile while protecting them from high impacts.

Your health care provider may also advise losing weight. When you carry excess fat, your joints are under more stress and strain.

In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend supplements including fish oil, glucosamine chondroitin, and MSM. If these helpful lifestyle changes don’t give you the relief you’re after, you may need to turn to pain medications.

Have medications fallen short?

Joint injections can subdue inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore function. Joint injections consist of powerful corticosteroids that can relieve pain for weeks to months at a time. 

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well as other types of over-the-counter painkillers can also give you temporary relief from pain. If these fail to work — or if you don’t want to rely on pain medication just to get through the day — your best choice may be hip replacement surgery. 

Are you eager to be comfortable and mobile again?

No matter what your age, if your hips are too painful and stiff to allow you comfortable and fluid mobility, you should consider a total hip replacement. 

About 85% of hip replacements last for 20 years or more. Approximately 90% of patients with moderate pain before surgery and 89% of those with severe pain reported mild or no pain within five years of their hip replacement procedure. 

Dr. McPhilamy performs both total hip replacement and a type of hip replacement called Birmingham hip replacement resurfacing. Instead of replacing hip bones, this less invasive procedure covers bony surfaces to prevent painful contact within the joint. The Birmingham method is especially helpful for younger patients, due to the durability and longevity of the materials.

No matter what your age, if your hip hurts and nothing else has given you relief, it may be time for a hip replacement. To schedule a consultation, contact our friendly team by phone or online form today.