Am I Too Young for Hip Replacement Surgery?

A number of conditions — from arthritis to injuries — can cause hip dysfunction, which can lead to pain, difficulty moving, and even difficulty sleeping. You may have thought hip replacement was only appropriate for older people, so you might be surprised to hear that some people in their 40s and even younger are getting hip replacements. 

At Oasis MD, with locations in San Diego, Encinitas, and Temecula, California, we provide a number of services that support you achieving your peak health. Our team is committed to providing you with high-quality health care services in a safe, comfortable medical environment. We can help you address any hip problems you have and determine if surgery is right for you.

What causes hip problems?

A number of conditions can cause hip problems, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteonecrosis
• Injuries
• Bone tumors

These conditions cause damage to the hip joint, resulting in pain and difficulty moving. If your hips are causing you discomfort, you may be a candidate for hip replacement, no matter your age. 

What is hip replacement surgery?

Sometimes, hip pain can be relieved by limiting your activities or using an assistive device like a cane. Conservative treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Hip replacement surgery is considered when these other methods don’t work. The surgery partially or fully replaces hip joints that are damaged or simply worn out, using substitutes made of plastic and metal.

Hip replacement surgery is a very common type of surgery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 330,000 total hip replacements are completed every year in the United States.

Am I a good candidate for hip replacement?

Many people think that hip replacements are only for older people. In fact, age is not the main determinant of whether you’re a candidate for hip replacement, and many people in their 40s and 50s have had this surgery. What determines whether you need surgery is the degree of damage to your hip joints. 

You’re not too young for hip replacement surgery if you:

• Can’t walk due to hip pain
• Have intense joint stiffness
• Have damage due to arthritis
• Are otherwise healthy

Our skilled medical staff at OasisMD thoroughly examines you, asks you about your symptoms, and orders diagnostic testing to determine the level of hip damage you have.

The hip replacement procedure

Your practitioner first determines if you need a partial or total hip replacement. In a partial hip replacement, the ball of your hip joint is replaced; in total hip replacement, both the ball and socket are replaced. 

We also offer a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure, which only replaces the surfaces of your joint that have damage. This preserves as much of your bone material as possible. 

Regardless of type, hip replacement is a major surgery, so your doctor makes sure you understand what to expect. You may have some instructions to follow leading up to your surgery to prepare — follow these carefully for the best surgery and recovery. Staying healthy and in shape before your procedure as much as possible also improves your recovery from hip surgery.

If you have hip pain and you’re wondering if it might be time for hip replacement surgery, call OasisMD or use our online booking tool to set up your appointment today.