Total hip replacement (arthroplasty) is a common surgical intervention that is performed for severe arthritis or hip fracture when conservative treatments are ineffective. The goal of total hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and restore or improve a person’s ability to safely perform functional activities like walking, standing, stair climbing, or running. Physical therapists work with people who have had a total hip replacement to strengthen their muscles and restore their movement to its highest potential.
Total hip replacement is performed to treat conditions including: Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Avascular necrosis (loss of bone tissue)
- Certain hip fractures
- Benign and malignant tumors
The best way to prevent the need for unplanned total hip replacement surgery is to prevent a fall. Your physical therapist can help you reduce your chances of falling by evaluating your fall risk and prescribing balance activities and regular weight-bearing exercises. Your physical therapist also can recommend changes in your home environment to improve your safety, such as removing trip hazards like unstable rugs
