The Restorative Value of Bilateral Hip Replacement Surgery

Find the right long-term solution for your hip pain.

How do you know when you need a hip replacement? Hip pain develops when damage has been caused by a fracture, arthritis, or disease. Orthopaedic specialists advise against surgical hip replacements for individuals who are able to successfully manage pain and improve hip mobility through nonoperative treatment methods. But, what about those patients who may need more aggressive treatment? Rothman Orthopaedic Institute physicians recommend evaluative physicals and tests to determine the progression of the injury, and whether surgical options may be appropriate. Individuals considering bilateral hip replacement surgery may find that an updated diagnosis and surgical recommendation may be the push they need to pursue this elective procedure.

How is patient candidacy determined?

Patient candidacy is determined through the cooperative effort of both you and your doctor. First, the anatomy of the hip is evaluated: the pelvis, acetabulum (socket), femoral head, cartilage, and the femur thighbone. X-rays  will help your doctor access the status of your pain and disability. Whether the causes of injury are due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, or childhood hip disease, the hip will be evaluated for injury severity and damage progression. Your doctor will also conduct a physical evaluation to assess hip mobility, strength, and alignment.

Second, hip replacement candidacy is determined through an individual’s realistic assessment of their goals for surgery and post-surgery quality of life. A doctor will gather information about one’s general health from their medical history report, as well as, asking in-depth questions about the extent of one’s hip pain and how it affects one’s ability to perform everyday activities.

What are my hip replacement options?

Similar to bilateral knee replacement surgery, hip replacements can be completed using traditional procedure methods or less invasive hip replacement techniques.  A bilateral hip replacement is meant to treat both hip joints simultaneously within the same procedure.

How will a hip replacement benefit me?

A hip replacement will benefit you by providing relief for your pain. In addition to managing bilateral hip pain, a replacement procedure should improve one’s joint function and increase one’s range of motion during walking and other activities. A patient should have realistic expectations about the surgical outcomes and recovery process. Bilateral hip replacement surgery is elective and is not the right choice for everyone. But, you can rely on orthopaedic specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute to help you assess whether you are an ideal candidate for a hip replacement and what next steps are recommended.

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