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Hip Surgery: Why It Might Not Be the Best Option for You

Hip Surgery: Why It Might Not Be the Best Option for You

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July 18, 2023

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people undergo hip replacement surgery. While the procedure can relieve chronic pain and mobility issues, it is not the ideal solution for everyone. However, if you suffer from severe hip pain and joint immobility that makes daily living difficult, this surgery may be suitable for you. 

It’s crucial to understand whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure and, more importantly, if the surgery is necessary for your case. Here are factors you need to consider before you decide:

1. Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Hip Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a major operation, and like any surgical procedure, it carries risks and requires a period of recovery. Not everyone can benefit from it. Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the surgery and increase potential complications.  According to the research, people as young as 19 and as old as 90 can undergo hip replacement surgery (younger patients must have reached their full adult size). However, certain conditions may make an individual unsuitable for hip replacement surgery. Here are three conditions that will make hip replacement surgery challenging: 
  1. Individuals with Severe Health Conditions: Those with severe cardiac diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or other life-threatening conditions may not be suitable candidates due to the risk involved in a major surgical procedure. If you have any doubt, discuss your health conditions with us. We will be able to advise you, and help you consider the risks and benefits. In some cases, we may need to refer to appropriate specialists to optimize your health conditions to make surgery safer for you.
  2. Young, Active Individuals: Hip replacements wear out over time, and younger, more active individuals may need additional surgeries in the future, which can be more complicated and less successful than the initial surgery.  The issues regarding young hip replacements are significant, and a proper discussion with your surgeon is essential. Another issue to consider is what activities are suitable after a hip replacement, to minimize the risks of failure. In young individuals who require a surgery, an evaluation of patient’s understanding of hip replacement, and their expectations of the surgery  is crucial to achieve good outcomes.
  3. Obese Patients: Obesity can complicate the surgical procedure and recovery, increase the risk of infection, and reduce the implant’s lifespan. However most obese patients may not be as active. Most obese patients can undergo hip replacements safely, and achieve good outcomes.
  4. Gender: Women may need to consider additional factors due to their anatomical differences. For instance, women, particularly those in their postmenopausal years, are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, which leads to decreased bone density. Having said that, most females can undergo hip replacement surgery safely. Find out more about female hip replacement in Singapore here.

2. When should you not have hip surgery?

Apart from the above reasons, certain situations should caution against hip surgery. You should postpone or avoid surgery if you have an active infection anywhere in your body, as it can potentially spread to the implant.  Patients with unrealistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery may also want to reconsider. While hip replacement surgery can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain, it doesn’t guarantee a return to intense activities or sports. You must consider the time post-treatment for rest and recovery and possible alterations to your lifestyle with a new hip. Additionally, the age and timing of your hip replacement surgery are essential. In fact, according to Harvard Medical Review, many older adults who get a new hip in their 60s or 70s may never need to replace their hip again. This is why most people are encouraged to delay total hip replacement, if possible. However, those in their 40s or 50s who get their hip replaced will probably wear out their new hip. They will need revision surgery when they’re in their 60s to remove and replace the old one. Of course, it depends on lifestyle factors, such as whether the person is an active sportsperson or obese.  Furthermore, surgery should be the last resort when all other non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms. Sometimes, altering activity levels, weight loss, physiotherapy, or pain management can delay or avoid surgery.

3. Finally: is it essential to get a hip replacement?

Doctors usually recommend hip replacement surgery for those with severe arthritis or a hip injury that causes significant pain and impairs daily activities. But is it vital? The answer varies for each individual and largely depends on the level of discomfort and the impact on one’s quality of life.

It’s crucial to have an in-depth discussion with your healthcare provider, considering your needs, health condition, and lifestyle. Sometimes, less invasive surgical interventions might be more suitable.

Hip replacement surgery can be life-changing, but it’s not for everyone. Understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives is essential before going under the knife. If you’re considering hip surgery, we strongly recommend you contact our doctors at Hip Knee Orthopaedics (Singapore)  for a comprehensive hip evaluation. Our team of medical professionals can provide the guidance you need to make an informed decision about whether hip surgery is the right choice for you.

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