Tag: hip replacement

The hip functions as a ball and socket joint. The top of the femur (thigh bone) fits into the acetabulum (part of the pelvis) to form this “ball and socket” that can move in many different planes of motion. Common signs and symptoms of the need for a total hip replacement or arthroplasty (THR or THA) are severe, limiting pain in the front of the hip or groin area or on the side of the hip, deep aching or throbbing with increased activity, pain that radiates down the side or front of the leg, weakness of the leg causing tripping or falling, walking with a limp, no relief of symptoms with conservative measures such as physical therapy for pain management and strengthening or anti-inflammatory injections and/or medications. These signs and symptoms can be as a result of joint deterioration from osteoarthritis or other issues such as trauma or avascular necrosis (loss of blood flow to the femur or “ball” of the joint). Continue reading “Heads Up on a Total Hip Replacement”