The Robotic Joint Replacement Journal
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — ACTIVE ADULT WALKING OR GOLFING]
Hip arthritis can gradually limit mobility, comfort, and the ability to stay active. Many patients initially attribute hip pain to aging or minor injury, but progressive arthritis of the hip joint may eventually reach a stage where surgical treatment becomes the most effective solution.
Understanding when hip replacement surgery may be appropriate helps patients make informed decisions about their joint health and long-term mobility.
Robert J. Avino, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, focuses on robotic-assisted hip replacement for patients with advanced arthritis of the hip joint.
Understanding Hip Arthritis
The most common reason patients require hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition in which the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears away.
The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket joint, allowing smooth movement during walking, sitting, and rotation of the leg. When cartilage deteriorates, the joint surfaces may begin to rub directly against each other.
As arthritis progresses, patients may experience:
- Joint stiffness
- Pain during walking or standing
- Reduced hip flexibility
- Difficulty with daily movement
- Progressive loss of joint function
These changes often develop slowly over time, but they can significantly affect mobility and independence.
Early Symptoms of Hip Arthritis
Many patients begin noticing symptoms long before they consider surgical treatment.
Common early signs of hip arthritis may include:
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Stiffness when getting out of a chair
- Discomfort after prolonged walking
- Limited hip flexibility
- Difficulty putting on shoes or socks
Because the hip joint is responsible for supporting body weight during movement, even mild arthritis may begin to interfere with normal activity.
When Hip Arthritis Becomes Advanced
As arthritis progresses, symptoms often become more persistent and more limiting.
Patients with advanced hip arthritis may experience:
- Pain during walking or standing
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Reduced walking distance
- Loss of hip motion
- Pain that interferes with sleep or rest
These symptoms often occur when the cartilage within the hip joint has significantly deteriorated.
What “Bone-on-Bone” Hip Arthritis Means
Advanced arthritis may lead to bone-on-bone degeneration, a term used when the protective cartilage within the joint has worn away almost completely.
Without cartilage to cushion the joint, the bones of the hip may rub against each other during movement.
Bone-on-bone hip arthritis may lead to:
- Increased joint pain
- Stiffness and reduced flexibility
- Difficulty walking longer distances
- Progressive joint degeneration
At this stage, hip replacement surgery is often considered when symptoms significantly affect daily life.
When Non-Surgical Treatments Are No Longer Effective
Before considering surgery, many patients attempt non-surgical treatments.
These may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Joint injections
While these treatments may help manage symptoms temporarily, they do not restore cartilage that has been lost.
When arthritis continues to progress and mobility becomes increasingly limited, hip replacement surgery may be recommended.
How Hip Replacement Surgery Restores Joint Function
Hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged portions of the hip joint with medical implants designed to restore smooth movement and alignment.
During the procedure, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with an artificial joint that allows the hip to move more comfortably.
Modern hip replacement implants are designed to restore joint mechanics and improve mobility for patients with advanced arthritis.
Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement
Advances in surgical technology now allow hip replacement procedures to be carefully planned before surgery begins.
Dr. Avino performs robotic-assisted hip replacement using Mako robotic-arm technology, which creates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s hip joint.
This allows the surgeon to plan implant positioning and joint alignment prior to surgery and helps guide the procedure during the operation.
Robotic-assisted planning allows the surgical approach to be tailored to the patient’s anatomy.
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Consultation for Hip Arthritis
Patients considering hip replacement often benefit from consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on joint replacement.
During consultation, the hip joint is evaluated through:
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination
- Imaging studies such as X-rays
- Discussion of treatment options
This evaluation helps determine whether hip replacement surgery may be appropriate based on the condition of the joint and the patient’s activity goals.
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Schedule a Consultation
If hip arthritis is limiting your mobility or interfering with your ability to stay active, consultation with a joint replacement surgeon can help determine whether hip replacement surgery may be appropriate.
Patients may request a consultation online or call Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute and ask for Dr. Robert J. Avino when scheduling.