Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic surgical procedures performed all over the world. In the United States alone, according to a figure, more than 350,000 operations are performed every year.

Total Hip Replacement surgery is a procedure where the bones of the hip joint are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. Hip replacement surgery is a treatment for severe arthritis or the worn out cartilage. Hip replacement involves placing a metal and plastic ball and socket in the arthritic joint to substitute for the worn out cartilage. To ensure that the weight passes through the hip is normally distributed, the bones of the hip are "realigned" and leg length is restored and/or corrected.

A total hip replacement is a big surgery, and therefore, your doctor is the best person to decide wheather you require the surgery or not. There are many factors that you and your doctor must consider prior to surgery, including age, overall health, and bone density. However, following are some of the signs to look for to help you decide if the time is right, or not for the surgery:

- Your hip pain limits your essential daily activities like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, getting dressed or other    activities that give you pleasure like traveling, shopping, walking for exercise etc.

In the United States, the average age of joint replacement patient is around 65-70 years old, however patients of all ages have received hip implants.