How effective is total hip replacement for avascular necrosis of the hip?

Avascular necrosis reduces the blood supply to the femoral head. As the bone weakens or changes shape, the joint may develop painful contact, stiffness, and reduced walking tolerance. A total hip replacement replaces the damaged ball and socket surfaces with implants, removing the worn joint surfaces that generate pain during movement.

People often work toward easier walking, sitting, dressing, and stair use after healing. The result is influenced by the amount of bone damage, muscle condition, other joint problems, general health, and the rehabilitation plan. A replacement does not treat every source of hip or leg pain, and some movements may be restricted temporarily while tissues recover.

Before surgery, review medicines, dental or skin infections, home support, and the exercises recommended by the team. Afterwards, use the walking aid and movement precautions provided, keep the wound clean and dry as instructed, and build activity gradually. Physiotherapy can restore hip strength and teach safer transfers. Ask when driving, work, swimming, and higher-impact activities may be resumed for your specific approach.

Seek urgent medical advice for increasing wound redness or drainage, fever, sudden severe hip pain, a leg that appears shortened or rotated, new inability to bear weight, marked calf swelling, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness. These signs need assessment rather than extra exercise.

Ask how advanced the bone damage is, which movements need protection, how progress will be measured, and what pain may come from muscles rather than the joint. Discuss implant choice, leg-length planning, and a realistic return-to-activity pathway.