Questions to ask your doctor

Having trouble knowing where to start? These starter questions will help you talk about your hip pain with your doctor. They’ll also help you and your doctor determine if hip replacement makes sense for you. We’ve collected some information to connect you with what you might need in order to take on your hip pain.


  • Which pain relief options may work as well for me as joint replacement?
  • How much relief will hip replacement give me?
  • How is hip replacement done?
  • What should I expect after the surgery?
  • How much pain will I feel after surgery, and how is it managed?
  • What are the risks or complications of hip replacement?
  • Will I have mobility restrictions? For how long?
  • How long will I be in the hospital?
  • How long before I can return to my normal activities?
  • Is hip replacement surgery covered by my insurance?
  • Which company’s joint replacement products would you use for me? Why?
  • Will you be performing the surgery?
  • How many hip replacements have you performed?

Download this discussion guide to take with you to your doctor's appointment

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Important information

U.S. Modular Hip Settlement Program

Stryker's Voluntary Recall of Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck Hip Stems


Hip Replacements

Hip joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, fracture of the neck of the femur or functional deformity of the hip.

Joint replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock, skeletal immaturity, severe instability of the joint, or excessive body weight.

Like any surgery, joint replacement surgery has serious risks which include, but are not limited to, pain, infection, bone fracture, change in the treated leg length (hip), joint stiffness, hip joint fusion, amputation, peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage), circulatory compromise (including deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)), genitourinary disorders (including kidney failure), gastrointestinal disorders (including paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal digestive movement)), vascular disorders (including thrombus (blood clots), blood loss, or changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm), bronchopulmonary disorders (including emboli, stroke or pneumonia), heart attack, and death.

Implant related risks which may lead to a revision of the implant include dislocation, loosening, fracture, nerve damage, heterotopic bone formation (abnormal bone growth in tissue), wear of the implant, metal and/or foreign body sensitivity, soft tissue imbalance, osteolysis (localized progressive bone loss), audible sounds during motion, and reaction to particle debris. Hip implants may not provide the same feel or performance characteristics experienced with a normal healthy joint.

The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is appropriate for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will return to the same activity level. The lifetime of any joint replacement is limited and depends on several factors like patient weight and activity level. Your doctor will counsel you about strategies to potentially prolong the lifetime of the device, including avoiding high-impact activities, such as running, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to closely follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post-surgery activity, treatment and follow-up care. Ask your doctor if a joint replacement is right for you.

Stryker Corporation or its other divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Mako, Mobile Bearing Hip, Stryker, Together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.


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