If the thought of hip replacement makes you skittish, there are plenty of pain-relief options if you suffer from mild or even severe hip osteoarthritis.

Nearly 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), and one of the joints frequently affected, especially in older adults, is the hip. Although total hip replacement techniques have been refined and the procedure is safe and effective for many OA patients—the diseased ball and socket of the hip joint are removed, as are several inches of the upper femur (thigh bone), and replaced with artificial materials—the surgery carries certain risks, including blood clots, infection, and eventual loosening and wear of the artificial joint.

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