<s>[INST] HI! I have been told I need a hip replacement. I m a 63 year old female in good health. My X-ray shows I m bone on bone. I m not in much pain. My biggest complaint is flexibility & stiffness after sitting for an extended length of time. I don t want to make things worse with the rest of my body (back & other hip). How do I know when it s time for surgery? [/INST] Hi I have read your question and understand your concern. It is difficult to decide without actually having viewed your X-ray. However, in general the main indication for a hip replacement is pain arising from the hip or a fracture around the hip. Some patients do come in with horrible X-rays but do not have much pain, as is in your case. My opinion is that these patients would less benefit of going through surgery as they would not experience much pain relief compared to those who are in significant pain. My advice would be to start flexibility exercises to help stretch the muscles and improve your stiffness. Should your pain continue to worsen, and you find that you have difficulty in performing your daily activities then surgery is always an option. </s>