Hip Surgery

🦴 What Is Hip Surgery?

Hip surgery refers to procedures aimed at relieving pain, improving function, and repairing or replacing damaged structures in the hip joint. It's commonly used for conditions like arthritis, labral tears, hip fractures, or impingement syndromes.

🧰 Types of Hip Surgery

1. Total Hip Replacement (THR / Hip Arthroplasty)

What it is: The damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis (metal, ceramic, or plastic).

Who needs it: Patients with severe arthritis, bone collapse (avascular necrosis), or serious hip damage.

Procedure: The femoral head and acetabulum are replaced.

Recovery: Walking with support within a day or two, full recovery in 3–6 months.

2. Hip Arthroscopy

What it is: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to repair structures inside the hip.

Used for:

Labral tears

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Loose bodies

Cartilage damage

Ideal for: Young, active patients with mechanical hip pain.

Recovery: Return to sports in 3–6 months.

3. Hip Resurfacing

What it is: The femoral head is capped with a metal covering rather than removed.

Pros: Bone-preserving option for younger, active patients.

Cons: Higher risk of metal ion complications; less common today.

4. Hip Fracture Surgery

Types:

Internal fixation with screws, plates, or rods

Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty)

Total hip replacement

Common in: Older adults after a fall

Goal: Early mobility to prevent complications like clots or pneumonia

5. Osteotomy

What it is: Cutting and realigning bones to redistribute weight on the hip.

Used in: Younger patients with deformities or early arthritis

Goal: Delay or prevent need for a hip replacement

🩺 Reasons for Hip Surgery

Severe hip pain

Loss of mobility

Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)

Hip impingement (FAI)

Labral tears

Hip dysplasia

Hip fractures

Avascular necrosis (bone death due to lack of blood supply)

⏳ Recovery Expectations

Surgery Type Hospital Stay Walk with Support Return to Work Full Recovery

Arthroscopy Same day 1–2 days 2–6 weeks 3–6 months

Total Hip Replacement 1–3 days 1–3 days 4–8 weeks 3–6 months

Fracture Repair 1–4 days 1–3 days 4–8 weeks 3–6 months

Osteotomy 2–4 days 1 week+ 6–12 weeks 6–12 months

⚠️ Risks and Complications

Blood clots (DVT/PE)

Infection

Dislocation (especially post-THR)

Nerve injury

Leg length discrepancy

Wear or loosening of implants (in long term)

🧑‍⚕️ Post-Surgery Care

Physical therapy: Essential for strength and motion

Pain management: Medications, ice, and gradual activity

Blood clot prevention: Medications and compression devices

Home adjustments: Raised toilet seats, handrails, walker or cane