🦴 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