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
