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What is Hip Surgery?

Hip surgery is a surgical procedure for the treatment of a hip injury or hip condition. The procedure involves repairing diseased or damaged structures of the hip joint in order to eliminate pain and restore normal hip function.

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point where the thighbone (femur) and pelvis (acetabulum) join. It is a ball-and-socket joint in which the head of the femur forms the ball, and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by smooth articular cartilage that cushions and enables smooth movement of the joint. Stability of the hip joint is achieved by the labrum, ligaments, and tendons that encase the hip and support hip movements. Any damage to these structures may warrant a hip surgery.

Indications for Hip Surgery

Hip surgery is indicated when non-surgical treatment such as medications, injections, physical therapy, closed reduction and manipulation have been unsuccessful in treating hip conditions such as:

  • Arthritis: Degenerative joint condition that causes the cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones in a joint, to wear off, causing painful rubbing of the bones
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Friction in the hip joint from abnormal bony irregularities
  • Hip dislocation: Head of the femur moves out of the socket
  • Hip dysplasia: Congenital hip condition characterized by a shallow acetabulum
  • Labral tear: Tear or separation of the labrum, a cartilaginous ring that surrounds the socket and seals the hip joint
  • Avascular necrosis: Disrupted blood flow to the hip joint, causing death of bone tissue
  • Hip fracture: A break in the hip bone as a result of a high-energy trauma or bone weakness.

Preparation for Hip Surgery

Preoperative preparation for hip surgery will generally involve the following steps:

  • A thorough examination is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
  • Depending on your medical history, social history, and age, you may need to undergo tests such as blood work and imaging to help detect any abnormalities that could compromise the safety of the surgery.
  • You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
  • You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
  • You may need to refrain from supplements or medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories for a week or two prior to surgery.
  • You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
  • A written consent will be obtained from you after the surgical procedure has been explained in detail.

Procedure for Hip Surgery

Several types of hip surgeries can be performed based on your hip condition. Hip surgery is usually performed under general or local anesthesia either as an open surgery or as a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure.

In an open surgery, a long incision of several centimeters is made over the hip joint. The underlying soft tissues are carefully moved aside to expose the treatment area. Special surgical tools are used to carry out the required repair around the joint. Once the repair is complete, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed with stitches or small sterile bandage strips.

Risks and Complications

Hip surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to nerves and vessels
  • Thromboembolism or blood clots
  • Hip instability
  • Joint stiffness
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Dislocation
  • Re-rupture of the repaired tendon
  • Hardware failure
  • Graft failure
  • Need for additional surgery
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery logo
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons logo
  • Massachusetts General Hospital logo
  • Case Western Reserve University logo
  • Iowa Orthopaedic Center logo
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) logo