Hip Replacement

Our top-rated joint replacement specialists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions causing hip pain. Our providers utilize non-operative treatments for hip pain, and when those fail, surgery may be indicated. Common surgical options include:

• Hip Arthroscopy
• Total Hip Replacement

Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is usually an outpatient procedure to repair torn cartilage (aka the labrum) and to remove extra bone that occurs in the very earliest stages of arthritis using small stab incisions around the hip to allow for insertion of the arthroscope (tiny camera). It is rarely indicated for patients over 50 years of age.

Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is the gold standard for disabling hip pain. It can be indicated in patients of all ages and activity levels, although generally it is best to do after the age of 60. It can be performed through various approaches (front, back and side) with various implant designs. Currently the most common designs are made out of titanium with metal heads against the newest plastics. Other materials may be used in selected cases.

Different Approaches to Hip Surgery

When a hip is replaced, the way a surgeon gains access to the hip is referred to as an "approach." There are various types of approaches named according to the direction that the surgery is performed. The most common approach today is referred to as the "posterior approach" and this is done from the back of the hip. Some more recent improvements to this approach (small incision and less tissue trauma) have been called "mini posterior approach."

Another currently popular approach is known as the "anterior approach," because it is performed from the front of the hip. The lateral approach is less popular. There are pros and cons of each approach and little science to endorse one over the other. A conversation with your surgeon should help decide which approach is the best for each patient.

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a term that describes a combination of reducing incision length and lessening tissue disruption beneath the incision. This includes cutting less muscle and detaching less tendon from the bone. Combined with these techniques are advancements of anesthesia and pain management that take place around the surgery. All of this typically allows patients to feel better, have less pain, and regain function faster than in the recent past.

The size of the incision is variable, and depends on several factors that include the size of the patient, the complexity of the surgery, and surgeon preference.