Understanding the Different Types of Hip Surgery

 

Hip pain can greatly hinder your mobility and quality of life. If conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections have not addressed your pain, surgery may be necessary. However, the idea of undergoing a surgical procedure can be daunting, especially when you don't fully understand what it entails. This blog will provide you with an overview of the different types of hip surgery to help you make an informed decision and improve your confidence before your procedure.

 

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

This is the most common type of hip surgery, and it is recommended when conservative treatments have failed to relieve chronic hip pain due to osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, or other hip conditions. During the surgery, the damaged hip joint is removed, and an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic is inserted to replace it. After the procedure, you will usually need to stay in the hospital for a few days and undergo physical therapy for several weeks to help you fully recover.

Hip Resurfacing Surgery

This type of surgery is similar to total hip replacement surgery, but it is recommended for younger patients who have severe hip pain associated with osteoarthritis or other hip conditions. Instead of removing the entire hip joint, the surface of the hip joint is shaved down and capped with a metal covering to improve mobility and eliminate pain. Hip resurfacing surgery is typically performed on patients who have stronger bones and require less invasive surgery and quicker recovery time.

Hip Arthroscopy Surgery

This minimally invasive procedure is recommended to treat hip pain caused by a variety of conditions such as labral tears, hip impingement, or loose cartilage. During an arthroscopy, a small camera is inserted through a small incision in the hip, allowing the surgeon to visualize and treat the problem by removing damaged tissue, repairing tears, or resecting bone. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Revision Hip Surgery

This type of surgery is recommended for patients who have already undergone a total hip replacement but need to have the artificial joint replaced due to wear or damage. The revision surgery is more complex than primary total hip replacement surgery because additional bone needs to be removed, and the new artificial joint needs to be fitted and aligned with the remaining bone. However, with advances in technology and techniques, the success rate of revision hip surgery has significantly improved, and most patients are able to regain their normal hip function.

Hip Fusion Surgery

This type of surgery is rarely recommended by orthopedic surgeons because it only allows you to partially move your hip joint. However, it may be recommended for patients who have severe arthritis, infection, or hip dysplasia, and when other types of hip surgery are unlikely to be successful. During the procedure, the hip joint is fused together using pins, screws, or other hardware to permanently immobilize the joint and eliminate hip pain.

 

Conclusion

Hip surgery can be an effective treatment option for chronic hip pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, and there are different types of surgery depending on your specific hip condition. The type of hip surgery best suited for you will depend on the extent of your condition, your age, your bone quality, and your lifestyle needs. We recommend consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon to discuss the different types of hip surgery and determine the best course of treatment to help you achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle. If you are looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary, FL, don't hesitate to contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute for more information on our hip surgery services.