All About Hip Surgery

Each year, orthopedic surgeons perform thousands of hip surgeries. There are many different types of hip surgery. Our orthopedic specialists work with you to select the appropriate procedure option depending on your medical history, general health, hip problem, and your individual needs.

Standard Total Hip Replacement Surgery

In this procedure, the surgeon moves some of the muscles of the hip to expose the joint. He then removes the damaged cartilage and bone and inserts the artificial joint (prosthesis). The new socket attaches to your pelvic bone and the top portion of the thigh bone (the femur).

There are two types of standard total hip replacement surgeries. The first is cemented replacement and this is where the prosthesis is held in place on the hip with bone cement. The other type is un-cemented replacement and this is where the prosthesis has a textured surface that allows the new bone to grow on to the implant to stay in place.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

These procedures use smaller incisions and minimally invasive techniques. The surgeon goes between the muscles rather than removing or detaching them. Most minimally invasive surgery can be performed with regional anesthesia, therefore reducing unnecessary side effects and speeding up your recovery time. There are three types of minimally invasive surgeries. The first is the posterior approach where the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the hip. The second is the anterolateral approach where the surgeon makes an incision on the side of the hip. The third type is the direct anterior approach where the surgeon makes an incision in the front aspect of the hip.rnHip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopyhip osteotomy is a surgery that is done to remove any loose bodies and repair damaged cartilage in the hip joint. Our orthopedic specialist uses a small camera (the arthroscope) inserted in the joint to give him a clear picture of what is going on. The image is displayed on a TV monitor to allow him accurate and detailed viewing. This instrument is also used to remove or repair any damaged tissue that is found.

Hip Osteotomy

A hip osteotomy is a surgical procedure where the hip joint is cut and reshaped. This operation works well for those individuals with an unusually shallow hip joint known as the condition of hip dysplasia. The bones can be cut and then realigned to stabilize the joint. This procedure is often done to delay the need for a hip replacement and helps alleviate pain.

Internal Fixation of the Hip

This procedure is often used to treat fractures of the hip. Internal fixation allows the orthopedic specialist to place metal screws into the joint to hold the bones in place so they will heal properly.

Hip Replacement Implant Options

There are several different types of implants your orthopedic surgeon can use. The first is the metal and plastic type. These are the ones most commonly used. Both the ball and the socket of the joint are replaced with a metal prosthesis and a plastic spacer is put between them. The metal head is made of cobalt chrome. The plastic is polyethylene. Another type is called a ceramic-on-polyethylene implant. It is designed to be the more resistant to wear. Ceramic implants are used in the place of metal, as it can be manufactured with a smoother surface. Highly cross-linked polyethylene is the plastic that is used for both metal, as well as ceramic femoral head implants. The plastic is cross-linked to add durability.