Hip Surgery
Hip conditions can cause pain in the groin, thigh, buttock, or knee and may make walking, sitting, sleeping, or daily activity difficult. Hip surgery is considered when non-surgical treatment is no longer effective and the patient’s quality of life is affected.
Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is performed to replace a damaged hip joint with artificial components. It is commonly used for arthritis, fractures, avascular necrosis, or severe joint damage.
The direct anterior approach is a muscle-sparing technique where the hip is accessed from the front. In suitable patients, this approach may reduce muscle disruption and support early mobility.
Hip replacement may be considered when pain continues despite medication, worsens while walking, affects sleep, makes stairs difficult, or causes difficulty rising from a chair. Mayo Clinic lists these as common reasons a hip replacement may be considered.
The goals of hip replacement are to:
Reduce hip pain
Improve walking ability
Restore joint movement
Improve independence
Help patients return to normal daily life
AAOS describes total hip replacement as a procedure that can relieve pain, improve motion, and help patients return to everyday activities when other treatments no longer help.
Hip Fracture Surgery
Hip fractures are serious injuries, especially in older adults and people with weakened bones. They commonly occur after falls, road traffic accidents, or severe trauma, particularly high-energy injuries.
Surgery is often required to stabilize or replace the broken part of the hip, depending on the type of fracture, age of the patient, bone quality, and activity level.
Treatment may include:
Screws or plates to fix the fracture
Intramedullary nails for certain fracture patterns
Partial or total hip replacement in selected cases
The aim is to reduce pain, allow early mobilization, prevent complications from prolonged bed rest, and help the patient return to function as safely as possible.
Primary and Revision Hip Replacement
Primary hip replacement is the first replacement of the damaged hip joint. Revision hip replacement is performed when an earlier hip replacement needs correction or replacement due to loosening, wear, instability, infection, fracture, or implant failure.
Revision hip surgery is more complex than primary surgery and may require bone grafting, specialized implants, and detailed surgical planning.
