Whether you or a loved one need hip surgery, we know you may have many questions about the procedure. Orthopedic hip experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, are here to help explain the differences in surgical treatments for your hip pain or injury.
Our dedicated team combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment tailored to your specific needs. We focus not only on the surgical procedure itself, but also on your overall recovery, so that you can get back to daily living.
What is hip surgery and why is it performed?
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint made of two bones: the thighbone (femur) and the pelvis. The socket, called the acetabulum, is in the pelvis, and the ball, called the femoral head, is at the top of the thighbone.
Some people may experience problems in the joint that lead to pain and other symptoms. These issues often result from conditions that result in general wear and tear on the joint, or from congenital conditions that later appear in adulthood. You may require hip surgery if other treatment measures have failed.
There are many conditions that may lead to hip surgery, including:
The goal of hip surgery is to preserve as much of the hip joint as possible. Our hip preservation program helps people get back to their activities faster. By reshaping and repairing the joint, it gives you the best possibility of maintaining a healthy hip long-term. This can reduce pain and make the hip work better.
Types of hip surgery
Your doctor will determine what type of hip surgery you may need. This will be determined by the extent of the damage to the hip joint and other related factors.
Types of hip surgery include:
- Hip arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an arthroscope, which is a surgical instrument equipped with a camera, that allows the surgeon to view the hip joint and make repairs as needed.
- Hip resurfacing: A procedure that involves trimming and capping the femoral head with a smooth metal covering rather than completely replacing it.
- Osteotomy: An osteotomy involves cutting and reshaping bones to relieve stress on the hip joint.
- Labral repair: Labral repair fixes tears that occur in the labrum. The labrum is the cartilage surrounding the hip joint.
- Synovectomy: Synovectomies involve removal of the inflamed synovial membrane from the hip joint.
- Total hip replacement (THR): This is a surgical procedure in which the entire hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. If a hip replacement surgery ends up failing and needs repairing or replacing, this is called hip revision.
It’s important to note that in some cases, your doctor may make repairs or improvements after surgery has started, should they find additional issues in the hip joint. Your doctor will discuss this with you and what this may mean for your recovery.
What to expect before hip surgery?
You’ll meet with an administrative assistant to schedule your surgery, choose a date and receive location details and preparation instructions. Additionally, you’ll have an assessment to review your medical history and possibly undergo preadmission testing to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
Your care team will review any current medications you may be on and will provide instructions on when and how you should take your medication before surgery. They’ll also discuss any lifestyle modifications you may need to make, including tobacco use or activity restrictions. Be sure to follow specific presurgery instructions that were provided by your care team.
Many people who have hip surgery will need crutches, a walker and/or a hip brace post-surgery. Your care team will work with you to help you get any items you may need. You’ll also want to arrange for transportation on surgery day, and to and from appointments in the following weeks.
You will not be able to drive until you’re off narcotic medications and walking aids. Your doctor will determine when you can resume driving. If you have specific questions prior to surgery day, be sure to call your doctor.
What to expect after hip surgery
These instructions are general guidelines, and your surgeon will give you specific instructions, if needed.
Things to avoid:
- No prolonged sitting, standing or walking.
- No repetitive actions like sweeping, mopping or gym exercises.
Swelling and pain:
- If you were given a hip brace, wear it as prescribed.
- Ice and compression can help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Your preoperative visit will explain how to do this.
Incision care:
- Keep stitches clean and dry.
- Don't submerge incisions in water.
- Avoid using lotions, soaps, ointments, rubbing alcohol or antibiotic creams on incisions.
Medications:
- You’ll receive a list of medications upon leaving the hospital, which will be customized for your needs. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other types of pain medications. Follow the dosage instructions given.
Exercise:
- Limit exercise to physical therapy and approved activities discussed with your surgical team.
- Most people need physical therapy after surgery. Your doctor will discuss this with you. Physical therapy's start time depends on your surgery type. More information will be given at your preoperative and first postoperative appointments.
Follow-up care:
- Your first follow-up appointment is usually 10-14 days after surgery, often with a physician assistant. Check your preoperative packet for details, check your MyChart or call the office to schedule, if not already done.
How long does it take to recover from hip surgery?
Recovery time from hip surgery varies for each person and depends on the specific type of surgery. Generally, it’s important to gradually return to activities and monitor if any pain increases. Running or other exercise programs often start around 12 weeks after surgery. Always discuss your activities with your surgical team and physical therapists to determine a safe timeline for your hip.
Physical therapy after hip surgery aims to strengthen the hip, core and gluteal muscles and ensure the body is stable and it is safe enough to return to activity. Athletes returning to sports should stay involved with their team by learning, observing and encouraging teammates or by helping with team tasks. Each athlete recovers at a unique pace, so it is crucial to check with your physician and physical therapist before fully returning to sports.
How much does hip surgery cost?
Hip surgery costs differ due to insurance coverage. Your care team will explain the charges and assist with any billing questions.
Why choose Ohio State for hip surgery?
Hip experts at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center use an integrated approach to your care. A comprehensive team of surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, administrative professionals, and more will work with you to create a customized treatment plan.
Our team strives to ensure hip preservation instead of hip replacement. This approach focuses on maintaining the health and function of the hip joint to prevent or delay the need for hip replacement surgery, if possible. Our team uses a variety of surgical techniques to ensure preservation of the joint.
