Hip Orthopedic Surgeon: Conditions Treated, Surgery Options & Choosing the Right Doctor
Living with hip pain can make walking, climbing stairs or even sitting comfortably feel difficult. And when the pain keeps coming back, you may be looking for an experienced Hip Orthopedic Surgeon who can explain what's causing it and guide you towards the right treatment.
A hip specialist can assess your symptoms, identify the possible cause and help you understand whether physical therapy, medication, hip arthroscopy or hip replacement may suit your condition.
In this blog we'll cover the warning signs that need attention, types of hip surgeons, common hip conditions, your first appointment, treatment options, surgery risks and how to choose a qualified surgeon.
Quick Answer: What Does a Hip Orthopedic Surgeon Do and When Should You See One?
A Hip Orthopedic Surgeon diagnoses and treats problems affecting the hip joint, thigh bone, labrum, cartilage, muscles and nearby soft tissues. You may need a hip specialist when pain keeps coming back, affects walking or sleep or comes with stiffness and reduced movement.
Not every hip pain needs surgery. Firstly an orthopedic evaluation can help find whether the problem is related to arthritis, injury, a labral problem, tendon or muscle issues or another condition and then the treatment can be planned accordingly.
When to Seek Care for Hip Pain
| Hip problem | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Mild pain that is improving | Rest and monitor it |
| Pain lasting more than a few days | Schedule an evaluation |
| Pain affecting walking or sleep | See a hip specialist |
| Stiffness, grinding or reduced movement | Arrange an orthopedic evaluation |
| Pain after a fall | Get medical assessment |
| Cannot bear weight after a fall | Seek urgent care |
| Fever with a hot or swollen hip | Seek same-day medical care |
| Sudden pain after hip replacement | Seek emergency care |
Along with orthopedic hip surgeons, you may come across terms such as hip orthopedic doctors, hip specialist or hip replacement surgeon. The right specialist depends on what is causing your symptoms and whether you need non-surgical treatment, hip arthroscopy or replacement surgery.
Hip Warning Signs That Need Urgent Attention
Hip pain after extra activity may settle with rest but certain symptoms need urgent medical attention. And at the same time pain severity alone does not always show how serious the problem is, especially after a fall or hip replacement. A Hip Orthopedic Surgeon can assess the cause, but suspected fractures, joint infections and dislocations should not wait for a routine appointment.
Can’t Bear Weight or Leg Looks Shortened After a Fall: Possible Hip Fracture
After a fall if you cannot stand or put weight on your leg there could be a hip fracture. The leg may also look shorter, turn outward or appear deformed, so you should not try to walk on it or straighten it yourself.
- Firstly keep the person still and comfortable while waiting for emergency help.
- Then get an urgent medical assessment. X-rays are commonly used and a CT scan may be needed if the fracture is not clear.
- And also treatment depends on the fracture and may involve surgical fixation or hip replacement.
Sudden Hip Pain With Fever or Chills: Possible Joint Infection
Sudden hip pain with fever or chills can sometimes point to a joint infection called septic arthritis. A hot or swollen hip, redness, severe pain when moving the joint or difficulty bearing weight makes this more concerning, especially after hip replacement, an injection or an injury.
For this you should seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for the symptoms to settle. Doctors may need blood tests and joint fluid testing to identify the infection, and treatment can involve antibiotics and drainage of infected fluid.
- Firstly seek emergency assessment if the pain starts suddenly with fever or chills.
- Along with this, tell the doctor about any recent hip surgery, injections or infections.
- And then follow the treatment plan carefully because delaying treatment can damage the joint.
Sudden Pain and Inability to Move After Hip Replacement: Possible Dislocation
After hip replacement, sudden severe hip pain with an inability to move the leg or stand may indicate that the artificial joint has dislocated. The leg may appear shorter or turn inward or outward and you might notice an unusual change in the shape of your hip.
| Warning sign | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Sudden severe hip or groin pain | Stop moving and seek emergency care. |
| Leg looks shorter or sits at an unusual angle | Do not try to reposition the joint yourself. |
| Unable to stand or move the hip | Keep the leg supported and wait for medical help. |
A hip replacement surgeon or Hip Orthopedic Surgeon can confirm the dislocation using an examination and X-rays. Treatment may involve moving the joint back into position under sedation or anaesthesia, while some cases need further surgery.
And also remember that not every sudden pain after hip replacement means a dislocation but you should get it checked urgently rather than assuming it is normal recovery discomfort.
Types of Hip Surgeons: Which Specialist Do You Need?
Hip pain can make walking, sitting or even putting on your shoes uncomfortable. And when the pain continues, you may be wondering which Hip Orthopedic Surgeon can help you. The right specialist depends on what’s causing your symptoms, your age and whether the hip joint can still be preserved.
Some surgeons focus on replacing damaged joints, while others treat sports-related injuries or fractures. Children and teenagers may need a specialist who understands how their hip bones are still developing.
Adult Reconstruction (Hip Replacement) Surgeons
If hip arthritis is making everyday activities difficult despite physical therapy, medication or injections, an adult reconstruction surgeon may be the right choice. These surgeons treat advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and avascular necrosis, where the bone tissue loses its blood supply.
A hip replacement surgeon may recommend total hip replacement when joint damage becomes severe. They also treat problems with previous replacements, such as implant loosening, wear or repeated dislocation.
You may consider this specialist if:
- Hip pain continues to affect walking, sleep or daily activities.
- X-rays show advanced joint damage.
- Physical therapy, medication or injections no longer provide enough relief.
- A previous hip replacement has become painful, loose or unstable.
Hip Preservation & Arthroscopy Specialists
Are you younger or middle-aged and experiencing groin pain when twisting, squatting or playing sports? A hip-preservation specialist may help investigate problems such as labral tears, hip impingement or dysplasia.
These orthopedic hip surgeons aim to preserve your natural joint for as long as possible. A hip arthroscopy surgeon may use small incisions, a camera and specialised instruments to treat selected problems inside the joint.
Common reasons to see this specialist include:
- Labral tears: Damage to the cartilage around the hip socket, which may cause groin pain or clicking.
- Hip impingement: Bone shapes rub against each other during certain movements.
- Hip dysplasia: The socket doesn't fully cover the ball of the hip joint.
- Early arthritis: Joint-preserving treatment may still be an option, depending on the damage.
Along with physical therapy, selected patients may need arthroscopy or surgery to correct the shape of the hip socket. However, preserving the natural joint isn't always possible when arthritis is advanced.
Trauma & Pediatric Hip Surgeons
After a serious fall or accident, a hip fracture or dislocation needs urgent medical attention. Orthopedic trauma surgeons treat these injuries and may use screws, nails or hip replacement surgery depending on the fracture.
Children and teenagers need different care because their bones are still growing. Pediatric hip orthopedic doctors treat conditions such as developmental hip dysplasia and slipped capital femoral epiphysis, where the upper thighbone slips at its growth plate.
| Specialist | When you may need one |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic trauma surgeon | After a hip fracture, dislocation or major accident |
| Pediatric hip surgeon | When a baby has suspected hip dysplasia or a child develops a limp |
| Pediatric hip surgeon | When a teenager has hip pain, stiffness or difficulty walking |
A hip specialist should have experience treating your particular condition, but fellowship training alone doesn't guarantee the best outcome. You should also ask about their experience with your diagnosis, available treatment options and recovery plan.
Common Hip Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Surgeons
Hip pain can start gradually or appear after an injury. You might notice stiffness when getting out of a chair, pain while walking or discomfort that makes it difficult to sleep on one side. A Hip Orthopedic Surgeon can examine your symptoms and help identify the cause, because different hip conditions may need different treatments.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Does your hip feel stiff after sitting for a while, or does walking make the pain worse? Hip osteoarthritis often develops as the cartilage covering the joint wears down.
You may notice symptoms such as:
- Pain in your groin, front thigh or buttock.
- Discomfort that sometimes spreads towards your knee.
- Stiffness after sitting or resting.
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or putting on shoes and socks.
In the beginning, treatment usually focuses on reducing pain and helping you move more comfortably. Physical therapy, low-impact exercise, activity changes and medication may help. Injections are also an option for selected patients.
When joint damage becomes advanced and nonsurgical treatments no longer provide enough relief, a hip replacement surgeon may discuss total hip replacement with you.
Labral Tears & Hip Impingement (FAI)
You might notice groin pain when doing deep squats, twisting your body or sitting for a long time. Sometimes, your hip may click, catch or feel stiff. These symptoms can occur with a labral tear or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), but an examination and imaging are needed to identify the actual cause.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around your hip socket that helps support the joint. With FAI, the shape of the ball or socket causes pinching during certain movements, which can damage the labrum or nearby cartilage.
Here's how these problems differ:
| Condition | What happens |
|---|---|
| Labral tear | The cartilage around the hip socket gets damaged, which may cause groin pain, clicking or catching. |
| Hip impingement (FAI) | The shape of the ball or socket causes the bones to pinch during certain movements. This may damage the labrum or joint cartilage. |
Treatment often starts with changing activities, physical therapy and medication when suitable. If symptoms continue and tests show a problem that surgery can treat, a hip arthroscopy surgeon may repair the labrum or reshape the bone through small incisions. This approach isn't suitable for every patient, particularly when arthritis is advanced.
Hip Fractures
After a fall or serious accident, severe hip or groin pain needs prompt medical attention. You may find that you cannot stand, walk or put weight on the injured leg. The leg may also look shorter or turn outward.
Hip fractures are breaks in the upper part of the thighbone near the joint. They occur more often in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis, but major trauma can cause them at any age.
Watch for these warning signs after a fall:
- Severe pain in the hip, groin or upper thigh.
- Inability to stand, walk or bear weight on the injured leg.
- A leg that appears shorter or turns outward.
- Swelling or bruising around the hip.
If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for the pain to settle.
Treatment often involves surgery using screws, plates or nails to stabilise the bone. Some fractures may require partial or total hip replacement, followed by rehabilitation.
Hip Bursitis, Avascular Necrosis & Hip Dysplasia
Pain around your hip can have different causes, even when the discomfort feels similar. These three conditions affect different parts of the joint, so treatment depends on what your examination and imaging show.
Hip bursitis
Pain on the outside of your hip, especially when lying on that side or climbing stairs, may be related to hip bursitis. This happens when a small fluid-filled sac around the joint becomes irritated.
Treatment may include:
- Changing activities that make the pain worse.
- Physical therapy and strengthening exercises.
- Medication or injections when appropriate.
Other conditions can cause similar outer-hip pain, so don't assume bursitis is the cause without an assessment.
Avascular necrosis
Avascular necrosis develops when bone tissue loses its blood supply. This can weaken the bone and eventually cause the femoral head to collapse. Hip orthopedic doctors may recommend reduced weight-bearing or other treatments depending on the stage of damage. Surgery may be needed in some cases.
Hip dysplasia
With hip dysplasia, the socket doesn't cover the ball of the joint properly. This can lead to instability, labral damage and early arthritis. Orthopedic hip surgeons may consider joint-preserving treatment or hip replacement depending on your age and the extent of damage.
A hip specialist can help you understand which options fit your condition. Keep in mind that a surgeon's procedure count alone doesn't guarantee the best outcome, so ask about their experience treating your specific hip problem and how they plan to manage your recovery.
What to Expect at Your First Hip Appointment
Your first appointment with a Hip Orthopedic Surgeon helps identify what is causing your pain and which treatment may suit you. Firstly the doctor will ask when the pain started, where you feel it and whether walking, sitting or climbing stairs makes it worse.
What Happens During a First Hip Appointment?
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Medical history | The doctor asks about your pain, previous injuries, medicines and treatments you have tried. |
| Physical examination | You may be asked to walk, bend your hip and move your leg to check flexibility, strength and tenderness. |
| Imaging review | X-rays may show arthritis or bone changes, while an MRI can help identify labral tears and soft-tissue damage. |
| Diagnosis and treatment | Your hip specialist explains the likely cause and discusses therapy, injections or surgery where needed. |
Before your visit, bring previous scan reports and a list of medicines you take. And also write down which movements make your pain worse so you can explain your symptoms clearly.
Hip Treatment Options: Nonsurgical Care, Hip Arthroscopy & Hip Replacement
Not every hip problem needs surgery. An orthopedic hip surgeon may first recommend nonsurgical care and then consider an operation if pain continues or joint damage affects your daily activities.
Nonsurgical Options: Therapy, Injections & Activity Changes
Physical therapy can improve hip strength, flexibility and balance. For this you should follow exercises suited to your condition rather than pushing through pain.
- Firstly activity changes, reduce movements such as deep squats, repeated twisting or high-impact running if they worsen your symptoms.
- Then the medication or injections, your doctor may suggest pain-relief medicines or a corticosteroid injection for short-term relief.
- And also walking aids, a cane or walker may help reduce pressure on your painful hip and make walking easier.
Along with treatment, low-impact activities such as swimming or stationary cycling may help you stay active.
Hip Arthroscopy: Who Is a Good Candidate?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where the hip arthroscopy surgeon uses a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions to treat certain problems inside the joint. It may help with labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement and selected cartilage problems.
You may be a suitable candidate when:
- Hip or groin pain continues despite physical therapy.
- Scans show a problem that can be treated through arthroscopy.
- The joint cartilage is reasonably preserved and arthritis is mild or absent.
However, advanced arthritis or severe joint damage can make hip arthroscopy less suitable. And then your surgeon may discuss other options based on your scan results and symptoms.
Total Hip Replacement: Anterior vs Posterior Approach
When severe arthritis makes walking, sleeping or everyday activities difficult despite nonsurgical treatment, a hip replacement surgeon may recommend total hip replacement. The damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial components to reduce pain and improve movement.
The two common surgical approaches differ in how the surgeon reaches the hip joint.
| Feature | Anterior approach | Posterior approach |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Front of the upper thigh | Back of the hip |
| Muscle handling | Usually works between muscles | May involve more muscle handling |
| Early recovery | May be faster for some patients | May require additional movement precautions |
| Suitable for | Patients with suitable anatomy | Also useful for complex anatomy or selected previous surgeries |
Both approaches can provide excellent results when chosen appropriately. The anterior approach does not guarantee faster recovery and the best option depends on your anatomy, health and surgeon's experience.
After surgery, you will need rehabilitation and should follow the movement precautions given by your care team. And for this you should ask about recovery time, risks and when you can return to work or exercise before choosing your procedure.
Hip treatment should be personalised by a qualified orthopedic hip specialist after an examination and review of your symptoms and imaging.
Hip Surgery Safety: Risks, Dislocation Prevention & Clot Protection
Thinking about hip surgery can feel worrying, especially when you hear about infection, blood clots or dislocation. A Hip Orthopedic Surgeon will assess your health and explain the risks based on the procedure you need. Most complications can’t be ruled out completely, but careful preparation and following your recovery instructions can help lower the risk.
Infection, Blood Clots & Dislocation: The Main Risks
After hip surgery, three complications need particular attention. They don't happen to everyone, but knowing the warning signs helps you respond early.
| Risk | What you should watch for |
|---|---|
| Infection | Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, fever or fluid draining from the incision. |
| Blood clots | Calf pain, tenderness or swelling in one leg. A clot can sometimes travel to the lungs. |
| Hip dislocation | Sudden severe hip or groin pain, difficulty moving the leg or a leg that looks shorter or turns unusually. |
Infection can affect the skin around the incision or the deeper tissues near a replacement implant. Deep infections may need additional surgery. Blood clots are also a concern when you're moving less during recovery, while dislocation is more likely during the first few months after hip replacement as the surrounding tissues heal.
Seek emergency care if you develop sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or signs of a possible hip dislocation. Don't try to push the hip back into place yourself.
Precautions That Lower Your Risk After Hip Surgery
Your recovery starts before the operation. Along with discussing your medical history and medicines with your surgeon, you can take steps to support healing.
- Prepare your health: Keep diabetes under control, eat nutritious food and discuss any existing infection with your care team.
- Stop smoking: Smoking and nicotine can slow wound healing and increase the risk of complications. Ask your surgeon when you should stop before surgery.
- Prevent blood clots: Your care team may recommend blood thinners, compression devices, ankle exercises and early walking when it's safe.
- Protect your new hip: Follow your surgeon's movement precautions. Depending on the surgical approach, you may need to avoid deep bending, twisting or crossing your legs.
- Care for the wound: Keep the incision clean and follow the dressing instructions. Contact your surgeon if redness, drainage or pain gets worse.
Physical therapy may begin within 24 hours after hip replacement, depending on your condition. And also keep your follow-up appointments, where your care team can check your wound, movement and recovery progress.
Precautions vary by procedure and patient, so don't follow a general online checklist instead of your own surgeon's instructions.
How to Find a Qualified Hip Orthopedic Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon can feel confusing when several doctors seem to offer the same treatment. Before deciding, look beyond online ratings and ask about their experience with your condition, the hospital where they'll operate and the recovery support you'll receive. A qualified Hip Orthopedic Surgeon should explain your options clearly, including whether nonsurgical treatment is still worth trying.
Procedure Volume: Ask How Many Hip Surgeries They Perform Each Year
A surgeon may have years of experience treating hip problems but perform certain operations more often than others. Asking about procedure volume helps you understand whether they've handled cases like yours regularly.
You can ask these questions during your consultation:
- How many hip replacements do you perform each year?
- How many hip arthroscopies or revision hip replacements have you performed?
- Have you treated patients with my specific condition?
- Which surgical approach do you recommend for me, and why?
The answers can help you assess their experience with the procedure you need. However, a higher surgery count doesn't automatically mean better results. Board certification, relevant fellowship training, hospital quality and the surgeon's willingness to explain complications also matter.
Implant Choice & Hospital Outcomes: What to Ask Before Surgery
If you're considering hip replacement, don't hesitate to ask which implant your surgeon recommends and why. Implant materials and designs vary and the choice usually depends on your age, bone quality, anatomy, activity level and any known material allergies.
Use this table to prepare for your consultation.
| What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which implant brand and model do you recommend? | Helps you understand what will be used and why it suits your needs. |
| What materials will the implant contain? | Allows you to discuss possible metal allergies and bearing-surface options. |
| How long might the implant last? | Helps you understand its expected lifespan and the possibility of future revision surgery. |
| Is the hospital accredited, and what outcomes does it track? | Gives you a starting point for discussing safety and quality. |
| What are the facility's infection and readmission rates? | Helps you ask about complications and the hospital's performance. |
| What rehabilitation support will I receive? | Clarifies how your recovery and return to daily activities will be managed. |
Online reviews can give you an idea of other patients' experiences, but they shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. Ask about the hospital's safety record, complication rates and rehabilitation support. If you're unsure about the recommended treatment, getting a second opinion can help you compare your options and feel more confident about your decision.
Final Thoughts
With the right guidance, managing hip pain starts with understanding what's causing it and choosing treatment that suits your condition. A Hip Orthopedic Surgeon can help you explore options, from physical therapy and medication to hip arthroscopy or hip replacement when needed.
Before choosing surgery, ask about your surgeon's experience, implant options, hospital safety and recovery plan. And also remember that a second opinion can help you feel more confident when you're unsure about the recommended treatment.
Find the best hospital for hip surgery on CureMeAbroad and book your consultation today with an experienced hospital doctor.
FAQs
1. Do I need a referral to see a hip orthopedic surgeon?
It depends on your insurance plan. Many HMO plans require a referral, while PPO plans and Original Medicare often allow direct access. Check your coverage before booking an appointment.
2. Do hip orthopedic doctors only perform surgery?
No. Many hip problems improve with physical therapy, medication, activity changes or injections. A hip specialist may recommend surgery when symptoms continue or joint damage is severe.
3. Is groin pain always a hip problem?
No. Groin pain can come from hip osteoarthritis, labral tears or hip impingement. It may also relate to your back, muscles, pelvis or a hernia, so proper assessment is needed.
4. Can hip arthroscopy delay a hip replacement?
In selected patients, yes. A hip arthroscopy surgeon may treat labral tears or impingement and help preserve the natural joint. However, it may not help when arthritis is advanced.
5. How long does a hip replacement last?
A hip replacement often lasts 15 to 20 years or longer. Its lifespan depends on factors such as your age, activity level, weight, implant type and bone quality.
6. How long is recovery after hip replacement?
Many patients start walking with support within a day or two. Recovery often improves over six weeks, but regaining strength and returning to normal activities may take several months or up to a year.
Reference
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteoarthritis of the hip patient handout.
https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/osteoarthritis-of-the-hip/oah-patient-handout.pdfAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hip arthroscopy. OrthoInfo.
https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/hip-arthroscopy/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total hip replacement. OrthoInfo.
https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/Cleveland Clinic. Hip & knee surgery.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/orthopaedics-rheumatology/depts/hip-knee-surgeryCleveland Clinic. Hip and knee surgery.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida/departments/orthopaedics-rheumatology/depts/orthopaedic-surgery/hip-and-knee-surgeryCleveland Clinic. Hip replacement surgery.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/hip-replacement-surgeryCleveland Clinic. Hip and knee orthopedic surgery.
https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/specialty/Hip%20and%20Knee%20Orthopedic%20Surgery?page=1Cleveland Clinic London. Hip replacement surgery.
https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/clinical-institutes/orthopaedics/hip-replacement-surgeryJohns Hopkins Medicine. Hip arthroscopy.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hip-arthroscopy
