Hip surgery

Whether you’re climbing mountains or climbing stairs, a healthy, pain-free hip is essential to your mobility. If your hip hurts or has been injured, the first course of treatment is often conservative, such as medication or physical therapy. If conservative treatment isn’t an option or no longer offers relief, your doctor may recommend surgery to help you regain movement.

Learn more

What it is

Hip surgeries have some of the highest success rates of any surgery. Procedures vary, but these are some of the most common

Arthroscopy

Your surgeon makes a tiny incision and uses specialized instruments to fix tears in the hip’s soft tissue or to repair damaged cartilage.

Total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty)

Osteoarthritis or other disease can wear out the hip joint. A total hip replacement procedure replaces the damaged hip joint with an implant made of metal, plastic, ceramic or some combination. Common techniques include lateral hip replacement, anterior hip replacement and direct anterior hip replacement. You and your doctor will talk about which option is best for you.

Hip impingement surgery

This surgery corrects how the hip ball fits into the hip socket, and relieves hip stiffness, pain and loss of mobility.

Labral tear surgery

The labrum is a ring of cartilage in the hip socket that contributes to joint stability and helps seal the hip joint. Surgery is sometimes needed to repair a tear which may be causing pain and stiffness.

Hip revision

Total hip replacement surgery is usually very successful. Over time, though, a hip replacement can wear out or develop problems. Revision surgery replaces a previous failed or worn out implant.

Hip fracture surgery

This surgery is needed to repair a break in the upper quarter of the thigh bone (femur) caused by a fall or other trauma.

Good for treating

Arthritic hip joints
Failed or problematic previous hip replacements
Hip impingement and labral tears
Hip fractures

What to expect

Once you’ve made the decision to have surgery, your doctor and his or her supporting staff will ensure you are well-prepared for the upcoming procedure. You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare for the operation, learn what to expect in the hospital or surgery center, and get helpful information on how to plan for recovery at home. You are strongly encouraged to attend a preoperative class.

Throughout the process you’ll have access to a wide spectrum of pre- and post-surgery services, and support from our compassionate caregivers every step of the way.

Good to know

The experienced orthopedic surgeons at Allina Health have performed thousands of hip surgeries, and work in close partnership with staff at our hospitals and surgery centers. Allina Health hospitals and outpatient surgery centers observe the highest standards of quality and best practices.