Problems and pain in the hip joint affect more than two to three million people in Germany—and the number is rising. The most common causes are early-life sports injuries, congenital abnormalities, obesity, and the dreaded hip osteoarthritis that develops with age.

Due to the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage, mobility limitations and joint pain steadily increase. Often, the only option left is hip surgery and hip replacement.

Learn more about hip surgery here and find renowned hip specialists near you.

Methods of modern hip surgery include hip arthroscopy, surface replacement, and total hip replacement.

In hip arthroscopy, the hip surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques to examine the functionally or anatomically damaged joint (known as “hip impingement” = hip impingement) and clean its joint surfaces. If this alone is not sufficient to preserve joint function, surgery on the hip joint is necessary. Particularly following sports injuries, in trauma surgery, and in cases of hip osteoarthritis, the patient is first treated with joint-preserving surgery or, in severe cases, later receives a hip replacement.

Hip Surgery X-ray of the hip. (©Choo Adobe Stock 200284320)

What hip conditions do hip surgery specialists treat?

Hip surgery clinics treat patients with a wide variety of hip joint problems, such as hip osteoarthritis, hip impingement, and/or congenital hip dysplasia. Long-term effects of avascular necrosis of the femoral head or the pediatric form of this condition, Perthes disease, are also treated here.

What diagnostic procedures do hip surgery specialists use?

In addition to hip arthroscopy, the extent of joint damage in the hip joint is typically determined using X-rays. Based on these images, the treatment plan can then be developed in consultation with the patient.

What services do hip surgeons offer?

Hipsurgery clinics and their specialists are equipped to perform all common hip surgeries. Given that hip surgery now ranks among the most frequently performed surgeries of all, it is clear that high standards are virtually universal in our field. In addition to specialists in minimally invasive hip surgery—such as hip arthroscopy—there is often also a specialist in hip replacement surgery.

When it comes to hip surgery, doctors generally distinguish between joint-preserving hip surgery and reconstructive hip surgery. As the name suggests, the first approach aims to preserve the function of the patient’s natural joint. However, this is not always possible in the long term, which is why, as mentioned in the second case, reconstructive surgery is necessary. In such cases, a surface replacement or a total hip replacement is typically implanted, depending on the severity of the joint damage.

Various surgical approaches (minimally invasive) and different types of prostheses (short-stem, ceramic bearing pairs) may be considered. All procedures have their own specific advantages and disadvantages. Your doctor will be happy to advise you on this.

Please note that hip surgery should always be followed by physical therapy to accelerate wound healing and to restore mobility to a normal level after hip replacement surgery.

What complications occur most frequently during and after hip surgery?

In addition to the potential complications associated with any surgery—such as impaired wound healing, thrombosis or embolism (“blood clots”), or possible blood loss—specific complications may also arise, such as a leg-length discrepancy, hip dislocation (dislocation of the joint), or a deep prosthetic infection. Overall, however, the risks of such procedures are extremely low.

Well-established treatment protocols in specialized hospitals greatly minimize the risk of all the complications mentioned. Experienced surgeons help reduce the risk of complications related to bleeding or a tendency toward dislocation.

The risk of thrombosis increases especially if you have to remain in bed for an extended period after hip surgery—however, in specialized hospitals, you will generally begin a mobility program and physical therapy on the very day of your hip surgery. In addition, you will be given medications that further reduce this risk significantly.

Which medical specialists focus on hip surgery?

Specialists in hip surgery often work in specialized clinics. You’ll find hip surgeons primarily among specialists in orthopedics and trauma surgery.

How do I find the “best clinic” for hip surgery?

It is not possible to designate a single clinic as the “best clinic” or “top clinic” for hip surgery. However, there are certainly doctors and clinics that specialize in hip surgery and have extensive experience. You can find these experts in hip surgery in the Leading Medicine Guide.

What makes our doctors specialists in hip surgery?

The Leading Medicine Guide features only select, highly qualified medical experts and specialists. All listed doctors possess a high level of professional expertise, have extensive experience in the field of hip surgery, and meet the Leading Medicine Guide’s strict admission criteria.