Hip surgery is today one of the most advanced branches of modern orthopedics. Thanks to advances in technology, the introduction of minimally invasive techniques and the use of ever better-performing prostheses, many conditions that compromise mobility and quality of life can be treated successfully.
The hip is one of the most important joints in the human body. It supports body weight and allows walking, running, changes of direction and all the movements we make every day. When this joint is damaged by osteoarthritis, trauma, malformations or degenerative conditions, the pain can become disabling and significantly limit a person’s independence.
Hip surgery steps in precisely in these cases, with the aim of eliminating pain, recovering joint function and giving the patient back the possibility of leading an active life.
Not all hip problems require surgery. In the early stages many conditions can be treated with physical therapy, medication, injections or rehabilitation programs.
Surgery is generally considered when:
the pain is persistent
medicines are no longer effective
mobility is severely reduced
the patient has difficulty walking
quality of life is compromised
advanced joint damage is present
The goal is not only to treat the disease, but to allow the person to return to daily activities such as climbing stairs, walking, driving or exercising.
02 — SIGNS
Symptoms that may indicate a hip problem
The most common symptoms include:
groin pain
buttock pain
pain radiating to the thigh
morning stiffness
limping
difficulty walking
limited movement
night pain
In many cases the pain is initially mistaken for lower back or muscle problems, delaying the diagnosis.
03 — SERVICES
The conditions that may require hip surgery
Hip osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) is the most frequent cause of surgery.
Over the years the cartilage covering the joint surfaces tends to wear away progressively. This causes pain, joint stiffness and limited movement.
In advanced forms the pain can also appear at rest and during the night.
Necrosis of the femoral head
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurs when the bone tissue does not receive an adequate blood supply.
Over time the bone loses strength and can collapse, compromising the function of the joint.
Fractures of the proximal femur
Hip fractures are one of the main orthopedic emergencies, especially in elderly patients.
In these cases surgery allows early mobilization and reduces the risk of complications related to prolonged immobility.
Hip dysplasia
Some people have congenital anatomical abnormalities of the joint which, over the years, can promote the early onset of osteoarthritis.
Outcomes of trauma
Road accidents, falls and sports injuries can cause complex joint damage that requires reconstructive or prosthetic surgery.
04 — HIP SURGERY
Guides
Complex Orthopedic Surgery
The Complex Orthopedic Surgery area deals with highly complex reconstructions and revisions, including after failures elsewhere.
If hip pain limits daily activities, if walking becomes difficult or if conservative treatments are no longer effective, it is important to consult a specialist.
An early diagnosis makes it possible to identify the most appropriate treatment and, in many cases, to act before the joint damage becomes irreversible.
Modern hip surgery today offers effective, safe and increasingly personalized solutions, allowing thousands of people to move again without pain and recover a better quality of life.
06 — THE VISIT
Diagnosis of hip conditions
A correct diagnosis is the first step toward treatment. The orthopedic specialist carries out an in-depth clinical assessment that can be supplemented by:
X-ray. It is the first-level examination that makes it possible to assess the condition of the joint.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It makes it possible to study cartilage, tendons, muscles and bone structures with high precision.
CT scan. Particularly useful in surgical planning and in complex cases.
Biomechanical tests. They make it possible to analyze movement and the distribution of joint loads.
07 — THE GROUP
Hip surgery in the facilities of the NefroCenter Group
Thanks to highly specialized multidisciplinary teams, latest-generation diagnostic technologies, three-dimensional planning of operations and integrated rehabilitation pathways, the patient is followed at every stage of the treatment pathway.
The goal is to offer complete care, from diagnosis to surgery through to functional recovery, guaranteeing high standards of quality and safety.
08 — IN DEPTH
Surgical techniques for the hip
Joint-preserving hip surgery
When possible, the aim is to preserve the natural joint.
Joint-preserving surgery is used above all in younger patients and may include:
correction of joint deformities
treatment of femoroacetabular impingement
repair of cartilage lesions
bone reconstructions
The goal is to slow the progression of the disease and postpone the implantation of a prosthesis as long as possible.
Hip arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is one of the most modern minimally invasive techniques.
Through small incisions a camera and miniaturized surgical instruments are introduced, making it possible to treat:
femoroacetabular impingement
lesions of the acetabular labrum
loose bodies in the joint
synovitis
cartilage conditions
The advantages include less surgical trauma, reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery.
Minimally invasive hip surgery
In recent years hip surgery has benefited from the introduction of ever less invasive techniques.
Smaller incisions allow:
less blood loss
less post-operative pain
faster recovery
shorter hospital stays
Anterior approach to the hip
One of the most innovative techniques is the anterior approach.
This method makes it possible to reach the joint while better preserving muscles and tendons.
The main advantages include:
less surgical trauma
early mobilization
reduced risk of dislocation
accelerated functional recovery
Robotic surgery and 3D planning
Modern technologies now make it possible to plan the operation with extreme precision.
Through three-dimensional models and advanced software it is possible to:
study the patient’s anatomy
simulate the operation
choose the most appropriate implant
improve prosthetic alignment
In some cases computer-assisted surgery systems and technologies based on artificial intelligence are used.
09 — IN DEPTH
Hip replacement: the most frequently performed operation
When the joint is severely compromised, hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is used.
The operation consists in replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components designed to reproduce the natural movement of the hip.
Today modern prostheses make it possible to obtain extremely satisfactory results in terms of durability and function.
Total hip replacement
The total prosthesis replaces both the femoral and the acetabular component.
It is indicated in cases of:
advanced osteoarthritis
necrosis of the femoral head
severe joint deformities
complex outcomes of trauma
Partial hip replacement
It is used above all in the treatment of some femoral fractures in the elderly.
Revision of hip prostheses
Not all prostheses last forever.
In the presence of loosening of the implant, infection, wear of the components or periprosthetic fractures, revision surgery may be necessary.
These are highly complex procedures that require specialized centers and surgeons with extensive experience.
Recovery after surgery
One of the most important aspects of hip surgery is rehabilitation.
Thanks to modern Fast Track protocols, many patients are able to get up and walk within the first hours after the operation.
