- HSS Florida
Hip Surgeon
The hip is a complex system of bones, cartilage and other soft tissues. For this reason, there are different types of hip surgeons and doctors for different types of injuries and conditions:
- A hip replacement surgeon specializes in hip replacement and reconstruction. These procedures are primarily for people with hip arthritis (osteoarthritis of the hip).
- A sports medicine doctor focuses on surgical and nonsurgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Some of the most common related to the hip include dislocated hips as well as muscle or tendon strains and tears.
- A physiatrist is a nonsurgical doctor. Physiatrists specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation of the entire body, specifically for people who have been impaired by a musculoskeletal condition or injury. Some conditions they treat include labral tears of the hip, hip impingement and bursitis.
- An orthopedic trauma surgeon generally treats bone fractures and other acute injuries caused by high-impact events. Some examples are work-related accidents, car collisions, falls or intense athletic activities.
Common Hip Injuries and Conditions
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint composed of two bones:
- the femoral head (top of the femur or thighbone) forms the ball of the joint
- the acetabulum (on the side of the pelvis) forms the joint socket or cup
These bones are connected by a complex system of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and other tissues. Injuries and conditions can affect any one or a combination of them. Some of the more common ones include:
- osteoarthritis
- torn hip labrum
- bursitis
- dislocated hip
- fractures
- hip strains and tears
An injury to the hip can cause pain or weakness and limit range of motion.
Hip Injury and Condition Symptoms
Hip injury and conditions symptoms can include:
- hip pain during activity
- hip pain or aches while at rest
- weakness or instability
- stiffness or reduction in your range of motion
- popping or clicking sounds
When to See a Hip Surgeon
Make an appointment if:
- you have persistent or intermittent hip pain
- performing a specific activity, such as running, causes recurring hip pain
- you’ve experienced a loss in range of motion in your hip
- hip pain wakes you from sleep
- hip pain is accompanied by swelling, redness or tenderness around the joint
Do I Need Hip Surgery?
Not all hip injuries require surgery. Many can be treated with non-operative treatments such as:
- physical therapy
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as ibuprofen
- corticosteroids injections or other injection therapies
If you have hip pain, you should see a specialist to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. If your hip pain has no obvious cause, you may first opt to see a sports medicine physician or physiatrist. These specialized doctors can determine whether nonsurgical treatments such as changes to your activities or physical therapy may help. They may also advise you to consult an orthopedic surgeon, such as when hip arthritis is suspected.
If your pain is related to an acute injury that happened during running or jumping, or if you are concerned you may have fractured your hip, you should meet with an orthopedic surgeon. If your surgeon determines that you don’t need an operation, they will give you a medical treatment plan to help get you back on your feet. Or they may refer you to a nonsurgical musculoskeletal doctor or physical therapist.
Whether you first consult a doctor or a surgeon, they may order imaging of your hip to help make an accurate diagnosis. X-rays, MRIs and other imaging technologies are available onsite.
About HSS Florida Hip Physicians and Surgeons
The hip physicians and surgeons at HSS Florida are highly specialized in sports medicine and orthopedics. They apply this world-renowned expertise to help reduce your pain, improve function and movement and restore your quality of life.
If you currently have hip pain, or if your primary care doctor has recommended you see a specialist, find the best orthopedic surgeon or physician at HSS Florida for your particular condition.