Hip Arthritis
What is Hip Arthritis?
Cartilage is a smooth, protective tissue found throughout the body, and it plays a vital role in your joints, especially the hips. It allows bones to glide over each other with ease and helps absorb shock during movement. When cartilage becomes damaged or inflamed, it can progress to arthritis over time.
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the hip. The most common is osteoarthritis, which is caused by long-term wear and tear on the joint, leading to cartilage breakdown and damage to surrounding tissues. Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint, causing chronic inflammation and deterioration.
In advanced cases, cartilage may wear away completely, causing the bones of the hip, the femur and the pelvis, to rub directly against each other. This bone-on-bone contact leads to significant pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joint.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Hip Joint
To better understand hip arthritis and its symptoms, it's helpful to first understand how the hip joint functions. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint made up of the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket), lined with smooth cartilage that allows for easy, pain-free movement. In a healthy hip, the cartilage cushions the joint and prevents the bones from rubbing together.
However, with arthritis, this cartilage becomes damaged or worn down—either from wear and tear, autoimmune conditions, or past injuries. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joint.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing arthritis involves a thorough evaluation that includes reviewing your medical history, assessing your current symptoms, and performing a detailed physical examination. During the exam, specific tests may be used to evaluate range of motion, joint stability, muscle strength, and areas of tenderness or discomfort. Imaging studies often play a key role in diagnosis. X-rays can help identify structural abnormalities or rule out fractures.
Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis
Treatment for hip arthritis depends on the severity of your symptoms and your individual needs. Many patients with mild to moderate arthritis can find relief through non-surgical care, including activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes to reduce joint stress.
If conservative treatments no longer provide relief, some patients may benefit from surgery to restore function and reduce pain caused by arthritis. A total hip replacement involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a metal cup in the hip socket and a metal stem in the femur. A durable plastic liner is placed between the ball and socket to create a smooth, non-metal-on-metal surface for pain-free movement. Most patients are able to bear weight as tolerated shortly after surgery. An alternative surgery to a total hip replacement is hip resurfacing. Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving surgical option for treating arthritis, particularly suited for younger or more active patients. Instead of removing the entire femoral head, the damaged surface is shaved down and covered with a smooth metal cap, while a metal cup is placed in the socket.
What is the American Hip Institute?
The American Hip Institute is the #1 clinic in the United States for advanced hip treatment, offering the best outcomes and patient experience in the world.
Hip Arthritis Treatment at the American Hip Institute
The American Hip Institute is the first of its kind practice in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the treatment of hip conditions, including arthritis. Our surgeons have developed innovative, minimally invasive techniques to treat hip arthritis. Specifically, AHI was the first in the nation to perform outpatient robotic hip replacement. This groundbreaking approach allows many patients to go home the same day of surgery, with less pain and a quicker return to activity. Whether through non-surgical options or advanced procedures like hip resurfacing and total hip replacement, our team is committed to helping each patient move freely and live without hip pain.
American Hip Institute by The Numbers
- 1stIn the nation to perform outpatient robotic hip surgery
- 10000+Hip surgeries performed by AHI surgeons
- 550+Research articles published by the team, driving innovation in hip treatment
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71 year-old Barbara S. Experiences a vacation of a lifetime pain-free following total hip replacement
I took a backpacking trip to the Annapurna Mountains 12 weeks after my surgery. It was one of the most amazing adventures of my life. I owe a great deal of thanks to AHI.
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14-time marathoner and fitness studio owner shares her inspiring recovery after double hip replacement.
Within two minutes of talking to my provider team, I knew this was the right place for me. My expectations from AHI were exceeded. I know I am not the only patient here but I feel like it.
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Bikini approach total hip replacement leaves Jan M. unaware of her artificial joint
I have no pain. I sleep through the night again. It is such a gift. Thank you AHI, physical therapists, and the whole team. You are amazing.
Meet Our Team!
The American Hip Institute is the first medical center in the nation dedicated exclusively to the treatment of hip conditions, with specialized expertise in hip arthritis. Our surgeons have developed and refined advanced techniques, including outpatient robotic hip replacement, to relieve pain and restore mobility. With over 10,000 hip surgeries performed and the largest published series of successful outcomes, AHI continues to lead the field in innovation, research, and excellence in the treatment of hip arthritis.
