Hip surgery & treatments

Hip pain can slow you down. That’s why we offer customized solutions delivered by highly trained surgeons, doctors and therapists. In fact, we’ve been at the forefront of procedures like direct anterior (from the front) hip replacement, which shortens recovery time – so you can get back to you.

Surgical & nonsurgical treatments for hip pain

Our orthopedics team works closely with you to find and correct the source of your hip pain. We offer surgery and pain relief options to help you feel better, fast.

Whether you choose surgical or nonsurgical treatment, our integrated physical therapy can strengthen muscles, restore function and help you get back to the things you enjoy most.

Personalized hip pain treatment & surgery

At Aurora Health Care, many of our doctors and therapists specialize in correcting hip problems. We provide expert care, from rehabilitation to highly advanced surgical techniques.

People choose our hip treatments because we offer:

• Quality care: Our hip replacement program has earned Joint Commission certification. The Joint Commission is an independent quality organization that reviews hip replacement programs and certifies those that meet the highest quality standards.
• Advanced imaging technology: The latest imaging technology allows doctors to visualize your hip clearly. Depending on your individual case, you may need X-rays, 3-D CT (computed tomography) scans, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans including wide-bore MRI. A wide-bore MRI machine has a larger opening for comfort while still obtaining precise images. This technology allows us to make an accurate diagnosis so you can get on the right path to recovery.
• Guided injections: For ultimate precision, we provide guided injections (inserting medication directly into the joint). When medically necessary, we perform these treatments with guidance from an ultrasound (imaging with sound waves) or fluoroscopy (injecting a dye agent to more clearly see the joint). The result is a more targeted, more effective injection for you.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive surgical approaches. Minimally invasive surgeries require smaller incisions. A smaller incision means less pain and tenderness, so you can recover faster. In fact, many people are on their feet within hours of having surgery and return to their activities within a few weeks.
• Preparation for surgery: Before hip surgery, you will attend Aurora Joint Academy to get all your questions answered. You’ll also learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure. Find out about Aurora Joint Academy.
• Rapid recovery program: Many of our total hip replacements are same-day surgeries, which means you could return home within 24 hours. And with our active pain prevention and pain relief techniques, you can look forward to the fastest recovery possible.
• Convenient locations: With dozens of locations throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, it’s easy to find care close to home.

Treating hip pain without surgery

Hip pain often improves with simple home treatment. Treatment at home might include self-care routines such as rest, gentle exercise, over-the-counter pain relievers or cold packs.

If your hip remains painful or becomes stiff, it’s a good idea to come in for care. We may recommend nonsurgical hip pain treatments like:

• Injections: We provide several types of injections to make hip pain easier to manage. Steroids can reduce swelling and pain, while joint lubricants can help the hip move smoothly. Learn more about injections for joint pain.
• Physical therapy: Our team includes physical therapists who are specially trained in orthopedics. They can help improve your strength and flexibility, which can relieve hip pain. And thanks to our integrated system, your doctor and physical therapist can work closely together to coordinate your care. Get more information about orthopedic physical therapy.
• Pain relief: We offer pain relief options that can help ease discomfort and keep you active. We may recommend nonnarcotic medications or integrative care like chiropractic or acupuncture.

Hip surgery to get you moving again

If you need hip surgery, we’ll explain your options and make recommendations based on your personal health and unique hip condition. Once you’ve decided which type of surgery is right for you, we’ll answer all of your questions so you’re fully prepared and understand what to expect.

Hip replacement

Total hip replacement is the most common type of surgery to treat disabling hip pain . In total hip replacement, surgeons remove the ball and socket of an arthritic or damaged hip and replace it with an artificial hip joint.

Some of our surgeons were among the first to provide direct anterior hip replacement (replacing the hip from the front, rather than the side or back) and perform it frequently. We also provide traditional open hip replacement surgery.

Learn more about hip replacement surgery.

Bilateral hip replacement

Depending on your condition and health, you may be eligible to have both hips replaced at the same time. With this procedure, you’ll only go through one recovery period, so you can resume your usual activities sooner.

Hip arthroscopy

During a hip arthroscopy procedure, surgeons make small incisions near your hip and look inside your hip joint. They perform this procedure with tiny cameras and micro-instruments (arthroscopes) that help them find and repair damaged tissue.

With hip arthroscopy, the surgeon can:

• Remove loose bits of cartilage (the smooth, white coating between bones)
• Remove or repair tears in the hip cartilage
• Treat hip joint impingement, a common cause of hip pain
• Perform a biopsy (take a sample of tissue)
• Treat synovitis (inflamed lining of the joint)

Learn more about minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.

Hip resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is an alternative that may allow younger, active people with hip pain to avoid or postpone total hip replacement. Hip resurfacing removes only damaged areas of the joint and replaces them with a smooth metal surface.

Hip revision surgery

Hip revision repairs damage to an artificial hip joint due to years of wear. Our surgeons commonly perform hip revision to help longtime hip replacement recipients become pain-free again.

Learn more about hip surgery