Hip - South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates

Hip Pain Changes How You Move — We Help You Move the Way You Want to Again

The hip is one of the body's most essential joints. When it hurts, it affects everything. When it's treated right, it can feel like a new start.

The hip joint carries your entire body weight with every step, absorbs the forces of running, jumping, and pivoting, and allows the freedom of motion that makes an active life possible. When hip pain develops, whether from arthritis progressing over years, a labral tear in a young athlete, or bursitis that makes every step uncomfortable, the effects ripple outward into every part of daily life. At South Hills Orthopaedics, our hip specialists take a comprehensive approach: thorough diagnosis, honest conversation, conservative treatment first, and surgical precision when surgery is the right answer.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Hip Osteoarthritis

The progressive loss of cartilage lining the hip joint, producing pain, stiffness, grinding, and progressively limited range of motion. One of the most common orthopedic conditions in adults over 50. Hip arthritis is not a one-way path to surgery, many patients are managed very successfully with non-surgical treatment for years. When arthritis is severe and conservative measures are no longer providing adequate quality of life, total hip replacement is one of the most reliably successful procedures in all of medicine.

Hip Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage lining the rim of the hip socket, deepening it and creating a seal that distributes load and stabilizes the joint. Tears can occur from trauma, repetitive athletic loading (hockey players, dancers, gymnasts, distance runners), or in the setting of FAI. Symptoms include deep groin pain, a catching or clicking sensation, and pain with hip flexion and rotation. Many labral tears are managed with PT; tears associated with structural abnormalities or persistent symptoms benefit from arthroscopic labral repair.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Abnormal contact between the ball and socket causes pinching of the labrum and cartilage during hip movement, particularly with hip flexion and internal rotation. Caused by extra bone growth on either the ball (cam), socket rim (pincer), or both. Increasingly recognized as a common cause of hip pain in young, active adults and as a contributor to early hip arthritis if left untreated. PT and activity modification are first-line treatment; arthroscopic surgery is highly effective when conservative measures are insufficient.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Bursitis)

Pain over the outer bony prominence of the hip, one of the most common hip complaints, particularly in middle-aged women. Current understanding recognizes gluteal tendon pain and tears are often the primary contributor. Responds well to PT focused on gluteal strengthening, activity modification, corticosteroid injection, and (for refractory tendinopathy) PRP therapy.

Hip Flexor & Iliopsoas Problems

The iliopsoas tendon can become inflamed, produce a snapping sensation (‘snapping hip’), or compress the labrum internally. Common in dancers, gymnasts, and running athletes. Managed with PT, activity modification, and corticosteroid injection in resistant cases.

Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head)

Blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing bone death and eventual collapse. Risk factors include long-term corticosteroid use, excessive alcohol use, sickle cell disease, and hip trauma. Early-stage AVN may be treated with core decompression surgery; once the femoral head has collapsed, hip replacement is typically required.

Hip Fractures & Stress Fractures

Hip fractures affect primarily older adults and require urgent surgical stabilization. Femoral neck stress fractures occur in high-volume runners, presenting as groin/hip pain with activity and requiring immediate evaluation, activity restriction, and often surgical fixation.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS

Physical Therapy

Hip- specific programs addressing gluteal strength, hip abductor function, and core stability, the primary mechanical drivers of many hip pain conditions. Patients with hip arthritis often achieve striking improvements in pain and function with a well-designed PT program.

Corticosteroid Injections

Intra- articular hip joint, trochanteric bursa, and iliopsoas tendon sheath injections performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. Both therapeutic and diagnostic, confirming the hip joint as the source of symptoms.

PRP Therapy

For trochanteric pain syndrome with gluteal tendinopathy and mild-to-moderate hip arthritis, growing evidence supports PRP as a meaningful alternative to repeated corticosteroid injections, which can be detrimental to tendon tissue over time.

Activity Modification & Lifestyle Guidance

Weight management is one of the most powerful non-surgical interventions, even modest reductions significantly reduce load on arthritic hip joints. Replacing high-impact with lower-impact activities allows patients to maintain fitness while reducing joint stress.

Assistive Devices

Walking aids including canes and crutches can significantly reduce load on a painful arthritic hip joint and improve functional independence during flare-ups or while awaiting surgery.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Total Hip Replacement

One of the most successful surgical procedures ever developed, replaces the arthritic ball and socket with metal, ceramic, and/or polyethylene components. Modern minimal-access approaches allow faster recovery. Most patients walk with assistance the day of surgery; go home the following day. Implants expected to last 20–30 years in most patients.

Hip Arthroscopy (Labral Repair & FAI Correction)

Minimally invasive procedure to repair a torn labrum, reshape abnormal bone causing FAI, remove loose bodies, and address cartilage damage. Outcomes are best in younger patients with structural abnormalities and intact cartilage.

Hip Hemiarthroplasty

For certain hip fractures (particularly femoral neck fractures in older adults) replaces the femoral head without replacing the socket. Provides immediate pain relief, stability, and allows early weight bearing and mobilization.

Core Decompression (AVN)

For early-stage avascular necrosis before femoral head collapse, drills into the femoral head to reduce pressure, restore blood flow, and potentially slow disease progression. Most effective in earliest stages of AVN.

Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Non- displaced or minimally displaced fractures stabilized with screws, dynamic hip screw, or intramedullary nail, preserving the patient’s own femoral head while providing immediate mechanical stability for early mobilization.

Hip Pain Affecting Your Quality of Life?

You have more options than you may realize, and we’ll walk through all of them with you honestly.

FAQ

How do I know if my hip pain is coming from the hip joint or somewhere else?

Hip joint pain (arthritis or labral tear) is most commonly felt in the groin, sometimes radiating down the inner thigh. Pain on the outer hip is more likely from trochanteric pain syndrome or gluteal tendinopathy. Buttock pain radiating down the back of the leg may be coming from the lower back (sciatica). Our specialist will perform a thorough examination, and sometimes an image-guided injection is the most accurate way to confirm the source.

What does hip replacement recovery actually look like?

With modern techniques, recovery is faster than most patients expect. You’ll be walking with assistance on the day of or day after surgery. Most patients go home within 1–2 days. Walking without a cane typically by 4–6 weeks; recreational activities like golf and hiking return at 3–6 months. PT begins before you leave the hospital and continues for several months post-operatively.

How long do hip replacements last?

Modern hip replacement implants (particularly with highly cross-linked polyethylene bearings) have excellent longevity. Current data suggests 85–90% of primary total hip replacements last 20+ years. Advances in implant design continue to extend functional lifespan.

Am I too young for hip replacement?

Hip replacement is no longer withheld from younger patients as it once was. The decision is based on severity of arthritis, functional limitation, quality of life impact, and response to conservative treatment, not age alone. We will have an honest conversation about what’s right for your specific situation.

What is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and why does it matter?

FAI is a mechanical problem where extra bone causes abnormal pinching of the hip joint during movement, a common cause of hip pain in young active patients and a contributor to premature hip arthritis if untreated. Arthroscopic surgery to reshape the impinging bone and repair labral damage is highly effective for patients who don’t respond to conservative care.

Expert Care You Can Trust

Meet the Team

Our experienced team is here to provide top-notch orthopaedic care tailored to your needs.

Dr. Smith specializes in joint replacement and sports injuries. He is dedicated to helping patients regain mobility and comfort.

Dr. Doe focuses on rehabilitation strategies, ensuring patients recover effectively and return to their routines.

Dr. Brown specializes in sports medicine, providing tailored treatment for athletes of all levels.

Dr. Green helps patients manage chronic pain through comprehensive assessments and individualized plans.

Dr. White supports patients through their rehabilitation journey, ensuring they achieve their goals.

Dr. Black focuses on facilitating safe and effective surgical interventions for optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Rose is dedicated to enhancing patients’ quality of life through expertise in joint replacement surgeries.

Dr. Blue assists in surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and coordination.

What Our Patients Say

Hear from our patients about their experiences with us!

"The care I received was top-notch. My surgery went smoothly, and the recovery process was well supported. I can truly say I’m back to my favorite activities thanks to the team!"

Sarah Thompson

Marketing Manager | ABC Corp

"I was impressed with the thorough care I received. The staff was friendly, and the physical therapy really helped with my recovery. I feel stronger than ever!"

John Davis

Teacher | Local School

"From the first consultation to my post-op follow-ups, the attention to detail was outstanding. I felt supported at every stage of my treatment!"

Emily Johnson

Software Engineer | Tech Solutions

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you ready to take the next step towards better health? Our team is here to provide you with expert orthopaedic care and personalized treatment plans. We are dedicated to helping you manage pain and improve your mobility with the best possible strategies. Reach out today to see how we can support your journey to recovery!