Hip Care

Second only to the knee in size, the hip joint allows us to bend, squat, take short or long strides, sit, and balance, among many other important movements. The hip is made up of two main parts: a ball at the top of the thigh bone and the rounded socket in the pelvis. Good hip function means we can dance, twist and turn, walk, and run as we like. Hips give us support and help keep us stable in an upright position.

Diagnosing and treating hip pain

A number of conditions or injuries can cause pain in the hip. The first step in diagnosing your pain is to see one of our specialists. Your initial appointment will usually be with one of our orthopedic surgeons or sports medicine doctors. The doctor will complete a full evaluation of your symptoms and recent activities. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans may be necessary.

Finding the reason for your pain will help determine your treatment, as well as which providers will be part of your care team. Common hip problems include:

Hip replacement and other surgical treatment options

If your treatment plan includes surgery, MultiCare orthopedic surgeons will collaborate with you to pursue the option that best meets your goals and brings long-term relief. Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, which involve making a small incision instead of a large incision at the surgery site.

Minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits for patients, including shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications. Our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive surgery for hip arthroscopy, a procedure to treat labral tears and impingement syndrome.

Sometimes hip replacement, one of the most common joint replacement surgeries in the United States, may be the best option to treat your pain. Because the hip joint is so large and gets so much use, it wears down faster than other joints. Arthritis in the hip can make walking, standing and even sitting uncomfortable. During hip replacement surgery, the joint is partially or totally replaced — depending on the damage to the bones — with artificial components. Replacement components are typically made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, and function exactly as your normal joints.