What are the alternatives to total hip replacement?

The suitable choice depends on why the hip hurts, how much joint damage is present, your age and activity goals, and whether the joint can be preserved. Hip resurfacing reshapes the damaged joint surfaces while retaining more of the thigh bone than a total replacement. It is not appropriate for every hip or every person.

For hip osteoarthritis, a clinician may first discuss strengthening, mobility work, weight-bearing adjustments, pain relief, or an injection. Avascular necrosis of the hip and hip dysplasia can require different approaches because the underlying bone or joint shape matters. These options may reduce symptoms or delay replacement, but they do not all repair advanced joint damage.

Arrange an assessment that reviews your symptoms, walking pattern, hip movement, imaging, and previous treatment. Ask whether a structured physiotherapy plan, a temporary change in activities, or treatment for a specific cause is reasonable. Prehabilitation can build strength and prepare you for a later procedure if replacement remains likely; post-operative rehabilitation is relevant if you eventually have surgery.

Do not increase exercise sharply when pain is severe. Use the plan provided by your clinician and report new catching, instability, or pain that persists despite the agreed measures.

Seek prompt medical care for sudden severe hip pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, a hot or visibly swollen joint, fever with hip pain, or new weakness or numbness. Urgent assessment is also needed when hip pain follows a fall and the leg looks shortened or turned outward. These signs can indicate an injury or another problem needing timely examination.

Which finding is driving my hip symptoms? Could hip resurfacing or hip-preserving care suit my joint? What benefit should I expect from physiotherapy or an injection? What activities should I modify, and what would make replacement the safer option?