Dr. Scorpie, hip specialist

Hip surgery

Dr. Scorpie has extensive expertise in hip surgery, addressing conditions such as arthritis, dysplasia, labral tears, and traumatic injuries. He offers advanced surgical solutions and minimally invasive techniques, with a constant focus on restoring movement, relieving pain, and helping each patient return to an active, confident life through individualized care.

When hip pain keeps you from living fully, innovative solutions can bring you back to motion.

Chronic hip pain and severe mobility limitations are factors that can have a profound and complex impact on a person’s quality of life. Beyond the constant physical discomfort—which can range from mild inconvenience to severe, disabling pain—these issues directly affect an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities: walking, climbing stairs, getting dressed, and even maintaining personal hygiene.

A person suffering from chronic hip pain may become dependent on the support of others, gradually losing autonomy and independence. Functional limitations also have consequences on overall health: reduced physical activity promotes weight gain, muscle loss, and deterioration of cardiovascular condition. Altogether, this creates a vicious cycle in which pain, immobility, and overall decline reinforce each other.

Thus, early and effective management of chronic hip pain and mobility restrictions not only aims to improve local symptoms, but also plays a key role in maintaining an active, independent, and fulfilling life on physical, psychological, and social levels.

The placement of a hip prosthesis is indicated in pathological cases leading to irreversible joint destruction, chronic pain, and significant functional limitation. The most common indications are:

1. Advanced osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)
This is the most common cause requiring joint replacement. At an advanced stage, the articular cartilage is completely worn away, leading to direct bone-to-bone contact (femoral head and acetabulum), which causes pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility. Patients then experience major difficulties walking, climbing stairs, dressing, or even sitting down or standing up.
2. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
This condition results from insufficient blood supply to the femoral head, causing the death of bone cells and, eventually, collapse of the bone structure. It often affects young or active adults following trauma, prolonged corticosteroid use, or excessive alcohol consumption. In advanced stages, bone deformity leads to severe pain and loss of joint function; at this point, prosthetic implantation becomes the only solution.
3. Fractures of the femoral neck or acetabulum
In elderly patients or those with severe osteoporosis, hip fractures can be so complex that anatomical reconstruction or internal fixation (osteosynthesis) is not possible. Total hip replacement, including the reverse version in some selected cases, then represents the best option to restore function and relieve pain.

Surgical Indication and Approach
The decision for hip replacement is based on patient symptoms, imaging results, and impact on quality of life. The goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and enable a return to normal daily activities. Each joint replacement is performed with precision, following strict protocols and tailored to the individual patient. My orthopedic experience, continuously updated with modern techniques, ensures a safe and effective procedure.
Postoperative care involves a multidisciplinary team—rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, anesthesiologists, and internal medicine specialists—working together for optimal and rapid recovery.

Preoperative Assessment
Thorough preoperative evaluation is essential for planning. It includes:
1. Detailed clinical examination
2. Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scan)
3. Laboratory tests (blood count, inflammation markers, liver/kidney function)
4. Multidisciplinary consultations if needed

This careful assessment allows me to confirm that surgery is right for you, plan the procedure specifically for your needs, and ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery.

Have Questions ?

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, is a procedure where the damaged parts of the hip joint (the femoral head and/or the acetabulum) are replaced with an artificial prosthesis. It is usually recommended for patients suffering from arthritis, fractures, or severe joint degeneration when pain or loss of mobility no longer respond to medication or physiotherapy.

Is this a standard procedure?

Yes and No ! Every surgery is tailored to the patient’s needs after a comprehensive evaluation including imaging, mobility analysis, functional assessment, and discussion of goals. But hip replacement is a common and well-established procedure performed worldwide. It is considered safe and effective, and thousands of patients undergo it every year. Modern surgical techniques and prosthetic designs allow for rapid recovery and long-lasting results.

What types of prostheses are available?

Several types of hip prostheses exist depending on the patient’s condition:

1. Total hip prosthesis: both the femoral head and the acetabulum are replaced.
2. Partial (hemi) hip prosthesis: only the femoral head is replaced, often after fractures.
3. Cemented or cementless: depending on the patient’s bone quality, the prosthesis may be fixed with bone cement or designed to integrate naturally into the bone.
The choice depends on age, activity level, bone quality, and the type of joint damage.

Why is preparation important?

Good preparation reduces the risk of complications and improves recovery. This includes medical evaluations (blood tests, imaging), reviewing medications, and preparing the home for post-surgery support. Maintaining good physical condition, stopping smoking, and sometimes performing pre-operative physiotherapy can make rehabilitation smoother.

Will it be painful?

Some pain and discomfort are normal after hip replacement. Modern pain management protocols, including regional anesthesia and medications, help control pain effectively. Most patients notice that post-operative pain is much less severe than the chronic hip pain they experienced before surgery. Pain usually decreases gradually as the hip heals.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Hip replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, sometimes combined with a spinal or epidural block. The regional block reduces post-operative pain and allows for a faster start to rehabilitation. The anesthesiologist will select the safest option based on your medical history.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery, patients spend a few hours in the recovery room before returning to their hospital room. The leg may be slightly elevated or supported, and pain medication is provided. Early mobilization usually begins within 1 day after surgery, with the help of physiotherapists, to prevent stiffness and improve joint function.

When can I move my hip or return to activities?

Walking with support (crutches or a walker) usually starts the day after surgery. Gradually, patients can increase weight bearing as guided by the surgeon. Most can resume daily activities such as dressing, sitting, or climbing stairs within 2 to 6 weeks. Sports or heavy physical activity may be resumed after 3 to 6 months, depending on your rehabilitation progress.

How long does a prosthesis last? Will I need another surgery in the future?

Modern hip prostheses typically last 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer. The need for revision surgery depends on factors such as activity level, bone quality, and wear of the prosthesis. Younger or highly active patients may require revision earlier, while older patients often have longer-lasting results.

Are there risks or complications?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots, or nerve injury. Specific to hip replacement, risks include dislocation, prosthesis loosening, or leg length discrepancy. Serious complications are rare, and surgeons take precautions to minimize them. Most patients recover without major problems.

What are the main benefits?

Hip replacement significantly reduces pain, improves mobility, and enhances quality of life. Most patients regain the ability to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and sitting comfortably. Many also return to leisure activities like swimming, cycling, or light sports without discomfort.

How long will I stay in the hospital and need support?

Hospital stay is usually 2 to 4 days, depending on your recovery and health. After discharge, you may need assistance at home for tasks like cooking, cleaning, and dressing. A walker or crutches is often required initially, and support from family or caregivers is important during the first weeks. Full independence gradually returns with rehabilitation.