Author: drhip

Open hip surgery is an operation on the hip performed through an incision that allows direct visualization of the joint and surrounding structures. It is used to diagnose, repair, reconstruct, or replace damaged hip tissues when non-surgical care is not enough. It is commonly performed for fractures, arthritis, deformities, and certain labral or cartilage problems. Compared with hip arthroscopy, it typically provides wider access to bone and deep joint anatomy.

Offset options describe the selectable “side-to-side” geometry choices used to restore hip mechanics. They are most commonly discussed in total hip arthroplasty (hip replacement) and related hip reconstructions. In simple terms, they help clinicians match an implant’s shape to a patient’s anatomy. They are also used in preoperative planning and intraoperative trialing to balance stability, motion, and soft-tissue tension.

Offset is a measurement that describes how far the hip’s ball (femoral head) sits from the thigh bone’s shaft. In hip care, Offset is used to understand leverage, muscle function, and joint mechanics. Clinicians most often discuss Offset when interpreting hip X-rays or planning total hip replacement. Offset can also describe implant design options that “restore” or “change” hip geometry.

Occult hip fracture means a hip-area fracture that is present but not clearly seen on initial standard X-rays. It is a diagnostic term used when symptoms and exam findings suggest a fracture despite “normal” radiographs. It is commonly discussed in emergency care, orthopedics, sports medicine, and geriatric medicine. It often prompts additional imaging to confirm or exclude a hidden break in bone.

Hip subluxation is a partial loss of contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum (the ball and socket of the hip). It sits between “normal alignment” and a full hip dislocation. The term is used in orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and physical therapy to describe hip joint instability. It can be discussed after injury, during growth and development, or in chronic conditions that affect joint stability.

Hip sprain is an injury to a ligament or the joint capsule that helps stabilize the hip joint. It usually means the tissues were stretched or partially torn during a twist, fall, or impact. In everyday language, it is often used to describe “hip ligament injury” after a sudden painful event. In clinics, the term is used when the exam suggests ligament or capsular involvement and other causes are being considered.

The Hip socket is the cup-shaped part of the pelvis that holds the head of the femur (thigh bone). It forms the “socket” side of the hip’s ball-and-socket joint. In everyday language, it is the part of the hip joint that the ball rotates inside. Clinically, the Hip socket is discussed in diagnosis, imaging reports, and hip surgeries such as hip replacement.

A Hip series X-ray is a set of standard X-ray images taken of the hip joint and nearby bones. It is commonly used in clinics, urgent care, and emergency departments to evaluate hip pain or injury. It helps clinicians look at bone alignment, joint spacing, and signs of fracture or arthritis. It is a diagnostic test, not a treatment.

Hip ROM means hip range of motion, or how far the hip joint can move in different directions. It is commonly described in degrees and compared side-to-side. Clinicians use Hip ROM in exams for hip pain, groin pain, buttock pain, and mobility complaints. It is also tracked in sports medicine, physical therapy, and before or after hip procedures.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is a type of hip replacement surgery that preserves more of the patient’s femoral bone. Instead of removing the entire femoral head, the surgeon caps it with a smooth metal covering. The socket (acetabulum) is also resurfaced with a matching implant liner or shell. It is most commonly discussed for active patients with advanced hip arthritis who may benefit from bone preservation.