Hip fusion is an operation in which the thigh bone is fixed to the pelvis so that they heal together and the moving joint is removed, aiming to relieve severe pain. It is rarely done and is considered only in limited situations where a joint replacement is not suitable.
Note: This is general information. The operation permanently changes how the hip moves, so it is discussed carefully with the surgeon before any decision.
When This Operation May Be Considered
It may be considered in selected cases, including:
- Severe hip pain from major joint damage
- A young, very active patient or one with heavy physical work, for whom an artificial joint may be hard to sustain
- Earlier operations that have failed or a joint that cannot be replaced for medical reasons
- Earlier severe joint infection or inflammation that destroyed the joint
What the Operation Addresses
The operation addresses pain from joint damage caused by:
- Severe injuries around the hip
- Joint infection or inflammation in the past
- Advanced arthritis in a relatively young patient
- Failure of other treatments to the joint
Diagnosis
The surgeon assesses the hip by examination and X-rays, and may request more tests to study the bone, soft tissue and neighboring joints such as the lower back and knee.
Whether the operation suits you can only be decided after an in-person examination.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Other options are usually tried before fusion is considered.
- Activity changes and avoiding what worsens pain
- Physiotherapy and strengthening
- Walking aids
- Treatments under medical supervision to ease pain
Surgical treatment
In the operation the surgeon fixes the femur to the pelvis in a position suitable for walking and sitting, using fixation devices, until the bone heals together. Many patients have less pain because the joint no longer moves.
The main drawbacks are the loss of hip movement and, over time, extra load on the lower back and knee. The surgeon explains these before any decision. In some cases hip replacement may be reviewed later.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery time varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment. The bone needs time to heal and is followed with X-rays.
- Protecting the hip as the surgeon instructs until it heals
- X-ray follow-up to monitor healing
- Gradual weight-bearing under the surgeon's supervision
- Exercises to strengthen muscles, improve walking and adapt to the new position
- Looking after the lower back and the neighboring knee
When to see the doctor
See an orthopedic surgeon if you have:
- Severe hip pain that other treatments do not ease
- A fused hip with new pain in the back or knee
- Pain, redness or swelling after earlier surgery