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Hip preservation surgery offers hope to individuals—especially young athletes and active adults—experiencing chronic hip pain or structural abnormalities. Unlike a total hip replacement, hip preservation focuses on repairing your natural joint, helping delay or even avoid more invasive procedures.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
What hip preservation surgery is
Common conditions it treats
What recovery looks like—week by week
Tips to support healing and avoid setbacks
Whether you're considering surgery or preparing for recovery, this article provides practical insights and resources to help you move forward with confidence.
What Is Hip Preservation Surgery?
Hip preservation surgery refers to procedures designed to correct structural problems in the hip joint before they lead to arthritis or irreversible damage. These surgeries aim to:
Alleviate pain
Improve joint function
Extend the lifespan of your natural hip
The most common forms include:
Hip Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive, often used to repair labral tears and treat impingement
Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) – Realigns the hip socket in cases of dysplasia
Femoral Osteoplasty – Reshapes the femoral head to improve fit in the socket
These procedures are typically recommended for active patients under 50 who are not yet candidates for hip replacement.
Common Conditions Treated
Hip preservation surgery can treat several painful conditions that limit mobility:
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) – Irregular bone shapes cause joint friction
Hip Labral Tears – Damage to the cartilage ring inside the joint
Hip Dysplasia – Shallow hip socket leads to instability and early arthritis
Early arthritis – Can sometimes be slowed with bone realignment
Surgery is often pursued when conservative treatments—like physical therapy—fail to provide long-term relief.
What to Expect: Hip Preservation Recovery Timeline
Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed, your baseline fitness, and your commitment to rehab. Here’s a general outline:
0–2 Weeks: Immediate Post-Op
Short hospital stay (1–3 days)
Pain management with medications and ice
Begin physical therapy (gentle motion, no weight bearing)
Use of crutches or walker
2–6 Weeks: Initial Rehab
Transition from non-weight bearing to partial weight-bearing
Progress to range-of-motion and muscle activation exercises
Begin walking short distances with assistance
6–12 Weeks: Strength & Mobility
Discontinue crutches (if cleared by your surgeon)
Start resistance and core strengthening exercises
Resume light daily activities
3–6 Months: Return to Activity
Gradual return to recreational activities
Continued physical therapy with sport-specific or functional goals
Full recovery can take up to 12 months, especially after PAO
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Recovery takes time—but you can speed healing and avoid setbacks by focusing on these key strategies:
✅ Follow Your Rehab Plan
Stick with your physical therapy program. It’s one of the most critical components of success. If you're not sure what to expect, ask your surgeon about your post-op rehab timeline.
✅ Eat to Heal
Fuel your recovery with a nutrient-dense diet high in:
Lean protein (for muscle and tissue repair)
Calcium and vitamin D (for bone healing)
Anti-inflammatory foods (berries, leafy greens, omega-3s)
✅ Stay Positive, Set Goals
Recovery can feel long. Set small goals, celebrate milestones, and remember: healing isn’t linear.
✅ Protect Your Joint
Avoid high-impact movements early on. Listen to your body and avoid the temptation to “push through” discomfort. Pain is a signal—not something to ignore.
Common Recovery Challenges
It's normal to experience ups and downs. Here's how to handle common issues:
Pain or swelling: Use ice, elevation, and follow medication instructions
Frustration: Join a recovery support group or talk to others who’ve had the procedure
Plateaus: Progress may slow—stick with therapy, and ask about modifying your plan
Long-Term Outlook
When performed at the right time, hip preservation surgery can:
Delay or prevent total hip replacement
Improve athletic performance and daily mobility
Minimize joint degeneration
Preserve long-term joint health
Athletes often return to sport, while others enjoy pain-free movement for the first time in years.
Additional Resources
Considering surgery or recovering now? Explore these resources:
Final Thoughts
Hip preservation surgery isn’t just about fixing a joint—it’s about reclaiming your movement, your goals, and your quality of life. With the right care, recovery, and mindset, your healing journey can lead to a healthier, more active future.
