Osteonecrosis of the hip is a painful condition that occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted. As bone cells die without a blood supply, osteonecrosis can ultimately lead to destruction of the hip joint and arthritis.  Osteonecrosis is also called avascular necrosis or aseptic necrosis. Although it can occur in any bone, osteonecrosis most often affects the hip. In many cases, both hips are affected by the disease.

Hip dysplasia is an abnormality in the hip joint. In people with this condition, the femur (thigh bone) does not fit together with the pelvis as it should.

Hip dysplasia can damage the cartilage, the tissue that cushions these bones in the joint. It can also cause pain and issues, ranging from an unstable joint to dislocation (the bone slides out of place in the joint).

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which extra bone develops along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint.  Because they do not fit together perfectly, the bones rub against each other during movement. Over time this friction can damage the joint, causing pain and limiting activity.

Periprosthetic fracture is a term used to describe any fracture that occurs around an implanted orthopedic prosthesis, most commonly knee or hip arthroplasties.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains one of the most serious complications of prosthetic joint implantation. The management of PJI almost always necessitates the need for surgical intervention and prolonged courses of intravenous or oral antimicrobial therapy.

Total joint replacement, although considered an excellent surgical procedure, can be complicated by osteolysis induced by implant particles and subsequent aseptic loosening of the implant.

The gluteal tendons are the attachments of the powerful gluteal muscles to the femur bone.  These can tear, which can cause hip pain, weakness, and limping.

Hip replacements are generally highly successful operations, and provide excellent relief of pain, restoration of function and preservation of independence.  However, problems can arise which can lead to pain, stiffness, limping, dislocation or instability.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms and have a total hip replacement it is advisable to be reviewed by a Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon with an interest in hip joint replacement surgery.  There can be a wide variety of potential problems with your hip replacement which may be causing it to be painful, and it is important to ensure that it has been thoroughly investigated prior to undergoing treatment.