Hip Surgeon in Anchorage, Alaska

Our specialists in hip pain and hip injuries deliver the focused care Alaskans need to stay strong.

Pain and stiffness in your hip joint can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life. Left untreated, hip conditions may worsen and lead to long-term complications. At AFOC, our board-certified hip specialists offer comprehensive care — starting with an accurate diagnosis and extending through conservative therapies or advanced surgical procedures.

Expert Diagnosis for Your Hip, With Conservative Treatment First

We begin with a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and imaging such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans. Conservative treatment options are prioritized whenever possible and may include:

Hip Conditions We Treat

Our orthopedic surgeons treat a full range of hip conditions, including:

  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
  • Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
  • Hip fractures (femoral, pelvic, or acetabular)
  • Bursitis of the hip
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
  • Hip dislocation
  • Hip strains
  • Labral tears of the hip
  • Sports-related injuries

What Causes Hip Pain?

There are many causes of hip pain. Hip pain may be the result of muscle strain, sciatica, arthritis, bursitis, fracture and more. Symptoms may include loss of motion of the hip, tenderness of the hip and groin pain. The treatment for hip pain is dependent on the root cause of the pain. Treatments may include cortisone medications or physical therapy. Hip fractures may require surgical repairs, including a total hip replacement.

Surgical Solutions for Hip Pain

If nonsurgical options don’t provide sufficient relief, our surgeons may recommend a surgical approach tailored to your specific needs. We use the most advanced techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, to help you recover faster with less pain.

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of hip joint issues. A small camera and specialized tools are inserted through tiny incisions to preserve the joint and minimize trauma. This is an excellent option for:

  • Labral tears
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
  • Loose cartilage or debris
  • Early-stage arthritis

Hip arthroscopy is often recommended for younger, active patients as a joint-preserving alternative to delay or avoid joint replacement.

Total Hip Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Also known as total hip arthroplasty, this procedure replaces the damaged femoral head and socket with prosthetic components. It’s typically recommended for patients with advanced arthritis or joint degeneration who no longer benefit from conservative treatments. Total Hip Replacement can be performed using several approaches, including posterior, lateral or anterior.

Minimally Invasive Anterior Hip Replacement

This is a specific surgical technique used to perform a total hip replacement through a small incision at the front of the hip. This muscle-sparing approach avoids cutting key tissues, often leading to:

  • Less postoperative pain
  • Smaller incision and reduced scarring
  • Faster return to activity
  • Fewer movement restrictions during recovery

While not ideal for every patient, many find the anterior approach allows for a more comfortable and rapid recovery.

Hip Revision Surgery

In cases where a previous hip replacement has failed due to infection, wear, or mechanical issues, a revision procedure may be necessary. This involves removing and replacing some or all of the original prosthesis. We perform comprehensive pre-operative imaging and testing to determine the cause of failure and plan a safe and effective revision surgery.

Core Decompression for Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis) can result in the collapse of the hip bone. When diagnosed early, core decompression may help relieve pain and slow or stop the disease’s progression. This minimally invasive procedure involves drilling into the affected bone to reduce pressure, stimulate blood flow, and promote healing. It’s a joint-preserving option that does not interfere with future surgeries, such as total hip replacement.

When to See a Hip Specialist

Seek care with one of our orthopedic hip surgeons if:

  • Hip pain limits your daily activities or keeps you awake at night
  • Pain radiates to the knee or other surrounding areas
  • You’ve had symptoms for more than a few days
  • Home remedies such as ice, rest, or over-the-counter medications haven’t helped
  • The pain began after a traumatic injury (such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident)

Our team is dedicated to restoring your mobility and reducing your pain through customized treatment plans. Whether your path to healing involves therapy, joint preservation, or total joint replacement, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.