An organised guide to hip pain (In Greek), accurate diagnosis and treatment options — with a particular focus on robotic-assisted hip replacement, the AMIS anterior approach and the management of hip fractures.
Hip pain is not always felt directly over the joint. Its location, relationship to walking and effect on sleep or everyday movements help guide the assessment.
Severe pain after a fall or injury, inability to walk or bear weight, visible deformity, shortening or outward rotation of the leg, and a warm, swollen hip with fever require emergency medical assessment. If a fracture is suspected, do not wait for a scheduled appointment — go to a hospital Emergency Department or call 166.
Pain may arise from the joint itself, the surrounding tendons and soft tissues, the shape of the hip or an acute injury. Correct classification helps avoid unnecessary investigations and poorly targeted treatment.
Groin pain, stiffness and gradually increasing difficulty walking.
Disruption of the bone's blood supply that requires early assessment of its stage.
Assessment in collaboration with the treating rheumatologist when required.
Pain on the outer side of the hip, tenderness and discomfort when lying on the affected side.
Pain and weakness around the greater trochanter.
A snapping or clicking sensation assessed alongside pain and function.
Pain with deep bending, rotation or prolonged sitting.
Groin pain, clicking or a mechanical sensation in some cases.
An abnormality of hip shape that requires specialist assessment.
An intracapsular fracture that often requires urgent surgery.
An extracapsular fracture usually treated with internal fixation.
A fracture around an existing hip replacement, requiring careful surgical planning.
Imaging findings must be considered alongside the location of pain, movement, walking, function and the patient's goals.
“Accurate diagnosis distinguishes whether pain comes from the joint, the tendons or even the lower back.”
The examination guides both the choice of imaging and the appropriate treatment plan.
Onset, location, night pain, previous injury and functional limitations.
Gait, range of movement, strength, specific tests and assessment of neighbouring areas.
Often the main first step for arthritis, hip shape or a fracture.
Selected when answers are needed about an occult fracture, osteonecrosis, cartilage, tendons or three-dimensional surgical planning.
Appropriate management depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, function, general health and the outcome of previous treatments.
Exercise and physiotherapy tailored to the patient's needs, activity modification, load management and medication when indicated.
These may be used for specific indications as part of a wider plan. The substance and target are selected after diagnosis, with imaging guidance where needed.
Hip replacement is discussed when pain and restricted function substantially affect everyday life and appropriate non-surgical treatment is insufficient. Fractures follow a separate emergency pathway.
The aim is to restore function safely using a technique suited to the patient's anatomy, diagnosis and needs. Technology and surgical approach are tools within an overall plan — not automatic choices for everyone.
Preoperative three-dimensional planning based on CT imaging, with robotic assistance to carry out the preoperative plan.
A standardised direct anterior approach using a specific technique and instruments, following an interval between muscles and their nerve supplies.
The choice is not based on a general promise of ‘faster’ recovery. The diagnosis, anatomy, bone quality, previous operations, other medical conditions and functional goals are discussed.
Hip arthroscopy is used for selected conditions within the joint. It is not among the procedures performed by this doctor.
Fractures of the femoral neck and trochanteric region are serious injuries, particularly in older adults. Treatment is organised in hospital, aiming for timely surgery when indicated and safe mobilisation.
Management is not determined by the image alone. The type and displacement of the fracture, age, function before the injury and overall health are considered together.
The choice between internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty and total hip replacement depends on displacement, age, function and overall health.
Usually treated with internal fixation. The implant type is determined by the shape and stability of the fracture.
Specialist planning is needed, based on the fracture location, stability of the prosthesis and bone quality.
If there is severe pain or you cannot get up or bear weight on the leg, do not wait for a clinic appointment. Call 166 or go immediately to a hospital Emergency Department.
Recovery varies with the procedure, bone quality, general health and each patient's progress. The information below describes general principles and does not replace your individual postoperative instructions.
Medical references: NICE — Osteoarthritis · NICE — Hip fracture · AAOS — Hip osteoarthritis · AAOS — Hip fractures · ACR — Imaging for chronic hip pain
For chronic pain, osteoarthritis or a discussion about robotic-assisted hip replacement and AMIS, you can arrange an assessment tailored to your needs. If a fracture is possible after a fall, go immediately to a hospital Emergency Department.
