Orthopaedic Care: Hip and Groin Services

Hip and groin conditions can cause pain and difficulty moving. Some people develop problems with the hip's ball and socket joint. Other conditions affect the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and soft tissues of the hip or the area where the legs connect (groin).

UPMC Orthopaedic Care consultants diagnose and treat all conditions of the hip and groin. We specialise in sudden (acute) and ongoing (chronic) conditions in children, adolescents, and adults.

How to Make an Appointment

We offer diagnosis and treatment of hip and groin conditions at three UPMC locations:

• UPMC Aut Even Hospital
• UPMC Kildare Hospital
• UPMC Whitfield Hospital
• UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic

Ask your GP for a referral and visit UPMC Orthopaedic Care to learn more about our hip and groin services.

Our locations are close to major road networks and public transport routes. Find out more about travelling to UPMC.

Hip and Groin Services and Treatments

UPMC Orthopaedic Care consultants assess and treat all types of hip and groin conditions using state-of-the-art technology. We offer expert care and minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible.

Imaging and testing

We use physical examination and imaging to diagnose injuries and chronic conditions of the hip and groin. These tests include:

• DXA: A technique in which consultants use dyes and a camera to assess the condition of your bones.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A test that uses magnets and radio waves to make detailed images of the hip and groin area.
• Ultrasound: A technique that uses sound waves to create images of structures in the hip and groin.
• X-rays: A test that uses electromagnetic waves to create black and white images.

Hip and groin injury treatments

UPMC consultants may treat you with non-operative methods, including:

• Joint injections:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation.
  • Platelet-rich plasma to help heal damaged tissue.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Consultants may prescribe medication to relieve pain.
• Physiotherapy: Consultants may recommend exercise programmes to help improve strength and flexibility.

When hip and groin conditions require surgery, our consultants use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Surgical treatments include:

• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to repair damage to the hip joint, muscle, or tissue. We use an arthroscope (thin instrument) and small incisions.
• Total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty): Replacement of the entire ball and socket joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis).
• Partial hip replacement: Replacement of only the ball portion of the hip joint with a prosthetic ball.
• Hip replacement revision surgery: Repair and replacement of a previously placed hip prosthesis when implants deteriorate over time.
• Hip resurfacing: Trimming of the hip joint's ball bone (femoral head) followed by capping with a metal covering.

Hip and Groin Conditions We Treat

UPMC Orthopaedic Care consultants help relieve hip and groin pain and restore function. We treat a range of athletic and other hip and groin injuries, including:

• Hip dislocation: Forceful injury that moves bones of the hip joint out of position.
• Hip sprain and strain: Stretching or tearing of ligaments that connect bones in the hip joint.
• Labral tear: Tear in the ring of cartilage (labrum) surrounding the hip socket.

UPMC consultants also diagnose and treat chronic hip conditions, including:

• Acetabular (hip) dysplasia: A condition in which the ball of the hip joint does not fit tightly in the socket. Over time, this can cause protective cartilage to wear down or cause hip dislocation.
• Avascular necrosis (AVN): A reduction in blood flow to the hip joint, which may cause bone to die. This condition is also known as osteonecrosis.
• Femoroacetabular (hip) impingement: Damage that occurs when extra bone growth in the hip joint causes bones to fit improperly, creating rubbing or pressure.
• Hip osteoarthritis: Wearing away of the cartilage that protects bones, causing pain and swelling.

We also treat groin injuries and conditions, including:

• Acute and chronic groin pain: Pain that results from muscle injury or hip conditions.
• Sports hernia: Strain or injury to muscles in the thigh that allow the hip and thigh to move and rotate.

Other hip and groin conditions we treat

Other conditions may also affect the hip and groin. Our consultants also treat:

• Avulsion fracture: Injury in which a piece of bone breaks off when a tendon or ligament tears away from the hip bone.
• Bursitis: Pain and swelling that occurs when fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that protect bones become inflamed.
• Osteitis pubis: Inflammation of the pubic bone and surrounding area caused by repetitive motion.
• Stress fracture: Thin crack in the bones of the hip caused by overuse.

Why Choose UPMC?

We are part of UPMC Orthopaedic Care, an internationally-renowned network of orthopaedic specialists. UPMC provides exceptional care and academic research. Our consultants use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries and conditions. We offer state-of-the-art facilities, including laminar flow theatres that reduce surgical infection risk and specialised inpatient services to aid recovery.

Additionally, we are long term partners of the HSE (Health Service Executive) and private insurers. We work diligently to ensure everyone has access to high-quality healthcare delivered in a timely fashion.