Normal hip function cannot be restored once end stage arthritis destroys the articular cartilage. Treatment is predominantly for pain relief, which can be produced by various salvage procedures.
| Procedure | Description | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hip Arthroplasty | Most commonly performed with very good results — native femoral head and acetabulum replaced by metallic implants | Not preferred in young people due to concerns of wear and loosening requiring repeated surgery — repeated surgery tends to be less successful |
| Hip Arthrodesis | Femoral head fused to the acetabulum — provides excellent pain relief and is durable | Difficulty with certain activities, spine and knee arthritis in the long term — conversion to a total hip is difficult and less successful |
| Hip Distraction | Long pins placed through the skin into the pelvis and femur, hip joint pulled apart to allow cartilage growth — minimally invasive and adjustable | Pins frequently get infected and loosen — uncommonly used and is not likely to work |
| Growth Hormone Injection | Injection of high doses of growth hormone into the joint was shown to produce cartilage in a few patients | Not an approved treatment — dosage is experimental |
| Pelvic Support Osteotomy | Femoral bone cut and bent outwards to support the pelvis and eliminate limp — a second cut close to the knee allows realignment — can allow good painless motion without a limp or apparent deformity | Requires longer period for lengthening the limb with several complications — creates major internal deformity of the bone — makes conversion to a total hip very difficult |