Regain Mobility with our Advanced Hip and Pelvis Surgery
Get back to doing what you love—pain-free. At OrthoAct, our top-rated hip surgeons and pelvis surgery specialists deliver advanced care using the latest techniques in minimally invasive and reconstructive hip surgery. Whether you're facing arthritis, injury, or a chronic condition, we tailor your treatment to get you moving again.
Book a Consultation with a Hip Specialist
Understanding the Hip Joint
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket structure, made up of the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). It's lined with smooth articular cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid, allowing pain-free movement.
The acetabular labrum—a ring of cartilage—acts like a suction seal, helping maintain joint stability and fluid distribution. When this labrum is torn or injured, it can lead to significant pain and mechanical issues in the hip.
If the articular cartilage wears down over time, it results in hip osteoarthritis, often requiring intervention by a hip surgeon or hip replacement surgery.
Comprehensive Pelvis Surgery Services
We offer a range of cutting-edge procedures performed by Canberra’s leading hip and pelvis surgeons, including:
Hip Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive, keyhole technique used to:
Repair the acetabular labral tears
Address hip dysplasia
Reshape abnormal bone (cam or pincer lesions)
This procedure is ideal for younger, active patients and has largely replaced open surgery for many hip conditions.
Femoro Acetabular Impingement (FAI)
FAI occurs when abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum causes pain and limits movement. If left untreated, it can lead to arthritis.
Cam lesions: extra bone growth on the femoral head
Pincer lesions: excessive bone around the acetabulum
Treatment often begins conservatively. If symptoms persist, hip arthroscopy can correct these structural issues.
A cam lesion is a lump of bone on the femur which can either be a result of hereditary disease, slipped capital femoral growth plate or hip dysplasia.
Cam Lesion
A pincer lesion is where the socket is too tight and does not allow adequate movement of the femur, and this can be associated with tearing of the acetabulum labrum.
Pincer Lesion
When arthritis or an injury severely damages a joint, a total hip replacement may be necessary. This highly successful procedure replaces the joint with a prosthetic, restoring mobility and reducing pain. Over 95% of THRs remain functional after 15 years.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
An alternative to full THR, hip resurfacing replaces the socket and caps the femoral head with a metal prosthesis—preserving more of your natural bone. It’s ideal for younger, active patients and requires regular monitoring of metal ion levels.
Hip Resurfacing
Sometimes previous hip replacements wear out, become painful, or loosen. Our expert hip surgeons perform revision surgeries, which range from minor adjustments to complex reconstructions involving bone grafting and custom implants.
Revision Hip Replacement
This condition affects the greater trochanter, causing sharp, localized pain on the outer hip. It’s common in women aged 50–60 and men aged 70–80. We offer a range of treatments, including physiotherapy and cortisone injections, as well as surgical options when necessary.
Hip Bursitis
A possible complication after a hip replacement, particularly in patients with spinal issues or muscle weakness. We use the latest surgical techniques and implant designs—including larger prosthetic heads—to reduce dislocation risk.
Hip Dislocation
Also known as coxa saltans, this condition causes a snapping sensation from the psoas tendon or iliotibial band. Initial treatment includes physiotherapy and injections. Surgery is reserved for severe, persistent cases and is usually done via hip arthroscopy.
Snapping Hip
Not sure which procedure is right for you?
Schedule a Personalised Assessment with a Hip Specialist
Meet Our Skilled Hip Surgeons
Our team of experienced hip and pelvis surgeons in Canberra are internationally trained and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes.
Dr Alexander Burns
MB BS, FRACS(Orth)
Dr Nicholas Tsai
MB BS, FRACS(Orth)
Trained at Westmead Hospital, Dr Tsai is a trusted name in hip and pelvis surgery across Canberra.
Prof Paul Smith AM
BM BS, FRACS, FAOrthA
Professor Smith brings decades of experience and is a pioneer in orthopaedic research and complex hip revision techniques.
FAQs About Hip and Pelvis Surgery
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Persistent hip or groin pain, stiffness, difficulty walking or reduced range of motion are key signs. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
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It’s less invasive than open surgery, with reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
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Most patients resume daily activities within 6–8 weeks. Full recovery may take 3–6 months.
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Not necessarily better, but ideal for younger, active patients who want to preserve more bone. Your surgeon will advise based on your individual case.
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Following your post-operative instructions, strengthening exercises, and using advanced implant designs can all reduce the risk.
Still have questions? Speak to a surgeon today.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Movement?
Don’t let hip or pelvis pain hold you back. Book a consultation with a leading hip specialist in Canberra today and discover the best treatment for your condition.