Hip

The Hip Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital is led by Dr Juan Ramón Prieto and involves the team of orthopaedic surgeons specialising in hip conditions from the Hip Institute, including Dr Enrique Sandoval.

This team has extensive experience in the surgical treatment of hip conditions, with a particular focus on hip replacement surgery using a minimally invasive anterior approach – a technique that allows the prosthesis to be implanted whilst preserving the musculature and promoting a faster return to normal function.

This approach allows access to the joint without cutting through the main muscles, which promotes a faster functional recovery and a surgical procedure that is more respectful of the patient’s anatomy.

Hip replacement is one of the most significant advances in modern orthopaedic surgery. It is primarily indicated for advanced hip osteoarthritis, but also for hip fractures, post-traumatic sequelae or other conditions that damage the joint and significantly limit mobility and quality of life.

What hip conditions do we treat?

The unit deals with conditions requiring hip replacement surgery, including:

• Hip osteoarthritis at various stages.

• Hip dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement with intra-articular degeneration.

• Hip fractures requiring surgical treatment.

• Traumatic sequelae or severe joint damage.

The type of treatment is always determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the actual condition of the joint and the patient’s clinical situation.

How surgical treatment is planned and decided upon

The care process begins with a thorough clinical assessment, based on active listening and imaging studies that enable an accurate diagnosis.

Surgical planning is supported by digital pre-operative planning tools, which enable us to plan the procedure in advance and precisely define key aspects such as the size of the prosthesis, its correct alignment and the most appropriate combination of materials, with the aim of ensuring stability, smooth movement and long-term durability.

Depending on the characteristics of the injury and the patient’s clinical profile, the most appropriate surgical option is considered, which may include unilateral or bilateral procedures or resurfacing techniques, always with a precise and well-founded indication.

Medical follow-up forms an integral part of the treatment, both before and after the operation.

Minimally invasive anterior hip replacement: the differential approach

Anterior hip surgery allows access to the joint without cutting through the muscles, reducing the extent of surgical trauma and promoting earlier functional recovery.

This approach relies on a high level of surgical precision, using intraoperative X-rays to confirm in real time the correct positioning of the components, limb length and hip balance, thereby increasing the safety and accuracy of the procedure.

For the patient, this approach usually results in less post-operative pain, an early return to walking and a gradual return to daily activities following a clear and controlled plan.

Medical team specialising in hip surgery

The Hip Unit is led by Juan Ramón Prieto, Dr Enrique Sandoval and the rest of the Hip Institute team; this multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in hip surgery and in the minimally invasive anterior approach.

Under their leadership, the team practises a approach based on extensive clinical experience, focusing on the individualised assessment of each patient, the correct surgical indication and the expert performance of anterior approach hip surgery, the replacement of one or both hips in a single operation, or resurfacing techniques that preserve part of the joint – always with a caring and personalised approach.

Medical follow-up and functional recovery

Recovery is an essential part of the treatment. Following surgery, patients receive close medical monitoring, designed to track their progress and safely support them through each stage of the post-operative process.

The aim is to restore mobility, confidence and independence through ongoing, personalised clinical care.

A way to care for someone who needs hip surgery

At the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, hip surgery is approached through a combination of rigorous clinical judgement, advanced surgical technology and person-centred care.

From the very first consultation, we take the time needed to clearly explain the diagnosis, treatment options and realistic expectations for recovery. This process ensures that every decision is made in an informed manner and jointly by the patient and the medical team.

Clinical support is provided throughout all stages of the process — initial assessment, surgical planning, the operation itself and follow-up — with the aim of ensuring medical safety, confidence and continuity of care at every stage of treatment.