Osteoarthritis in the Hip

When to consider surgery for osteoarthritis and more

Explore the main causes of hip pain including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injuries. Learn when conservative treatments fail and surgery becomes a solution.
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What is Hip Osteoarthritis?

It’s the most common type of arthritis affecting the hip

Hip osteoarthritis, often referred to as hip arthritis, is a condition that causes wear and tear in the hip joint. It’s the most common type of arthritis affecting the hip.

Imagine the hip joint like a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the top of the thigh bone (femur), and the socket is part of the pelvic bone (acetabulum). In a healthy hip joint, smooth cartilage covers the ends of the bones and allows them to glide smoothly against each other. In the case of hip osteoarthritis however, the cartilage gradually wears away, causing the bones to rub together. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the hip.

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Understanding Hip Pain and Osteoarthritis

If you're living with hip pain, you know it's more than just a physical problem. It's frustrating, exhausting, and often life-altering. From difficulty walking and sleepless nights to missing out on family activities and struggling with simple chores, hip pain can feel like it's slowly stealing your independence

You're not alone. Millions of people experience hip discomfort every year. And while there are many causes, understanding why it’s happening is the first step toward getting relief, and your quality of life back.

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Our Surgeons and Patient Care Experts

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a wear-and-tear condition where the cartilage cushioning your hip joint gradually breaks down. Without this smooth lining, bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling.

How It Progresses Over Time

Initially, you might notice mild stiffness or pain after long walks. But over time, symptoms worsen, becoming more constant and harder to ignore.

Why It Leads to Surgery

Once the cartilage is gone, there’s no way to grow it back. When medications, injections, and therapy no longer offer relief, surgery becomes the most effective solution to restore mobility and reduce  your pain.
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How do you know when hip pain is more than just soreness?

  • Persistent Pain and Stiffness especially in the groin or outer hip.
  • Sleep Disruption pain that wakes you up or makes it hard to fall asleep.
  • Difficulty Walking or Standing needing support to move, limping, or losing balance.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

You’ve tried everything and still, the pain persists.

  • Painkillers no longer work.
  • You're avoiding stairs or walking altogether.
  • You're losing sleep and feeling isolated.

These are strong signs that it may be time to consider surgery.


Hip Replacement Surgery

If you're considering a hip replacement, Windflower Surgical offers a clear, coordinated path from your first consultation through recovery. You'll meet with Dr. Henderson in Alberta to review your condition and treatment options and build a surgical plan together. Your pre-operative assessment is coordinated close to home, your Windflower team travels with you for surgery, and your follow-up care continues with the same team when you return. At every stage you know who your care team is and how to reach them.

Dr. Bryce Henderson is an experienced specialist in hip replacement, particularly for complex cases and patients living with long-term arthritis. With years of expertise and a patient-first approach, he focuses on restoring mobility and helping people return to the activities they love. Many of his patients share the same sentiment after their surgery: "I wish I'd done it sooner."

Learn more about Hip Replacement Surgery for Albertans
More Information

Dr. Bryce Henderson MD FRCSC

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, WINDFLOWER ORTHOPEDICS

Based in Central Alberta, is a leader in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Henderson has performed well over 1000 arthroplasty surgeries and is on the frontier of surgical innovations.
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Meet Dr. Henderson
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Patient Testimonials

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Earl P profile picture
Earl P
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Had my Double knee replacement in April of this year. Can't say enough good things about this clinic and the treatment and post care i received. The only thing i could suggest is that the clinic should set up its own transportation from the clinic to the hotel as waiting for a taxi and trying to get in and out of it was very difficult. If they would have had their own transportation IE a shuttle bus this would have made it so much easier even if there was a charge it would have been worth it.
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Doug D profile picture
Doug D
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I was a fit athletic senior, crippled by arthritis and ruptured meniscus. Best money I ever spent. Quality of life at 69 years is everything. Wait 3 years in Alberta health care or fly to Montreal next month for a knee replacement. NO brainer.
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Randy H profile picture
Randy H
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I had a full knee replacement in Montreal on June 12/25. Everything went very well from a very short wait for the procedure to the excellent team that was in place. The facilities in Montreal were top notch, they were very thorough pre-op and took very good care of you post surgery. I am very happy with the results and highly recommend Dr Henderson and his team at Vital Surgical Specialists.
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K. B profile picture
K. B
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I contacted Vital Surgical Specialists in July 2024 to inquire about getting my right hip replaced. I had been on the wait list in Red Deer for over 2 years with no idea how much longer it would take. My hip joint was bone on bone and extremely painful, limiting every aspect of my life. After a thorough vetting process with the Vital Surgical Specialists team, I was scheduled for hip surgery on September 12/2024 in Montreal at their clinic. I received all the necessary information and had tests done here as well as conversations with Dr. Henderson, Nicki, and the anesthesiologist in Montreal before flying to Montreal with my husband. Special thanks to Nicki, the wonderful Nurse Practitioner on the team who answered all my calls and questions immediately, and even visited with me in the clinic. Thanks also to Sarah, who was my contact for anything else I needed. Thanks also, of course, to Dr. Henderson, who made the surgery so painless. We stayed in the recommended hotel, which provided everything I needed for the first few days of my recovery. On September 12/2024 I checked into the Vital Surgical Solutions clinic, and had the surgery that afternoon. I had requested the “Anterior Approach” which is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Everything went very well, and I was checking out of the clinic by September 14/2024. The clinic was very efficient, and well run. Even the food was good. As recommended, we stayed 2 more nights at the hotel in Montreal before flying home. Dr. Henderson and the team kept providing me with quality care after I returned home. I accessed physio therapy here in Red Deer and had a good experience. Within a few weeks I was walking without even a cane, and without pain. It was such a wonderful experience, and so worth it for my quality of life. My other hip has deteriorated unfortunately, and I have been on the list here in Red Deer for over a year with no idea when I might get surgery. There is no guarantee that I could get the Anterior Approach here either as only Dr. Henderson offers it, so I am considering another trip to Montreal to have Vital Surgical Solutions and Dr. Henderson who practices in both Red Deer and Montreal provide the same service as before. It is expensive, but I have to consider what my quality of life is worth. I highly recommend Vital Surgical Specialists if you need a hip replacement. All of the other patients in the clinic when I was there were from Central Alberta. They all had a good experience.
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Marnie P profile picture
Marnie P
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I was well treated and cared for from my first phone call of inquiry, through the surgery period and home again. Thank-you so much to the Alberta team, the Montreal team and to Dr. Henderson.
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Scott s profile picture
Scott s
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Nursing staff and surgeon were professional and preformed roles perfectly in addressing my hip replacement during and after surgery. No regrets
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Rick W profile picture
Rick W
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Vital Surgical Specialists were a super group of professionals! I needed a new hip and was in a great deal of pain and having trouble walking!! My quality of life was extremely poor. I contacted Sarah and from then on was expertly cared for by the entire Vital Surgical team. Dr. Henderson replaced my right hip and I immediately knew that my quality of life had improved! With the aid of physical therapy I was soon walking without pain. Thanks to the Vital Surgical Specialists team I was able to regain my quality of life. The after surgical care and expertise has also been extremely helpful. I would recommend Vital Surgical Specialists to any and all that need a hip replacement and I understand they do knees and other surgeries too. R.A. (Rick) Wigmore
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Denise T profile picture
Denise T
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I had a wonderful experience with Vital Care. I had my surgery in January 2025. Unfortunately I slipped the night before my surgery. The doctor took care of my ankle an also my knee. The staff were so kind, thoughtful as well as very good at there jobs. I would highly recommend them to anyone who does not have time to wait 2 or 3 years. I am so glad to be back among the moving and and painless.
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Ewan B profile picture
Ewan B
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Excellent service, doing great in my recovery Highly recommend Vital Surgical Specialists.
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Tracy W profile picture
Tracy W
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I had my left hip replaced 9 months ago by Dr. Henderson. I was incredibly impressed with the whole process! All of the staff, both at Vital Surgical Specialists and the clinic in Montreal, were extremely kind and helpful. I can't believe how good my hip feels now! Back to being able to teach Physical Education again!!! I would definitely recommend!

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Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation or get answers to your questions. We're here to help guide you through your surgical care journey and to improve access to expert care.


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