Hip Surgery

Hip Reconstruction

Hip reconstruction encompasses specialized surgical procedures for complex hip problems that go beyond standard joint replacement. This includes correcting severe hip dysplasia, post-traumatic deformity, leg length discrepancy, and complex anatomy requiring customized implants, osteotomy, and bone grafting to restore proper biomechanics and function.

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On This Page

Recovery

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation plan tailored to the specific reconstruction performed.

Clinical Focus

Complex deformity correction, dysplasia reconstruction, osteotomy, custom implants, bone grafting, biomechanical realignment.

Ideal Candidate

Patients with complex hip deformities, dysplasia, post-traumatic damage, or failed prior surgery requiring specialized reconstruction.

Understanding Your Procedure

In-Depth: Hip Reconstruction

A clear, comprehensive look at what this procedure is, how it works, and why it may be the right choice for you.

is a specialized field that goes beyond standard hip replacement. It addresses complex hip problems caused by congenital deformities (such as hip dysplasia), (arthritis that develops after a fracture), severe malalignment, , or prior surgical failure. These cases require customized surgical planning, specialized implants, and often bone grafting or (bone reshaping) to restore proper biomechanics.In a standard hip replacement, the surgeon places implants into relatively normal bone with typical anatomy. In , the bone may be deformed, deficient, or misaligned. Dr. Sobh uses advanced CT-based 3D modeling to understand each patient's unique anatomy, then plans a customized surgical restoration that may involve realigning the bone (), using custom or specialized implants, and rebuilding lost bone with grafts.Dr. Sobh is recognized for taking on complex cases that other surgeons decline, including congenital hip dysplasia in adults, post-traumatic reconstruction after fractures, and correction of severe or malalignment. His fellowship at Rush University specifically included training in these complex reconstructive techniques, and he uses 3D anatomical modeling to plan each case individually.

Hip Reconstruction anatomical illustration

Hip Reconstruction — illustrated overview of the surgical approach and implant placement.

20-30+

Years Implant Lifespan

90%+

Patient Satisfaction

24h

Walking Post-Op

<1%

Complication Rate

What Makes This Approach Different

3D CT Anatomical Modeling

Complex deformities are mapped in 3D from CT scans, allowing Dr. Sobh to plan cuts, selection, and bone grafting specific to your unique anatomy.

Osteotomy & Realignment

When the hip is misaligned, Dr. Sobh performs —precisely cutting and repositioning the bone—to restore the mechanical axis before placing implants.

Custom Implant Options

For severe deformities, patient-specific custom implants can be designed from your to match your anatomy exactly—something off-the-shelf implants cannot do.

Complex Case Expertise

Dr. Sobh accepts cases that other surgeons decline, including congenital dysplasia, post-traumatic reconstruction, and failed prior surgeries requiring complex revision.

Clinical information reviewed and edited by Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Content synthesized from peer-reviewed orthopedic literature, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, and Dr. Sobh's fellowship training at Rush University Medical Center. Last updated 2025.

Watch & Learn

Understanding Complex Hip Reconstruction

These educational videos explain how complex hip reconstruction addresses severe joint damage, bone loss, and deformity — using advanced implants, bone grafts, and specialized techniques to rebuild the hip joint.

Expert Lecture57:49 min

Complex Revision Hip Arthroplasty

Dr. Jibanananda Satpathy, Associate Professor at VCU Health System and Director of Trauma, presents a comprehensive lecture on complex revision hip arthroplasty — covering bone loss management, acetabular reconstruction, pelvic discontinuity, and advanced reconstructive techniques.

Source: Orthopaedic Principles — Dr. Jibanananda Satpathy, VCU Health

Research1:46 min

3D-Printed Custom Acetabular Implants

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery presents research on 3D-printed, custom-made acetabular implants (CMAIs) for complex revision hip arthroplasty — showing 96.3% implant survival at 9 years with bone ingrowth in 90% of patients, demonstrating the advanced technology used in complex reconstruction.

Source: JBJS — Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery

Dr. Sobh's Reconstruction Expertise

Complex hip reconstruction requires advanced training and experience beyond primary hip replacement. Dr. Sobh's fellowship at Rush University Medical Center — a top revision center — equipped him with the skills to manage bone loss, deformity, and failed implants using modern reconstruction techniques including custom 3D-printed implants when needed.

Videos embedded from YouTube for patient educational purposes. Dr. Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD reviews all educational content on this page. Sources: Orthopaedic Principles (Dr. Jibanananda Satpathy, VCU Health) and The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS).

Interactive Education

See How Your Joint Works

Understanding your condition is the first step toward confident decisions. Use this interactive visualizer to explore the anatomy of the hip joint, compare a healthy joint with an arthritic one, and see exactly what hip reconstruction restores.

1
Toggle states to compare healthy, arthritic, and post-surgical joints.
2
Tap the dots to learn about each anatomical structure.
3
Watch the motion to see how the joint moves during activity.

Interactive Joint Visualizer

Explore how hip reconstruction works

For Education

Front View

100%

Tap the dots to explore the joint anatomy

Arthritic / Damaged

Illustration for educational purposes. Not a diagnostic image.

Recognizing the Signs

Common Symptoms

Many patients live with joint pain for years before seeking treatment. If you recognize several of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a consultation.

When to seek care

If your symptoms interfere with sleep, work, or activities you enjoy, or if conservative treatments no longer provide relief, a surgical consultation is appropriate.

Pain from a hip that never formed correctly (dysplasia)

A leg that has always been misaligned or different in length

Progressive deformity after a fracture or trauma

Pain from a hip problem that prior surgery did not fully correct

Difficulty walking that stems from the shape or alignment of the hip joint

A complex hip condition that other surgeons have declined to treat

Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD

Board Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon

Rush University Medical Center Fellowship

Hour Detroit Top Doc Award 2025

900+ 5-Star Google Reviews

Why Dr. Sobh for This Procedure

Fellowship-Trained Expertise in Hip Reconstruction

goes beyond standard joint replacement—it addresses deformity, bone loss, and biomechanical misalignment. Dr. Sobh's Rush University fellowship included training in 3D anatomical modeling and customized surgical restoration for complex cases. He uses advanced CT-based planning to understand each patient's unique anatomy, then performs biomechanical realignment using , custom implants, and bone grafting as needed. He is recognized for taking on complex cases that other surgeons decline, including congenital hip dysplasia and post-traumatic reconstruction.

Meet Dr. Sobh Patient Testimonials

Conditions Treated

Is Hip Reconstruction Right for You?

Dr. Sobh may recommend this procedure for patients diagnosed with the following conditions.

Congenital hip dysplasia in adultsPost-traumatic hip deformitySevere leg length discrepancyComplex hip malalignmentFailed prior hip surgery requiring reconstructionAvascular necrosis with structural collapse

A thorough consultation and imaging review will confirm the best treatment path for your specific situation.

Are You a Candidate?

Candidacy for Hip Reconstruction

Dr. Sobh carefully evaluates each patient to determine if this procedure is the right fit. Here's a general guide — your individual consultation will provide a definitive answer.

Good Candidate

Adults with congenital hip dysplasia, post-traumatic arthritis after fracture, severe hip malalignment, or complex deformities that standard replacement cannot address.

Good Candidate

Patients with prior surgical failure or complex anatomy who need a surgeon with specialized reconstructive training beyond standard joint replacement.

May Not Be a Candidate

Patients with straightforward osteoarthritis and normal anatomy are better served by standard hip replacement, which is simpler and has faster recovery.

May Not Be a Candidate

Patients with active infection or medical conditions that cannot be optimized for complex, longer surgery need to address those issues first.

Technology & Techniques

Advanced Technology Used in Your Surgery

Dr. Sobh uses these specialized tools and technologies to ensure the highest level of precision and safety during your procedure.

3D CT Modeling

A CT scan creates a 3D model of the deformed hip, allowing precise measurement of deformity angles, leg length discrepancy, and bone deficiency.

Patient-Specific Custom Implants

For severe deformities, custom implants are designed and manufactured from your CT data to match your anatomy exactly.

Osteotomy Fixation

When bone realignment is needed, plates, screws, or blade plates secure the repositioned bone during healing.

Structural Bone Grafting

Autograft (your own bone) or allograft (donor bone) is used to rebuild deficient areas and create a stable foundation for implants.

How the Surgery Works

Understanding Your Surgical Journey

From your first consultation to full recovery, here's what to expect at each stage. Dr. Sobh and the team at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons will guide you through every step.

Biomechanical Realignment

Surgical correction restores proper hip alignment, leg length, and mechanical axis. This may involve (bone reshaping), placement, or a combination of techniques.

Customized Restoration

Depending on your condition, Dr. Sobh may use custom implants, bone grafting, or specialized fixation to rebuild the hip and restore structural integrity.

3D-Guided Precision

CT-based 3D modeling guides every step of the reconstruction, ensuring the plan matches your unique anatomy and the mechanical axis is restored.

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation

A comprehensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation plan supports healing of the structural reconstruction, restoring function and quality of life.

Recovery Timeline

Your Path Back to Activity

Recovery timelines vary by individual and procedure complexity. Dr. Sobh will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan. Here's a general guide to what most patients experience.

1-3 days

Hospital Stay

Begin protected mobilization. Recovery depends on the specific reconstruction performed.

2-6 weeks

Early Recovery

Protected weight bearing as directed. Physical therapy focuses on safe mobility and protection of the reconstruction.

6-12 weeks

Strengthening Phase

Gradually increase activity. Therapy advances based on healing of bone and soft tissues.

3-6 months

Full Recovery

Return to daily activities. Complete structural healing. Ongoing monitoring ensures alignment and stability.

Comparing Your Options

Hip Reconstruction vs. Alternatives

Understanding how hip reconstruction compares to other treatment options helps you make an informed decision. Dr. Sobh will discuss all viable options during your consultation.

Standard Hip Replacement

Standard replacement treats arthritis with typical placement. Reconstruction addresses deformity, malalignment, bone loss, or prior failure, requiring customized planning and specialized techniques.

Joint-Preserving Osteotomy

In younger patients with malalignment but preserved cartilage, alone (without joint replacement) can realign the hip to delay or prevent arthritis progression.

Arthrodesis (Fusion)

In severely damaged hips where reconstruction is not feasible, fusion eliminates pain by eliminating motion—a last-resort option for certain cases.

Patient Journey Tip

Complex reconstruction cases require more pre-operative planning than standard replacement—expect additional CT scans and possibly custom implant manufacturing, which may add 4-8 weeks to the planning timeline. This investment in planning is what makes a successful outcome possible.

Benefits

This procedure offers significant advantages for qualified patients:

Restores proper hip alignment and biomechanics
Relieves pain from complex deformities
Corrects leg length discrepancy
Improves walking and function
Customized 3D surgical planning
Addresses congenital and post-traumatic conditions

Potential Risks

As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Dr. Sobh takes extensive measures to minimize them:

Higher complexity than standard replacement
Bone healing required (may take months)
Infection (rare)
Blood clots—prevented with medication and early walking
Need for additional procedures
Anesthesia-related risks

Important

This information is for educational purposes only. Your individual risks depend on your health history. Dr. Sobh will discuss your specific risk profile during your consultation.

Patient Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions patients ask about hip reconstruction.

What is hip reconstruction?

is a specialized field addressing complex hip problems that go beyond standard replacement—including congenital deformities like dysplasia, after fractures, and severe malalignment. Dr. Sobh uses 3D modeling to plan these complex cases.

How is this different from a standard hip replacement?

Standard replacement treats arthritis with typical placement. Reconstruction addresses deformity, malalignment, bone loss, or prior surgical failure, requiring customized planning, specialized implants, and often bone grafting or .

Will I need a custom implant?

Some complex reconstructions benefit from custom implants designed from your . Dr. Sobh will determine if this is needed during your consultation and planning process.

Can Dr. Sobh help with a hip problem another surgeon couldn't fix?

Yes. Dr. Sobh is recognized for his expertise in complex and revision cases, including correcting problems from prior surgeries performed elsewhere. His fellowship training at Rush University specifically included complex adult reconstruction.

Medically ReviewedLast reviewed: August 14, 2026

Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD

Board Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon — Minimally-Invasive Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist

This procedure page was clinically reviewed and approved by Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in direct anterior hip replacement and MAKO robotic knee surgery. Dr. Sobh graduated with high honors from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his adult reconstruction fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He practices at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons (MOS) with offices in Royal Oak and Southfield, Michigan.

View Full Credentials Editorial Standards

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual results and recovery timelines vary. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sobh to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.

Happy, active patients enjoying life after orthopedic surgery recovery with Dr. Ali H. Sobh

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Sobh to discuss whether hip reconstruction is right for you. Our team will help coordinate your visit, insurance verification, and pre-operative planning.

Book an Appointment Call (833) 667-3627