Hip Conditions & Treatment

 

Hip pain from an injury, chronic condition, or gradual degeneration can affect mobility and quality of life in ways that touch nearly every daily activity — from walking and sitting to sleeping comfortably and staying active. Dr. Michael Sileo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients with a full range of hip conditions.

Dr. Sileo is one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the tri-state area who routinely performs hip arthroscopy for the minimally invasive treatment of hip labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement — bringing a rare level of specialized expertise to patients across Long Island.

Hip Conditions We Treat

_

Comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of hip-related issues, from acute sports injuries to chronic degenerative conditions.

Hip Pain (1)

Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that leads to the breakdown of cartilage over time, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available to alleviate pain and restore joint function, tailored to the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual needs.
Hip Pain (1)

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures most commonly occur in older individuals following falls or traumatic injuries, resulting in a broken hip bone that requires prompt and precise treatment. Advanced surgical techniques are used to repair and stabilize hip fractures, followed by a personalized rehabilitation program to restore mobility and function.
Hip Pain (1)

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursae — the fluid-filled sacs located near the hip joint — causing pain and discomfort on the outside of the hip that worsens with activity. Most cases respond well to conservative treatment, including targeted injections, physical therapy, and activity modification.
Hip Pain (1)

Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning to the joint. Tears or damage to the labrum — often caused by trauma or repetitive motion — result in pain, clicking, or locking sensations in the hip. Dr. Sileo specializes in arthroscopic hip labral repair and is one of the few surgeons in the tri-state area who routinely performs this procedure using minimally invasive techniques.
Hip Pain (1)

Hip Impingement

Hip impingement occurs when there is abnormal contact between the hip socket and the femur, causing pain, limited range of motion, and cartilage damage over time. Dr. Sileo is one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the tri-state area who routinely performs minimally invasive hip arthroscopy to treat femoroacetabular impingement — addressing the structural cause of the problem and relieving symptoms.
Hip Pain (1)

Additional Conditions

Beyond these common diagnoses, treatment extends to a broad range of hip conditions, including hip flexor injuries, snapping hip syndrome, sports-related hip injuries, and post-traumatic joint degeneration. Each condition is approached with the same dedication to accurate diagnosis and the least invasive and most effective treatment path possible. 

3D rendering of a human pelvis and femur with a hip joint replacement implant visible on the right side against a light blue background, highlighting the structure of the hip

Hip Procedures

_
  • Hip ArthroscopyHip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small, flexible camera — called an arthroscope — into the hip joint through a small incision. The arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing Dr. Sileo to visualize the internal structures of the hip and identify any abnormalities or damage. This technique provides numerous benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
  • Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair When a labral tear is detected, arthroscopic hip labral repair uses specialized instruments to repair or remove the damaged labrum through small incisions. This procedure restores stability, alleviates pain, and enables patients to regain full hip function. Dr. Sileo routinely performs this procedure and brings specialized expertise that is uncommon among orthopedic surgeons in the region.

Our Treatment Approach

_

Comprehensive Evaluation

A thorough physical examination, complete medical history review, and advanced imaging — including X-ray and MRI — are used to accurately diagnose your hip condition and identify the most effective treatment path.

Conservative Treatment

Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and other non-surgical treatments are always considered before surgery. Many hip conditions respond well to conservative care alone.

Surgical
Planning

When surgery is the right path forward, Dr. Sileo uses arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques whenever clinically appropriate to achieve the best possible outcome with the least disruption to surrounding tissue. 

Recovery and Rehabilitation

A personalized post-operative rehabilitation program is provided to maximize strength, mobility, and long-term outcomes following hip surgery. Clear communication, compassionate care, and thorough follow-up are always prioritized.

Hip Surgery Recovery Timeline

_

Recovery varies depending on the type of hip procedure performed and on the individual. Below is a general guide for the most common surgical treatments.

Hip Labral Repair Recovery
Weeks 1-4Crutches are used to limit weight bearing and protect the repair. Gentle range of motion exercises begin under the physical therapist's guidance.
Weeks 4-8Weight bearing gradually increases. Physical therapy focuses on restoring hip mobility and beginning gentle strengthening.
2-4 MonthsStrengthening progresses and most patients return to light daily activities during this phase.
4-6 MonthsReturn to sport and higher-demand activity for most patients, depending on the nature of the repair and individual progress.
Hip Arthroscopy Recovery
Weeks 1-2Crutches are typically used to limit weight bearing and protect the surgical site. Rest and swelling management are the primary focus during this phase.
Weeks 2-6Physical therapy begins, focused on restoring range of motion and beginning gentle strengthening of the hip and surrounding musculature.
2-4 MonthsStrengthening progresses, and most patients return to light daily activities during this phase. Pain and swelling continue to decrease steadily.
4-6 MonthsFull return to sport and higher-demand activity for most patients, depending on the nature of the procedure and individual progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

_
What makes hip arthroscopy different from traditional open hip surgery?

Hip arthroscopy uses a tiny camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to treat problems inside the hip joint, rather than opening the joint through a large incision. The result is less disruption to surrounding tissue, reduced postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery. Not all hip conditions can be treated arthroscopically — the appropriateness of the approach depends on the specific diagnosis and the extent of the damage.

How do I know if my hip pain is serious enough to see a doctor?

Hip pain that persists for more than 4–6 weeks, worsens with activity or rest, or is accompanied by groin discomfort, a clicking or locking sensation, or a noticeable change in the way you walk warrants an orthopedic evaluation. These symptoms can indicate conditions such as labral tears, impingement, or early arthritis — all of which respond significantly better to treatment when addressed early.

What is the difference between hip bursitis and hip impingement?

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, typically causing pain on the outside of the hip that worsens with activity or prolonged sitting. Hip impingement, on the other hand, is a structural problem where abnormal bone growth causes irregular contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint, leading to pain deep in the groin and restricted range of motion. Both conditions can cause significant hip pain, but they have different causes and require different treatment approaches — making an accurate diagnosis essential before beginning any treatment plan. 

Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?

Yes, many patients with hip osteoarthritis manage their symptoms successfully with non-surgical treatment for years before surgery becomes necessary. Conservative options include physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and activity modification. When conservative treatment no longer provides adequate relief, and the condition significantly limits daily function, surgical options, including joint preservation procedures or hip replacement, may be considered. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual goals.

Where to Get Hip Treatment on Long Island

Dr. Sileo sees patients at two convenient Long Island locations. New patients are welcome.

Commack Office

312A Commack Rd
Commack, NY 11725

East Setauket Office

6 Technology Drive, Suite 100
East Setauket, NY 11733

Request An Appointment

Take the first step towards recovery.

  • Office hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM