Hip Pain · Arthritis · Hip Replacement
Hip Care in Hawai‘i
Hip pain does not always come from the hip joint. Pain in the groin usually points to the joint itself. Pain on the outside of the hip is often a tendon or bursa problem, and pain in the buttock or down the leg may come from the back. Pacific Bone & Joint starts by finding the real source, then matches treatment to it, from physical therapy and ultrasound-guided injections to hip replacement when the joint is worn out.
Hip replacement uses the muscle-sparing anterior (bikini) approach. Robotic-assisted MAKO™ hip replacement is performed at Hilo Community Surgery Center, and anterior hip replacement without robotic assistance is available at O‘ahu hospitals.
Conditions We Treat
Common causes of hip pain
The Right Level of Care
From diagnosis to recovery, in one practice
Not every hip problem needs surgery. Most patients start with an accurate diagnosis and conservative care, and move to more advanced treatment only when it is needed.
- 1
Diagnosis
A focused exam, standing X-rays, and diagnostic ultrasound when useful. MRI is ordered when it will change the plan, and a diagnostic injection can confirm whether pain is really coming from the joint.
- 2
Physical therapy and activity changes
Strengthening of the hip abductors and core, gait training, and load management are the foundation for tendon problems and early arthritis.
- 3
Injections and orthobiologics
Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections for arthritis and bursitis-type pain, and PRP or BMAC for selected tendon and joint problems.
- 4
Hip replacement
When arthritis has worn out the joint and limits daily life, anterior hip replacement relieves pain for most patients. Robotic-assisted MAKO™ surgery is performed at Hilo Community Surgery Center.
Robotic hip replacement in Hilo · Hip replacement for Honolulu patients
- 5
Recovery
Most patients walk the same day. A structured rehab plan restores strength, balance, and confidence.
Robotic-assisted hip replacement is currently performed only at Hilo Community Surgery Center. O‘ahu patients can travel to Hilo for robotic surgery or have an anterior hip replacement at an O‘ahu hospital; consults, follow-up, and physical therapy stay close to home either way.
Treatments
Hip treatments we offer
- Robotic hip replacement (Hilo)MAKO™, outpatient
- Robotic hip replacement for Kona patients
- Hip replacement for Honolulu patients
- Hip replacement for Waipahu patients
- Revision hip replacement
- PRP & BMAC injectionsSelected patients; usually not covered by insurance
- Ultrasound-guided procedures
- Fracture care
- Bone health & osteoporosis
Patient Education
Articles from our team
- When is it time for hip replacement?
- Hip arthritis vs. bursitis vs. back pain
- Outer hip pain: bursitis, tendinopathy, or a tear?
- Hip labral tears and FAI
- Ultrasound-guided hip injections
- Physical therapy after hip replacement
- Hip replacement failure and revision
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Physical therapy for hip pain and hip replacement
PB&J Physical Therapy works inside our Honolulu and Waipahu/Kunia clinics, so your rehabilitation is planned with the same orthopedic team that treats you. Many orthopedic problems improve with therapy alone, and Hawai‘i allows direct access to physical therapy without a physician referral (some plans still require one for coverage).
PB&J Physical Therapy →Patient Reviews
What patients say
4.9 average across 504 ratings on 8 review sites
“Dr. Morton has an excellent bedside manner. He really took the time to talk with me about all of my options for my hip replacement. He did my re-do hip replacement 3 months ago and I haven't felt this good for years! Thank you Dr. Morton for helping me walk again.”
— Verified patient· Healthgrades review
“I had left hip surgery on Tuesday and went to physical therapy at his office the next day. I am doing awesome — I have minimal pain! Dr. Morton and the office staff, Bryson and Chelsea the PTs, Carol the scheduler... this is where you want to have surgery!”
— Jodie S.· Google review
Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed. Results vary.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where is robotic hip replacement performed?+
Robotic-assisted MAKO™ hip replacement is currently performed at Hilo Community Surgery Center, an outpatient center on Hawai‘i Island. Anterior hip replacement without robotic assistance is available at O‘ahu hospitals. Consults, follow-up, and physical therapy can stay at the clinic closest to you.
What is the anterior (bikini) approach?+
The anterior approach reaches the hip from the front, working between muscles rather than detaching them. A bikini-style incision runs along the skin crease. Many patients find early walking more comfortable, but the best approach depends on your anatomy and health.
Is my hip pain really coming from my hip?+
Not always. Groin pain usually comes from the hip joint, pain on the outside of the hip often comes from tendons, and buttock or leg pain may come from the back. An exam, X-rays, and sometimes a diagnostic injection sort this out.
Do I need an MRI before my visit?+
Usually not. Standing X-rays answer most questions about arthritis. MRI is ordered when it will change the plan, for example to look for a labral tear, a tendon tear, or a stress fracture. If you already have one, upload it before your visit.
Can an injection help my hip pain?+
Often, for a period of time. An ultrasound-guided injection can both relieve pain and confirm where it is coming from. For tendon problems, PRP may be considered for selected patients.
When is it time for a hip replacement?+
The decision is based on pain and loss of function, not age. When arthritis keeps you from walking, sleeping, or doing what matters to you despite good conservative care, it is reasonable to discuss hip replacement.
Areas We Serve
Care for patients across Hawai‘i
Find the source, then the right treatment
Request an appointment through Klara, our secure messaging tool, or call us. Bring or upload any outside imaging so we can review it before your visit.