Hips & Pelvis

Hip pain is a common problem in orthopedics, and the pain can be caused by a number of conditions. We help patients manage hip pain with non-surgical methods and minimally invasive procedures. Sometimes, our treatments involve:

• Joint reconstruction
• Joint replacement

Osteoarthritis – Your hips are large joints, so they are at risk for developing osteoarthritis just like any other joint in your body. This type of arthritis is also referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis because of its development over time. Its symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and discomfort that increase with activity. Treatment is necessary, because the condition can continue to worsen otherwise and leave you unable to move your hip. Your doctor might suggest anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, total hip replacement surgery.

Bursitis – Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. Bursae are small sacs that are found throughout your body, including your hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees. They hold a small amount of fluid and work to reduce friction between your bones and tissues. The bursae that are located in your hip can become inflamed and cause sharp pain or dull aches that become worse at night or with prolonged walking. Treatments can include physical therapy, steroid injections, and in rare cases, surgery that removes the bursa with a minimally invasive method.

Hip fracture – A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur. Although cancer, osteoporosis, and stress injuries can contribute to hip fractures, the most common cause is a fall or direct blow to the hip. There are different types and varying degrees of hip fractures. Staying immobile so that the fracture can heal is a non-surgical treatment method. In some cases, surgery may be used to secure the bone in place and hold it together with screws or nails.

Femoral acetabular impingement – This condition is characterized by abnormally shaped bones of the hip. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing damage to the joint. Femoral acetabular impingement occurs when the bones do not develop properly during childhood. Symptoms include pain in the groin area and a dull or stabbing pain with squatting, twisting, and turning. Treatments include activity modification, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. The condition can also be treated with surgery by repairing cartilage and trimming or shaving down bone.

Hip dysplasia – Dysplasia is developmental dislocation of the hip that is present at birth or in the first year of life. It is characterized by an improperly formed hip joint that is loose in the socket and easy to dislocate. Dysplasia runs in families and appears to be more common in girls, first born children, babies who had a low level of amniotic fluid in the womb, and babies born in breech position. Symptoms include legs of different lengths, decreased mobility on one side, limping, toe walking, and uneven skin folds on the thigh. Positioning devices and casting are used as treatment methods. In some cases, surgery is needed to realign the hip.

Pelvic fracture – A fracture is a break in the bone. Growing, athletic teens and elderly patients with osteoporosis are both at an increased risk for pelvic fractures. A fracture can occur due to a fall, injury, car accident, or a piece of bone being pulled away by the hamstring muscles. Pain, swelling, and bruising are signs of a fractured pelvis. Sometimes the fracture heals on its own with the help of crutches or a walker to redistribute weight. Surgical procedures to correct a pelvic fracture can involve an external fixator or the use of plates or screws.