Hip pain can affect people of all ages. In addition, there are many types of conditions that can lead to hip pain, making it vitally important to properly diagnose the problem. A variety of hip conditions can be diagnosed and treated by the experts at Golden State Bone and Joint Clinic.
Jump to: Hip Dysplasia | Dislocation and Instability | Labral Tears | Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) | Osteotomy | Hip Pointer | Hip Replacement
This condition occurs when the bones in the hip joint (the femur and pelvis) do not fit together properly. Hip dysplasia is most common in children, but it does occur in adults as well. Adult hip dysplasia is typically the result of abnormal development of the hip joint. This can damage the cartilage within the joint, causing pain and stiffness. In the most severe forms, it can also lead to a hip dislocation. Treatment depends on a patient’s age, underlying cause, and extent of dysplasia. Non-surgical treatments include wearing a brace (for children) and physical therapy. The most common surgeries to treat dysplasia are hip osteotomies (surgery to realign and reshape the bones), hip arthroscopy (surgery to repair damage to the inside of the hip joint), and total hip replacement.
Hip dislocations are traumatic events when the ball at the end of the femur is pushed out of the socket. Dislocations are initially treated with urgent reduction to prevent damage to the blood supply of the femoral head. After the hip is put back in place (reduced), additional imaging including a CT scan and X-rays are performed to determine what additional treatment may be indicated. Surgery may be required, including an arthroscopic procedure or an open surgery to put the hip back into place and fix any associated fractures.
The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilaginous tissue in the socket portion of the hip joint. It can tear from a trauma or due to aging. If a labral tear occurs, it can cause pain in the groin, hip snapping, and reduce the mobility of the hip. Labrum tears are usually diagnosed with an MR Arthrogram. Initial treatment is typically nonoperative and includes rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and injections. In more severe cases or if a patient fails to improve with conservative treatment, a hip arthroscopy to either clean up the torn labral, repair the labrum, or reconstruct the labral may be indicated.
A common cause of hip pain secondary to abnormal contact between the bones of the hip joint, the femur and acetabulum. FAI can cause damage to the labrum and cartilage in the hip. X-rays can be used diagnose FAI, and often will show an irregular shape (CAM deformity) of the femur or abnormal bone along the socket (Pincer lesion). Treatment includes both conservative and operative treatment depending on patient age, activity level, and secondary damage in the hip. Conservative treatments include activity modification, physical therapy and medication. Surgery includes hip arthroscopy and open procedures depending on the severity of the disease.
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure to reshape the hip bone and surrounding cartilage to make it stronger. Its primary purpose is to replace weak cartilage with strong cartilage so that the hip can better handle weight-bearing activities. For some patients, a hip osteotomy may be an alternative to hip replacement surgery.
Often the result of trauma to the hip, such as a hard fall, a hip pointer is a deep bruise to the area of the hip bone known as the iliac crest. It is a common injury for athletes who play contact sports, such as football and hockey. In most cases, rest, icing the injury, pain medication and physical therapy will heal a hip pointer.
When the hip joint is very damaged or worn-out, it can be replaced with an artificial joint to help restore mobility and eliminate pain. During the surgery, the damaged bones are first removed, and then a special metal implant—sized specifically for the patient—is inserted. The most common reason for replacement surgery is osteoarthritis.