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Hip

One of the major concentrations of Orthopaedic surgery is dealing with problems that develop in the hip. We at the Orthopaedic Center have surgeons specializing in the replacement and rehabilitation of painful hips. Stiffness and pain can result when the ball of the joint starts to grind against the socket due to a breakdown of cartilage. There are a number of situations that can result in the need for joint replacement. Among these are:

• Osteoarthritis resulting in damage to the hip cartilage
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
• Arthritis resulting from fractures or other trauma
• Avascular Necrosis resulting from reduced blood supply to the bone.

Patients with hip pain are evaluated by review of their history, physical examination, and X-ray findings. With the diagnosis of hip arthritis or avascular necrosis, conservative treatment in the form of anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification and walking aids such as a cane is the first line of treatment. If conservative treatment is not effective, hip replacement may be the best option. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends consultation with a hip specialist if:

• Hip pain limits your everyday activities such as walking or bending.
• Hip pain continues while resting, either day or night.
• Stiffness in a hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg.
• Other treatments such as physical therapy or the use of a gait aid such as a cane don't relieve hip pain.

The Physical Therapists at the Orthopaedic Center work in cooperation with our Physicians and Physician's Assistants to provide the best treatment possible for our patients suffering from ailments of the hip. We work toward improving the quality of the lives of our patients by allowing them ease of movement and the ability to do daily tasks with much more comfort.