The Hip Preservation Center
About the specialty
The hip joint, a critical component in human mobility, is a ball and socket joint formed by the articulation of two bones: the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (part of the pelvis bone). The femur, which is the largest bone in the body, features a head that fits into the acetabulum, creating a joint that allows for a wide range of motion while bearing substantial weight. This design is essential for activities such as walking, running, and sitting, with the acetabulum providing a socket that securely accommodates the femoral head.
Surrounding the hip joint, and indeed throughout the lower extremity, are numerous muscles that span across multiple joints, enabling complex movements and providing stability. Among these, the quadriceps and hamstrings are two primary muscle groups responsible for extending and flexing the leg at the knee, as well as aiding in hip movement. The quadriceps consist of four muscles—vastus medius, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris—each contributing to knee extension and hip flexion to varying degrees. The hamstrings, composed of the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus, work oppositely to flex the knee and extend the hip.
The hip joint is also supported by the labrum, a ring of cartilaginous tissue that deepens the socket, enhances stability, and facilitates smooth motion. However, the labrum is susceptible to injury, particularly through movements involving twisting or pivoting, leading to conditions such as labral tears or impingement. Such injuries can cause pain, limit range of motion, and potentially lead to further joint issues.
Overall, the integrated function of bones, muscles, and cartilaginous structures in the hip area underscores the complexity and efficiency of the human musculoskeletal system, highlighting the importance of maintaining hip health for overall mobility and quality of life.
Treatments
Labral Tear
The labrum, a cartilage ring cushioning the hip joint, can tear due to twisting forces or bony anomalies. Symptoms typically include groin pain. Treatment options range from conservative approaches like physical therapy and cortisone injections to surgical repair through arthroscopy, where the tear is sutured for healing.
Cam Deformity
Cam deformity involves an abnormal bone growth on the femoral head and neck, reducing the space for the labrum and leading to tears due to increased friction. Surgical intervention to
reshape the femoral head and repair the labrum is common for addressing symptoms and preventing further damage.
Pincer Deformity
In a pincer deformity, extra bone on the acetabulum causes the hip socket to overly enclose the femoral head, leading to labrum damage and cartilage wear. Treatment may involve physical therapy, cortisone injections, or surgery to remove the excess bone and repair the labrum, similar to cam deformity treatment.
Bursitis (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome)
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), commonly referred to as bursitis of the hip, is a condition characterized by pain at the greater trochanter of the femur—the prominent bony point on the outside of the hip. This pain is typically localized, making it easy for individuals to identify the affected area by simply placing a hand on the side of their hip where discomfort is felt.
Management of GTPS often involves conservative treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Cortisone injections are frequently used to provide immediate relief from inflammation. In conjunction with cortisone injections, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment plan. Through targeted exercises and therapy, patients can strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve flexibility, and reduce the strain on the bursa and gluteal muscles, ultimately addressing the underlying causes of pain and preventing recurrence.
While GTPS can occur alongside other hip-related injuries, its treatment focuses on mitigating inflammation and strengthening the hip to support its proper function and mobility.
Arthritis
As part of the natural aging process, it's common for arthritis to develop, particularly affecting areas where bones meet and move against each other, such as the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage, a smooth tissue designed to facilitate easy movement by reducing friction within the joint.
Arthritis signifies the deterioration of this cartilage, leading to increased friction, pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. The progression of arthritis is categorized into stages, each requiring a specific approach to management and treatment:
Early Stages: In the initial phases, arthritis can often be managed with conservative treatments aimed at relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of cartilage wear. This may include cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and pain, along with physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function.
Advanced Stages: As arthritis progresses and cartilage degradation becomes more severe, conservative treatments may no longer provide adequate relief. In such cases, surgical interventions become necessary. Options may include joint replacement surgery, where the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial components, or regenerative surgeries, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or stem cell therapies, aimed at repairing or regenerating damaged cartilage.
The choice of treatment is influenced by several factors, including the severity of arthritis, the specific joint affected, and the individual's overall health, activity level, and goals. The primary objective of arthritis treatment is to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life, with strategies tailored to each patient's unique situation.
At BBJI, our expertise in orthopedics allows us to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a swift and effective recovery from injuries and other orthopedic issues. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through the entire healing process, prioritizing open communication and collaboration with all parties involved. Our ultimate goal is to restore your quality of life, helping you return to daily activities with confidence and without pain.
