Hip Fractures
- Are you experiencing pain over your outer upper thigh or groin?
- Is it painful for you to flex or rotate your hip?
You may have a fracture of the hip. If your thigh bone has been weakened by an injury or a disease such as cancer, you may notice aching in the groin or thigh area for a period of time before the break. If the bone is completely broken, that leg may appear to be shorter than your non-injured leg.
Most hip fractures are caused by a fall or from a direct blow to the side of the hip. There are several medical conditions that can weaken the bone and make the hip more susceptible to breaking. In severe cases, it is even possible for the hip to break with the patient merely standing on the leg and twisting. A hip fracture is a break in the upper quarter of the thigh bone. The extent of the break depends on the forces that are involved.
Certain types of hip fractures may be considered stable enough to be managed with nonsurgical treatment, but surgery is frequently needed. Surgical results are better when performed soon after the fracture occurred. The type of surgery used to treat a hip fracture is primarily based on the bones and soft tissues affected or on the level of the fracture.
Total Hip Replacement
- Do you have hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending?
- Do you experience hip pain that continues while resting or sleeping?
- Do you have stiffness in your hip that limits your ability to move or lift your leg?
- Does your hip pain continue despite having tried anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, canes or walkers?
- Does your hip pain affect your quality of life?
You may be a candidate for a total hip replacement. There are three types of arthritis that are the most common cause of chronic hip pain.
- Osteoarthritis – which is typically age-related “wear and tear” type of arthritis. It usually occurs in people 50 years of age and older.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – which is an inflammatory arthritis. This chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage and eventually cause cartilage loss, pain, and stiffness.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis – which can follow a serious knee injury such as a fracture.
Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities. Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine which is why more than 300,000 hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. In a total hip replacement the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components such as:
- Metal Stem – The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the hollow center of the femur. The femoral stem may be either cemented or “press fit” into the bone.
- Metal or Ceramic Ball – A ball is placed on the upper part of the stem. This ball replaces the damaged femoral head that was removed.
- Metal Socket – The damaged cartilage surface of the socket is removed and replaced with a metal socket. Screws or cement are sometimes used to hold the socket in place.
- Spacer – A plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer is inserted between the new ball and the socket to allow for a smooth gliding surface.
Who Gets Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
- There are no specific age or weight restrictions for hip replacements.
- Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s level of ongoing pain and disability. not age. Most patients who undergo total hip replacement are age 50 to 80, but have been performed successfully from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.
Good news! Most patients who undergo total hip replacement begin standing and walking with the help of a walking support and a physical therapist the day after surgery. In some cases, patients begin standing and walking on the actual day of surgery. The physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your hip and restore movement for walking and other normal daily activities.
Hip Bursitis
- Are you experiencing pain at the point of your hip?
- Does the pain extend to the outside of your thigh?
- Was your hip pain and intense at first, but now has become more of an ache?
- Over time has your pain spread across a larger area of your hip?
- Is your hip pain worse at night when lying on the affected hip?
- Is your hip pain worse when you get up from a chair after being seated for a while?
- Does your hip pain get worse with prolonged walking, stair climbing, or squatting?
You may be experiencing bursitis.Hip bursitis can affect anyone, but is more common in women and middle-aged or elderly people. It is less common in younger people and in men.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. Bursae, are small, jelly-like sacs that contain a small amount of fluid, and are positioned between bones and soft tissues. Bursae act as cushions to help reduce friction during hip movement. There are two major bursae in the hip that typically become irritated and inflamed. One bursa covers the bony point of the hip bone, and another is located on the inside of the hip. When the bursa in the inside of the hip, the condition is still referred to as hip bursitis, even though the pain comes from the groin area.
Good News! There are multiple nonsurgical options to treat hip bursitis including:
- Activity modification. Avoid any activities that worsen your symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam, and celecoxib.
- Assistive devices such as a cane or crutches, typically used for a week or more.
- Physical therapy.
- Steroid injection. This is a simple and effective treatment that can be done in the doctor’s office. It involves a single injection into the bursa. The injection may provide temporary (months) or permanent relief.
Surgery is rarely needed for hip bursitis. If you have exhausted all the nonsurgical treatments for hip bursitis we may recommend removal of the bursa. Hip bursitis surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and can be quite effective. If you are experiencing significant hip pain call the Orthopaedic Center of Vero Beach at 772-778-2009 to schedule an appointment. We’ll conduct a thorough examination which may include an MRI or CT scan, and discuss the best treatment option for you.
