To make an appointment with a Hip Preservation expert at UofL Health, contact UofL Health – Orthopedics at 505-588-4521.
Hip preservation is a relatively new type of surgical treatment designed to delay or prevent the development of arthritis of the hip joint, avoiding or delaying the need for a hip replacement. These procedures are generally performed on young, active individuals that want to avoid a total hip replacement. Most often hip preservation surgery is performed on people age 45 and younger, however can be done on older individuals as well.
If you have experienced any of the following diagnoses or conditions, hip preservation surgery might offer a successful treatment:
- Diagnosed with hip dysplasia as a child or young adults and are experiencing pain
- Hip impingement
- Avascular Necrosis of the femoral head
- Athletic experiences that Put their hips through extreme ranges of motion during athletic activities
At UofL Health – Orthopedics, our hip preservation experts can provide a thorough evaluation and both surgical and non-surgical options based on your specific needs. Our orthopedic specialists offer the following hip preservation procedures:
- Hip arthroscopy
- Labral debridement or repair
- Surgical dislocation of the hip
- Hip OATS Osteo articular transfer
- Hip osteotomy
- Peri acetabular osteotomy
After a personalized evaluation, our hip preservation specialists begin with non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, ultrasound-guided injections and activity modification. If non-surgical efforts are unsuccessful, hip preservation surgery is evaluated.
Hip preservation surgery is most successful on individuals before they develop arthritis. However, if performed before the onset of arthritis, hip preservation surgery is a good treatment option to alleviate hip pain, restore function – and even reduce the risk of developing premature arthritis.
For more information or to make an appointment with a Hip Preservation expert at UofL Health, contact UofL Health – Orthopedics at 505-588-4521.
FAQ’s
What is Hip Preservation?
Hip preservation is a relatively new type of surgical treatment designed to delay or prevent the development of arthritis of the hip joint, avoiding or delaying the need for a hip replacement. These procedures are generally performed on young, active individuals that want to avoid a total hip replacement. Most often hip preservation surgery is performed on people age 45 and younger, however can be done on older individuals as well.
How can I prevent hip problems (the need for hip surgery)?
Preventing hip problems and hip replacement surgery begins with a few simple, but important actions:
- Most important is maintaining a healthy weight. For every 10 pounds of extra weight, 30 to 60 extra pounds of pressure are on your joints causing a breakdown of cartilage.
- Exercise! Sitting for prolonged periods of time and a lack of exercise can weaken your hips. If you want to strengthen your hips and prevent conditions, such as arthritis, get up and take a walk! Walking – not running - is a great way to strengthen your hips. Walking also helps to alleviate hip pain.
- Do not ignore hip pain. Talk with your primary care provider or an orthopedic specialist about pain in your hips. Under medical supervision, specific supplements or anti-inflammatory medications can help address minor problems from the start.
- Physical therapy can be a great option to help reduce the need for hip replacement surgery. If you are experiencing ongoing hip pain, talk with your primary care provider or an orthopedic specialist about therapy.
What exercises will strengthen my hips?
Sitting for prolonged periods of time and a lack of exercise can weaken your hips. If you want to strengthen your hips and prevent conditions, such as arthritis, get up and take a walk! Walking – not running - is a great way to strengthen your hips. Walking also helps to alleviate hip pain. Other exercises, such as hip circles, lunges, squats and leg lifts also can help strengthen the muscles around your hips and help with greater range of motion.
Are there specific foods to improve bone and hip health?
A well-balanced diet is important for your overall health. But did you know your diet can help improve bone health, reduce overall inflammation, and help with pain management? A diet consisting of calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, yogurt and cheese, along with dark leafy greens, can help strengthen bone health. Other great sources of calcium include dried figs, almonds and almond butter, and even white beans. Dark leafy greens, orange root vegetables, avocados, walnuts, citrus and fish are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific vitamins -- such as vitamins C and A – that fight inflammation and allow your immune system to function optimally. Refined sugars, alcohol and saturated fats can make pain more severe. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit and kiwi, contain vitamin C to support the health of your cartilage.
