If your hip is stiff and painful, or if you have difficulty getting in and out of a chair, these may be signs of a problem with the hip joint. The hip joint is responsible for hip movement and flexibility. Therefore if the joint is damaged in any way, movement will be seriously restricted, and even normal activities such as walking may prove challenging. However, for many years physicians have been able to restore joint movement with a hip replacement operation.
Causes of hip pain
Hip pain is often the result of arthritis, which occurs when the hip joint deteriorates over time. This is usually a problem for older people, and results from the erosion of the cartilage that normally acts as a cushion for the hip bones, and prevents them from rubbing together. However, hip pain may also be due to an injury or fracture of the hip.
Treatment for loss of joint movement in the hip
- Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a viewing instrument known as an arthroscope. Using the arthroscope, the physician can identify the exact part of the hip joint that needs correction. This surgery requires fewer incisions.
- Total hip replacement is generally recommended for individuals with acute joint pain, which interrupts daily activities. In this operation, the damaged bone and cartilage is removed from the hip joint, and replaced with cemented parts.
If you would like to learn more about how to restore joint movement with a hip replacement, contact Frank McCormick, MD in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. McCormick is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and biologic joint preservation. You can visit his website at http://www.frankmccormickmd.com/ or call 954-958-4800 to book an appointment.