What Causes Chronic Hip Pain?

Some say “ignorance is bliss,” but if you have hip joint pain, isn't knowing the cause preferable to ignoring it? Once you know why, you can then determine what to do. The obvious first step is a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Many patients seek out the doctors at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence for their expertise in diagnosing hip joint disorders. Chronic hip pain is your body's way of telling you there's a problem and it won't go away till it's treated.

Diagnosing Chronic Hip Problems

Based upon their experience, Hip Surgery Center of Excellence surgeons reveal the following disorders as the cause of chronic hip pain:

Bursitis Osteonecrosis Congenital hip defects Arthritis

Your doctor will give you a thorough physical of your hip joint's range of motion and pain level. Before you're whisked off to diagnostic tests, an orthopedic surgeon will also review your medical history and discuss your symptoms. Then you'll have x-rays and probably an MRI and once tests are ready, you'll get the diagnosis and discuss treatment options with your doctor.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

The surgeons at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence will always suggest conservative methods first before recommending surgery. Unless the damage is severe necessitating immediate surgery, often rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medicine can effectively treat the condition.

When other options fail, your surgeon will propose surgery. Hip arthroscopy is a method frequently used for its effectiveness in removing damaged tissue and cartilage, which is often the source of pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure useful in several surgical applications:

Labral tear – repair torn labral tissue surrounding hip socket Synectomy – remove inflamed synovial lining Hip displasia surgery – correct deformed or misaligned hip Hip joint replacement – remove damaged joint and replace with prosthesis

The type of surgery chosen will depend on the source of your chronic pain. Your surgeon will discuss all appropriate options with you and explain the rationale for recommending one method over another.

Call the Hip Joint Specialists

If chronic hip pain is affecting your quality of life, contact the renowned hip joint specialists at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence. Our highly skilled surgeons rank among the best orthopedic practitioners and our supportive clinical staff provide knowledgeable and supportive care in our medically sophisticated facility. Call us today at 888.318.2842 for an appointment to discuss your case and treatment options.

5 Top Tips to Prevent a Hip Fracture

Degenerative bone conditions are a leading cause of bone fractures. In fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) calculates 1.5 million bone fractures occur as a result of weak bones, and while the realities of aging are unavoidable, there are certain preventive efforts we can make to at least age wisely. Part of aging well concerns smart lifestyle choices to minimize health risks. There are five smart ways we can “fracture proof” ourselves to avoid serious hip injuries and their health consequences.

A fractured hip is a traumatic injury with life changing consequences requiring expert orthopedic care. While unexpected accidents can occur, often the reason for fractures relates to degenerative bones from aging, and consulting a trusted orthopedic surgeon who can recommend preventive measures is helpful. The board-certified physicians of La Peer's Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are among some of the best hip surgeons in the country and advocate patient education in preventive medicine. Coming from prestigious institutions, La Peer doctors offer the highest quality of care and are renowned for their expertise in hip joint disorders.

Preventive Tips

Doctors recommend an active lifestyle and exercise as some of the best ways to maintain strength and flexibility. It also contributes keeps a person physically coordinated which then reduces the chance of falling and injury. Staying fit also stimulates tissue growth for strong bones which then minimizes the chance of fracture. The best results are achieved with a combination of weight bearing, resistance, flexibility, and balance exercises.

Then there are some lifestyle choices that help towards minimizing the risk of injury. Following these sensible recommendations will reduce the odds of a hip breakage:

Exercise for balance and strength – follow a diverse exercise program Shoes smart – wear low-healed shoes with rubber soles Health watch – treat conditions that affect your health Medicine – avoid medicine with side-effects that cause dizziness Light your way – keep rooms and hallways well lit

Unless an accident or sports injury leads to the fracture, often there are specific symptoms indicating a damaged hip. There can be severe hip or groin pain with the inability to put weight on the affected leg or even walk. A doctor must be seen immediately if when these symptoms manifest.

Hip Fracture Treatment

After a thorough examination and diagnostics to confirm a diagnosis, an orthopedic surgeon can determine the best course of treatment. Several factors that influence the type of surgery selected for a patient include location of the break, severity, and a patient's age and medical condition.

The orthopedic surgeons at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence might recommend one of the following three procedures for their hip fracture patients:

Hip repair – pins used to secure bones together Partial hip replacement – upper thighbone replaced Full hip replacement – hip socket and upper thighbone replaced

Rehabilitation for hip fracture surgery takes a year with physical therapy a critical factor in quality of recovery. Regaining strength and mobility is key to restoring full use of the treated hip.

Call the Hip Fracture Experts

You want the best orthopedic doctor to treat your fractured hip. Our exceptional orthopedic surgeons are renowned for their expertise and skill in the most advanced surgical procedures. Contact the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about hip restoration and repair.

Best Solutions for Hip Arthritis Patients

There are numerous varieties of arthritis, but the type that affects hip joint cartilage is osteoarthritis. Sometimes the disease is hard to detect because of radiating pain from the thigh, buttocks, or groin. Osteoarthritis is typically age-related degenerative condition but obesity can also lead to the condition. Severity and extent of the condition determine best course of treatment, but if overweight is a factor, weight loss can greatly help to minimize symptoms.

There can be a delay with diagnosis of the condition if pain is generalized and not localized to the hip joint. Maintaining regular physicals and age-related diagnostics is helpful to monitoring for the condition. The board-certified specialists at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are leading experts in joint health and advocate patient education and prevention. They recommend having a bone density test or x-ray as part of a regular check-up for osteoarthritis

Sensible Treatment Plan

Many osteoarthritis cases are seniors age 60 to over 70 years. However, there are some exceptions such as injury, hip impingement, inflammatory disorder, or genetic predisposition. Treatment depends on cause of the condition, severity, and age and health of the patient. Conservative methods and lifestyle modifications are often sufficient for hip arthritis, but in more severe cases, a hip replacement or osteotomy might be recommended.

The surgeons at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence often recommend a combination of the following:

Canes – aids displace weight off the hips Weight loss – excess weight adds stress on the joints Physical therapy – program of muscle strengthening Activity modification – avoid movements that stress hip joint Medication and supplements – prescribed anti-inflammatory and glucosamine

Treatment plan would start with the conservative methods then if the condition worsens or treatment fails, surgical intervention is next.

Surgical Options

Of the two recommended surgical options, an osteotomy is helpful for younger patients whose arthritis is localized to a specific area. The procedure entails repositioning the femur bone and using pins to secure it in place. Physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize the hip follows for a few weeks. Eventually, a second surgery to remove the plate will be conducted.

Hip replacement will remove the hip joint altogether or only partially, which is dependent on the condition of the hip joint. This is one of the most frequently performed types of orthopedic surgery and successfully improves hip movement. Physical therapy for mobility and muscle strengthening takes six months.

The Hip Surgery Center of Excellence is comprised of orthopedic surgeons who are the best in their field and highly skilled at hip joint repair including hip replacement and osteotomy. A successful outcome depends on the skill of the surgeon, and La Peers doctors are among the best.

Call the Hip Fracture Experts

If you're considering hip joint surgery, you want a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon treating you. The doctors at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence excel at hip joint repair and joint preservation. Contact us today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about all our hip joint procedures.

Is Hip Bursitis Surgery Necessary?

Most doctors advocate a conservative approach first when considering treatment for their patients. The orthopedic surgeons specializing in hip procedures at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence agree that initially, it's best to use non-invasive methods first. Patients with hip bursitis offer a good example of a condition that doesn't always require surgery. Sometimes just modifying normal activity and adjusting exercise could remedy the problem. Unless the condition is advanced, starting with simple home treatments could make a difference.

What is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis is painful swelling of the hip bursa, a small fluid-filled sac cushioning joints. There are numerous bursas throughout the body with most of them located in the shoulder, knee, and hip. The condition is usually provoked by repetitive movement or constant pressure on a specific joint as well as aging and sudden injury.

There are also certain physical conditions that could irritate bursa which include:

Hip injury Bone spurs Hip surgery Scoliosis

Symptoms indicating an inflamed hip bursa include a sharp pain at the top point of the hip and radiating pain down the outer thigh. Pain is aggravated when rising up from a chair and extensive walking.

When these conditions are present, a doctor needs to be consulted. If bursitis isn't promptly treated, the bursa sac might get infected and antibiotics would have to be prescribed.

Conservative Treatment

Hip bursitis usually does not require surgery and in most cases, a routine of several home treatments to reduce the inflammation and time to hear are all that is required. Healing requires rest so this is one of the most important steps in recovery. Ice packs can be placed on the inflamed area for 10 to 15 minutes every couple hours for three days. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers can be taken, but care must be taken to not overwork the hip joint.

Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the joint and improve range of motion is usually recommended. This is a good preventive measure to avoid a recurrence of bursitis.

Hip bursitis is your body's way of saying the joint is overworked and muscles probably weak. Using common sense in treating the condition and avoiding relapse is a sound strategy.

Call the Hip Bursitis Experts

Our renowned orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in minimally invasive and traditional techniques. Contact the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation. Our world-class medical facility gives you the highest quality of surgical care and support from a caring clinical staff.

Can You Prevent a Hip Fracture?

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease affecting many senior adults threatening their bone health. Decreased bone mass causes bones to weaken and become brittle creating greater vulnerability to breakage with even the slightest misstep. Individuals with the condition risk incurring fractures particularly with weight bearing joints such as the hip.

A fractured hip can drastically alter a person's life and rather than risk this possibility, working with an orthopedic specialist to prevent fractures is an important lifestyle decision. The orthopedic surgeons at La Peer's Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are among some of the best hip specialists in the country. Coming from prestigious institutions, La Peer doctors offer the highest quality of care and advocate patient education and preventive medicine.

Is Osteoporosis Preventable?

Osteoporosis can develop in both men and women, but it tends to occur more frequently with women. There are different grades to the condition with “osteopenia” and can be the precursor to osteoporosis. Osteopenia is an early sign of bone loss, which means bone density is lower than normal, but it doesn't always have to develop into osteoporosis.

When consulting with older patients about bone loss prevention, the physicians at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence recommend some effective measures including:

Avoid smoking Drink alcohol in moderation Maintain a balanced diet Include calcium and vitamin D Exercise regularly

The doctors also suggest to women who are post-menopausal that they might benefit from osteoporosis medication. Benchmarking bone density with a baseline scan then monitoring it periodically will help track the effectiveness of preventive efforts.

Incorporating preventive measures in the early stages of bone loss or even prior to any indication of the condition can help to slow down the process or possibly even reverse it.

How Is Osteoporosis Detected?

Tracking bone health should become a part of a screening plan at an appropriate age. For women in particular, screening should begin at age 65, but for women in a high risk category should start screening when they are 60. Some risk factors include early menopause, family history, smoking, and small or thin frame.

For bone density screening, La Peer doctors recommend a bone mineral density scan preferably with a DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan which rates results for normal bone, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. An ultrasound is another method, but even with this a DXA is still needed to evaluate the outcome.

Call the Hip Joint Experts

Consulting specialists known for their expertise in hip joint conditions can help you manage your bone health. Our talented orthopedic surgeons are renowned for their expertise and skill in hip disorder treatment and prevention. Contact the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about hip conditions and wellness.

Do You Know What to Expect After Hip Replacement Surgery?

Nothing's better for peace of mind than planning ahead. This way, you've thought through all details, contingencies, and sequence of events. Planning ahead gets you organized and prepares you emotionally. If you plan ahead for vacations, why not for hip surgery?

Thoroughness to detail is one of the key qualities at La Peer's Hip Joint Surgery Center of Excellence, and its doctors don't limit themselves to thorough preparation for surgery, they extend it to patient preparation. Included in the conversation about surgery is a discussion on a realistic recovery timeline helping patients to prepare for their medical care.

Key Steps to Your Recovery Journey

You will have a temporary new normal after surgery. What were everyday activities and routine will either be delayed indefinitely or altered to accommodate your restrictions. You will have to put off things you took for granted such as driving. You won't be able to drive for at least three to six weeks after surgery. You'll need assistance with errands, groceries, and medical appointments.

You'll return home within three to four days following surgery the responsibility for wound care is yours. You might have a home health nurse or a family member help. You cannot get your incision area wet nor treat it with any creams or lotions. An ice pack can be placed on the surgical site for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve pain.

By the end of the second week, either your stitches will have dissolved or removed by your surgeon. Hip Surgery Center of Excellence doctors usually ask their patients to wait an additional two days before getting the incision site wet. Pain should have diminished sufficiently with medication no longer needed.

You will feel up to resuming light normal activities around around the third week but it's important to not overextend yourself. By the sixth week, you can drive without discomfort.

Your pain will have receded and with it a greater feeling of normalcy by the end of 12 weeks. The swelling around your new hip will be practically gone, and you're up to tackling regular day-to-day activities. Follow-up doctor visits will continue until the year anniversary of surgery. During that time, you'll get stronger and your hip increasingly mobile and stable.

Maintain Hip Joint Health

Keep up the good habits you developed from recovery and rehabilitation. After all the time and effort invested by you and your surgeon, you want to maintain your new hip joint for a long time. You might not be able to participate in the same high impact activities from your youth, but you do have an opportunity for a healthy active life which will last you for many years. So continue to maintain a sensible weight, eat a balanced diet, and include regular exercise then enjoy life.

Call the Hip Joint Specialists

If you need hip joint surgery, contact the renowned hip joint specialists at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence. Our highly skilled surgeons rank among the best orthopedic practitioners and our supportive clinical staff provide knowledgeable and supportive care in our medically sophisticated facility. Call us today at 888.318.2842 for an appointment to discuss your case and treatment options.

Emergency Care Required for Hip Dislocation

It takes tremendous force for the thigh bone to slip out from the hip socket. Often associated with car accidents, a major fall, or contact sport, a hip dislocation is an emergency and demands immediate attention. The incident can be accompanied by other injuries such as a concussion, leg and pelvis fractures, and neck trauma, which necessitate a team of orthopedic specialists. The surgeons with La Peer's Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are ranked as renowned experts with a network of highly skilled associates working together.

Time for Immediate Care

Often a closed reduction will be attempted first before a surgical option. This method attempts to manipulate the upper thigh bone (femur) back into the hip socket. Uses of painkillers, sedatives, muscle relaxants, or anesthesia are applied first before attempting to correct the dislocation.

If surgery becomes necessary, an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the next step. This procedure combines manipulation of the femur with metal devices to secure the position. Sometimes this could include implantation of a new hip joint.

Hip Surgery Center of Excellence doctors caution surgery patients to not overextend the hip joint with excessive movement or weight bearing stress. Otherwise the implanted device(s) may weaken and require repair.

A hospital stay can last up to three to five days, and in the first few days following surgery, traction might be used to reduce pressure on the hip joint followed by crutches until walking can be managed. It takes from two to three months for a full recovery and during this time, participation in a physical therapy program will help to restore range of motion, stability, and strength to the hip.

Risk Factors

Usually a hip dislocation results from unexpected trauma, however, there are some conditions that could predispose a person to a dislocation. These conditions include:

Abnormal hip joint Poor muscle control Alcoholism

These are conditions that could cause you to fall and injure yourself.

It’s also wise to apply some common sense and lifestyle routines that protect you from harm. Using safety belts while driving can prevent serious injury including hip displacement as well as neck and back trauma if you get into an accident.

Call the Hip Fracture Experts

You don’t plan on dislocating your hip, but accidents happen and immediate help is needed. The Hip Surgery Center of Excellence includes renowned surgeons who use advanced procedures to restore and preserve hip joints. If you're considering hip joint surgery, you want a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon treating you. Contact us today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about all our hip restoration treatments.

Osteoporosis and Men

Osteoporosis is no longer the exclusive territory of women. More men are being diagnosed with the degenerative bone disease and encouraged to take preventive action. One of the most vulnerable areas for osteoporosis is the hip, and in cases where bone loss is extensive, surgical intervention is required to restore the joint's strength and movement.

There are several hip preservation and minimally invasive treatment options that preserve the joint and restore mobility. Some of the best-qualified orthopedic surgeons can be reached at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis could be considered a silent disease since a person might not know they have the condition until a fractured hip or broken bone. However, there are a few symptoms that could signify bone loss such as:

Stooped posture Loss of height Backache

A backache or severe back pain could be attributed to spinal compression from an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Surgical Intervention

Joint preservation has become an important method to minimize extent of surgery and preserve bone. Some of the most highly regarded surgeons in this field perform at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence. The doctors apply advanced surgical methods to prevent the progression of arthritic and congenital disease.

Some of the less invasive surgical methods for hip repair include:

Hip arthroscopy – tissue, cartilage and arthritic debris removed Hip osteotomy – hipbones are realigned and fixed into a new position Hip resurfacing – damaged ball of the hip is reshaped and recapped Minimally invasive hip replacement – arthroscopic hip replacement

Minimally invasive techniques are preferred over traditional surgery and ideal in cases where bone damage is less extensive. There is less disturbance of natural bone and tissue, reduced blood loss, minimized scarring, and shorter recovery.

Prevention

Bone loss might be age-related, but lifestyle choices are also key factors. That's why it's never too early to practice good health habits such as taking vitamin supplements, maintaining a healthy diet, and adding weight-bearing exercise. These actions can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

Exercise plays a role in bone health by stimulating bone production. Increasing weight-bearing exercise encourages the body to form more bone and also improves muscle strength and flexibility. It retards the destructive process of osteoporosis and avoids painful or debilitating fractures or falls.

Call the Hip Specialists

If you're concerned about your hip health or bone loss, contact specialists at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence today. Our orthopedic surgeons are expertly trained in using the most technologically advanced procedures in hip restoration. Call us today at 888.760.3378 to schedule an appointment.

Do You Qualify for Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement?

Given a choice, you would probably prefer surgery that can promise a smaller incision and quicker recovery over a more extensive procedure. Many surgeries are going the route of minimally invasive and hip replacement surgery is one of them. Even though there isn’t a difference with the replacing prosthesis for either method, minimally invasive entails much smaller incisions plus other benefits.

It takes a highly skilled surgeon to master the technique and instruments a minimally invasive procedure requires, and the surgeons with La Peer's Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are renowned for their expertise in this technically demanding method. La Peer orthopedic surgeons are specialists in some of the most progressive techniques and have helped many patients regain functionality and mobility of damaged joints.

Qualifying for Minimally Invasive

Hip replacement is typically recommended for individuals who have a degenerative hip condition or a hip damaged by an accident. While cases of degenerative arthritis occur more frequently with adults over 60, it can also affect less senior individuals, and it's these adults who are often good candidates for minimally invasive hip replacement.

Hip replacement could be a possibility if you have symptoms including:

Pain getting up from a chair or sitting down Pain when you lean over to put on shoes Pain when seated or in a prone position

After a discussion about your medical condition and history with an orthopedic surgeon, you’ll be examined to assess whether surgery is needed. Your surgeon will most likely need X-rays or an MRI to view the hip socket and identify cartilage loss.

How Surgery Is Performed

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include smaller incisions, less tissue and muscle damage, and a quicker recovery. To implant the hip joint device, the surgeon first makes a small incision on the side of the damaged joint and displaces or splits the muscle and tendons surrounding the hip making room for the prosthesis. A minimally invasive procedure doesn't require as much displacement as a traditional surgical method. Once the new hip joint is secured, the surgeon closes up the incision. The hospital stay following surgery is shorter for a minimally invasive method requiring only one to days as opposed to three to five days.

Hip Surgery Center of Excellence doctors caution surgery patients to not overextend the hip joint with excessive movement or weight bearing stress in the days immediately following surgery. Otherwise the implanted device(s) may weaken and require repair. It takes from two to three months for a full recovery and during this time, participation in a physical therapy program will help to restore range of motion, stability, and strength to the hip.

Call the Minimally Invasive Experts

If you're considering a hip replacement, you might qualify for a minimally invasive procedure. The Hip Surgery Center of Excellence includes renowned surgeons who use advanced procedures to restore and preserve hip joints. For hip joint surgery, you want an orthopedic surgeon with expertise in hip joint preservation and treatment. Contact us today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about all our hip procedures.

The Importance of Rehab After Hip Surgery

The hip joint surgeons at La Peer's Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are renowned experts internationally recognized for their skill at hip repair and preservation. With surgeons like this, you can feel confident about the quality of your surgery and compassionate care only a world class medical facility provides. You'll want to take care of your new hip and also do everything that you can to benefit from a successful surgery. Following your rehabilitation and physical therapy instructions from your La Peer doctors are key to the best possible recovery.

How Does Rehab Benefit You?

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are instrumental for a complete recovery. Before surgery, your hip probably deteriorated in strength and stability weakening it and limiting your activity. With your new hip, you have an opportunity to restore normalcy to your life, and rehabilitation is the key to:

Ease pain and swelling Revive blood circulation Regain normal movement to your hip Build strength in joint and muscles

Each patient progresses in rehabilitation at his or her own pace and ability since age, weight, and physical fitness differ by individual. You will not be asked to do anything that is beyond your capability and comfort level.

Your Road to Recovery

Amazingly you will be able to walk with assistance either the day of surgery or one day later. Moving around gets your circulation going and minimizes the risk of blood clots. Most likely, you'll start by sitting on the edge of your bed then get up and walk around a few steps. That's about all patients usually can accomplish since it takes a few days for anesthesia to completely leave the system.

How quickly you recover from surgery will determine your length of stay following the operation. Most patients average a four days stay. During that time, you'll walk around the hospital floor with the assistance of a nurse and perhaps a crutches or walker. It all depends on your pain and comfort levels.

Before you're discharged, a physical therapist will examine you and take you through some gentle exercises to get the leg slowly moving and prevent stiffness. You'll be referred to physical therapy services, and you can arrange to have them at your home or a rehab center. Some patients like to first start out at home then when they are stronger and more comfortable with their new hip, schedule appointments at a facility.

Once strength and endurance have increased, you'll be encouraged to exercise two times a day for 20-30 minutes. Walking is an activity encouraged by the orthopedic surgeons at the Hip Joint Center of Excellence, and they advise their patients to build up from a starting point of five minutes to a thirty-minute walk daily.

Depending on the type of hip surgery and your physical health, rehabilitation can range from three months to one year with hip fractures usually taking the longest.

Call the Hip Joint Experts

Our talented orthopedic surgeons are renowned for their expertise and skill in hip joint treatment and restoration. The Hip Surgery Center of Excellence is a world-class outpatient facility renowned for

individualized patient care. Contact us today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about hip conditions and recovery plans.

Prepare Your Home Before Hip Surgery

You put a lot of thought into a decision to have hip joint surgery. You might have first tried conservative methods thinking this treatment approach would bring you relief and improvement. When these efforts weren't as successful as hoped, you discussed surgery benefits and risks in detail with your surgeon. Many patients go through these progressive treatment steps. and in fact, most doctors including the orthopedic surgeons at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence recommend conservative treatment first.

Patients having hip procedures whether arthroscopy, minimally invasive, or resurfacing at the La Peer's Hip Joint Surgery Center of Excellence are always guided through each facet of the surgical and postoperative process as part of patient care. One aspect in particular, preparing your home before surgery, is also included in the conversation.

Five Things To Do Before Surgery

Many people might overlook the importance of preparing their home for recuperation after hip surgery. Keeping in mind that you'll walk into the house on crutches or a walker on your first day home, how easily will you be able to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles?

If you implement the following five tips for your home-based recuperation, you will only need to focus on recovery and rest when you return home:

Stage your home (remove loose rugs, rearrange furniture) Buy assistance devices (“reachers” and bathroom rails) Familiarize yourself with walking aids (crutches, walker) Recruit friends and family for assistance Pre-arrange for meals

Your priority is recovery from surgery and rehabilitation with your new hip. Preparing for your return home in advance will help you to avoid worry and prevent frustration.

Success at Home with Your New Hip

You can expect some adjustment time for the new hip. In the first few days after surgery, you might feel a little unbalanced or uncoordinated. You will be grateful for physical therapy, which will help you regain control of your body and physically adjust to your new hip.

You'll receive some instructions regarding the care and dressing of the incision area. To reduce the risk of infection, you'll be advised to follow a few steps:

Keep area dry Do not scrub or rub area Check incision daily; do not remove Steri-Strips Change dressing as recommended by doctor

Unless there are complications, you'll probably only need to follow these measures for a week after your hospital discharge. However, continue with these recommendations until your doctor tells you to stop.

Call the Hip Joint Specialists

Minimally invasive surgery can help you if you're considering a hip joint replacement. Many of our cases qualify for minimally invasive surgery, which is performed as an outpatient treatment, saving

patients from the inconvenience of an overnight hospital stay. Our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and supportive clinical staff at the Joint Surgery Center of Excellence provide advanced medical expertise in a world-class facility. Call us today at 888.318.2842 to schedule an appointment.

When Is Hip Resurfacing Recommended?

Hip resurfacing can be an ideal procedure for active adults under 60 who benefit from the method's joint preservation technique. In a hip resurfacing, only the damaged outer edge of the femoral head (top of the thighbone) is removed and replaced by a metal prosthesis. A portion of the original bone remains giving the hip joint greater stability and strength, which is better at withstanding weight-bearing demands than a hip replacement.

This is a sophisticated procedure requiring an innovative technique that only the most qualified orthopedic surgeons can perform. The La Peer Hip Surgery Center of Excellence physicians are renowned for their technical skills in this surgery and sought after for their expertise in progressive hip replacement methods.

Why Hip Resurfacing Is Preferred

Active adults exert more wear and tear on their hip joints, which tends to put too much exertion and use on a hip prosthesis. Alternatively, hip resurfacing removes less bone than a traditional hip replacement and retains the joint's ability to withstand physical stress. There is less chance of a hip dislocation, and a complete replacement can be performed at a later date if one becomes necessary.

Additional advantages to hip resurfacing include: Better range of motion with hip Normal walking pattern Revisional surgery an option

Patients with degenerative joint disease are not usually the best candidates for this procedure. Suitability for hip resurfacing depends on certain specifications such as patient's weight, bone size, and anatomy.

Hip Resurfacing Method

The larger incision is required for hip resurfacing surgery, but more of the natural bone is retained. The top of the femoral head is shaped to securely fit the cap of the hip joint. The procedure requires advanced surgical skills and expertise for a successful surgery. The Hip Surgery Center of Excellence surgeons are among the most qualified for this specialized surgery.

There is a shorter recovery and rehabilitation time with hip resurfacing. Patients begin range of motion exercises one day after the procedure then quickly add strength and mobility routine for physical therapy. Total recovery only takes from six to eight weeks with the resumption of normal activities, including sports.

Call the Hip Fracture Experts

Instead of a hip replacement, you might be qualified for hip resurfacing. Only highly skilled orthopedic surgeons excel at this method, and we have the most qualified at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence. Contact us today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about hip resurfacing and other hip joint procedures.

When Is It Time for Hip Arthroscopy?

Chronic hip pain can be sneaky. At first, it's manageable, but then frequency of pain increases and you find yourself avoiding your favorite activities. If you're at the point where you need to consult with a doctor, consider hip arthroscopy. It is an excellent treatment for chronic hip pain and it can possibly postpone more extensive surgery.

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. At the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence, our orthopedic surgeons are renowned experts in their field. Patients receive the highest quality of service and surgical expertise in the most innovative and minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures.

When to Have Hip Arthroscopy

Hip problems usually include loss of hip mobility and stiffness in the groin or front of the thigh. If the condition is not treated, regular daily activities become painful with an inability to sit or walk for extended periods. The pain can eventually disrupt sleep. These symptoms can signal a hip disorder such as joint impingement, tissue tear, or loose cartilage that can be repaired with minimally invasive surgery.

The type and extent of hip disorder you have determines what type of repair the surgeon performs. Some of the more frequently performed procedures include:

Trim bone spurs Smooth or repair torn cartilage Remove inflamed tissue

Hip arthroscopy can be conducted as an outpatient procedure taking approximately two hours.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation program and duration varies by individual but recovery time is shorter for minimally invasive surgery like a hip arthroscopy. Physical therapy focuses on building strength and mobility. You'll have some movement and activity restrictions at first but these will be removed as you progress in your rehabilitation. Your doctor might recommend your eliminating high impact exercises altogether.

Call the Hip Arthroscopy Experts

You don't have to tolerate chronic pain and hip discomfort when relief can be yours with hip arthroscopy. Our renowned orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in numerous minimally invasive techniques. Contact the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation. Our world-class medical facility gives you the highest quality of surgical care and support from a caring clinical staff.

When Is a Total Hip Replacement Best?

Orthopedic surgery has come a long way since the first total hip replacement surgery in1960 and now it’s one of the most frequently performed procedures with over 200,000 conducted. There are many advances and options available to us that didn’t exist in 1960, especially with the advent of minimally invasive methods. However, traditional total hip replacement still has its place and the surgeons of the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence rank as some of the best hip surgeons.

Who Is a Candidate for Total Hip Replacement?

Total hip replacement is also referred to as a “full” hip replacement. The average candidate for this surgery ranges in age from 50 to 80, but younger individuals who engage in high impact sports or have a genetic bone condition could also qualify for the procedure too.

Any of the following conditions could indicate a hip joint problem requiring surgery: Hip pain that conservative treatment cannot relieve Hip pain caused by degenerative arthritis limiting hip mobility Hip pain that restricts daily activities including sitting, walking, and bending

Hip Surgery Center of Excellence doctors recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon when hip pain is chronic or severe affecting your quality of life. Your first appointment includes a discussion about your symptoms and a physical exam then some diagnostic tests such as an x-ray or MRI to identify the source of your problem.

Total Hip Replacement Method

A total joint replacement removes damaged cartilage using prosthetic material to create new joint surfaces. The pain a patient feels is caused by degenerative bone and tissue rubbing against each other. Cartilage loss has narrowed the hip joint and caused bone spurs to develop.

Based upon a patient's case, the surgeon will use either plastic, metal, or ceramic devices replacing the upper end of the thighbone (femur) and the hip socket in the pelvic bone. For the best fit, the surgeon will resurface the joint to optimize the fit of the implant.

To join replacment parts to organic bone, the surgeon has a choice of two methods:

Cemented joints serve as a glue attaching the artificial joint to the bone. Uncemented joints uses a porous coating allowing the bone to adhere naturally to the

artificial joint. Over time, new bone grows attaching the joint to the bone.

The procedure takes approximately two hours and usually requires a few days in the hospital. For the best possible recovery, Hip Surgery Center of Excellence doctors always advise their patients not to rush the healing process. They recommend patients to follow post-operative instructions about wound care to prevent infection and limit physical activity. Recovery typically takes approximately three months, but this depends on a patient's age, weight, and physical health. The most important prerequisite is listening to your doctor's advice and diligence with physical therapy.

Call the Hip Joint Specialists

If you're considering hip replacement surgery, you want only the most qualified and skilled surgeon. The renowned hip joint specialists at the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence rank among the best orthopedic practitioners and experienced in the most progressive treatments. Call us today at

888.318.2842 for an appointment to discuss your case and surgical options.

Who Is At Risk For a Hip Fracture?

A fractured hip isn't the exclusive domain of adults over 60. Individuals who enjoy high impact sports such as running are at risk for injuring this joint. A hip fracture can develop in one of two ways depending on the nature of the damage. With degenerative arthritis, the fracture appears in the upper quarter of the thigh bone (femur). While a sports related injury is more likely to cause a femoral stress fracture near the ball of the hip joint. The end result is the same; a hip fracture must be treated immediately.

This type of condition is serious and requires an expert orthopedic surgeon. The board-certified physicians of La Peer's Hip Surgery Center of Excellence are among some of the best hip surgeons in the country. Coming from prestigious institutions, La Peer doctors offer the highest quality of care and are renowned for their expertise in technically advanced procedures.

Risk Factors for Hip Fracture

Osteoporosis is an degenerative arthritic condition that erodes bone density. Often, individuals don't know they have the condition until they fall and break a hip. Since osteoporosis can be considered a “silent” disease, it's important for older adults to maintain regular examinations and even take periodic bone density tests. In the case of an accident or result of a high impact sports, a hip fracture is sudden and unexpected.

There are other risk factors that increase the chance of a hip breakage:

Gender (women at greater risk than men) Smoking Inactivity Insufficient calcium Family history Steroids

Unless an accident or sports injury leads to the fracture, usually there are specific symptoms indicating a damaged hip.

Immediate Treatment

Once the fracture is diagnosed, treatment often follows within 24 hours in many cases. Immediate treatment will reduce the chance of any complications and further damage to the hip. The type of surgery performed depends on several factors including location of the break, severity, and a patient's age and medical condition.

One of the following three procedures would be selected:

Hip repair – pins used to hold bone together Partial hip replacement – upper part of thighbone replaced Full hip replacement – hip socket and upper thighbone replaced

Breaking a hip can dramatically change a person's life, especially for older adults. It takes a year for a full recovery and the quality of recovery is greatly influenced by intensity of rehabilitation. A younger person with a hip fracture is more likely to manage the extensive physical therapy required to regain strength and mobility than an older person.

Call the Hip Fracture Experts

A hip fracture is a serious injury. Don't you want the best orthopedic doctor to treat you? Our talented orthopedic surgeons have the expertise and skill in the most advanced surgical procedures. Contact the Hip Surgery Center of Excellence today at 888.318.2842 for a consultation and information about hip repair and recovery.