If you are under the age of 60 and experience hip pain, there are new hip arthroscopy and resurfacing options available at Brigham and Women’s Hospital that may allow you to avoid total hip replacement.
“These new options are worth considering as they help maintain joint mobility, eliminate or delay the need for conventional total hip replacement, and prevent extensive revision surgery in the future,” says Brigham and Women’s Hospital orthopedic surgeon John E. Ready, MD.
Hip arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses a very thin optical device and small incisions to repair a range of conditions that can cause hip pain and lead to joint deterioration and arthritis. If these conditions are recognized before joint degeneration is significant, hip arthroscopy may eliminate the need for partial or total hip replacement.
Conditions that may be repaired using hip arthroscopy include:
- Loose bodies – In this condition, fragments of cartilage and bone float and catch within the hip joint and, over time, can scratch and damage the surface of the cartilage;
- Labral tears – A tear in the labrum (the cartilage that lines the hip socket) may be caused by arthritis or traumatic injury, such as sports injuries. Labral tears often cause the hip joint to catch or lock in one position and may lead to pain in the hip or groin;
- Femoroacetabular impingement – One of the main causes of osteoarthritis in young adults ages 20 to 50, this condition occurs when excess bone around the ball of the hip joint prevents full range-of-motion in the hip socket. Symptoms typically include pain or ache in the groin after prolonged sitting or walking.
“Hip arthroscopy is enabling us to repair many hip conditions before they lead to joint damage and extensive arthritis,” says Brigham and Women’s Hospital orthopedic surgeon Scott D. Martin, MD. “If we can diagnose the conditions early, we can correct these issues and avoid or delay future hip replacement.”
Hip resurfacing
Ideal for active adults under the age of 60 with good bone density, hip resurfacing replaces worn surfaces of the hip joint with a metal cap and cup, while conserving much of the ball of the hip joint (femur). Compared with traditional hip replacement, which completely removes the head and neck of the femur, hip resurfacing preserves more bone, preventing extensive future surgical revisions and provides improved stability to the joint.
The metal-on-metal implant glides with natural motion and offers more durability and less wear than metal-on-plastic devices used in many traditional hip replacements. Hip resurfacing can also help maintian bone strength in the hip. Because metal-on-metal devices increase the presence of metal ions in the body, this procedure is not suitable for women of childbearing age or men and women with moderate to severe kidney disease.
Orthopedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Orthopedic surgeons in the Orthopedic and Arthritis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are among few in New England to offer extensive experience in hip arthroscopy and hip resurfacing, including the only FDA-approved hip resurfacing device (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing). These options are part of a complete range of advanced orthopedic techniques available for patients with arthritis and many other orthopedic conditions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-BWH-9999.
