The hip joint is created from the insertion of the head of the femur (thigh bone) into the socket of the acetabulum (pelvis). There is a layer of slippery white cartilage surrounding the ends of these bones that protects them from friction as they move over one another during joint movement. Lining the acetabular socket is a ring of cartilage that strengthens and stabilizes the hip joint. These cartilaginous tissues naturally wear down over time, narrowing the space between the bones. Frequently seen in weight-bearing joints such as the hip, this tissue degeneration causes osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. If left untreated, the cartilage will continue to deteriorate often leading to bone-on-bone movement. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic hip specialist serving Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients who have experienced arthritis of the hip.
Due to the natural aging process, osteoarthritis of the hip most often affects active older adults. Traumatic hip injuries, however, can accelerate cartilage degeneration in younger or less active individuals. The progressive breakdown of cartilage can also occur from structural abnormalities associated with hip dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The normal joint mechanics can be compromised by a misshaped femoral head or extra bone extending beyond the rim of the acetabular socket, thereby developing premature cartilage degeneration.
Individuals with early-onset osteoarthritis of the hip frequently report pain in the anterior hip and groin region that progressively worsens without treatment. Weather changes can also affect the severity of symptoms. Some other common symptoms of arthritis of the hip include:
A diagnosis of arthritis of the hip can be achieved through a medical history consultation, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging studies. Patients will discuss any prior hip injuries or other hip conditions, underlying health conditions, activity level, and current symptoms with Dr. McCormick. This is followed by a physical examination to evaluate the hip joint for pain, tenderness, and range of motion deficits. While x-rays are useful in identifying any bony structural damage or joint space narrowing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows better visualization of the soft-tissue structures to determine the severity of arthritis of the hip.
Conservative treatment measures are more likely to benefit patients in the earlier stages of arthritis of the hip. Weight loss combined with daily and physical activity modification can slow the progression of arthritic hip joint damage. Application of a hip brace, rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and/or corticosteroid injections can collectively manage any pain and inflammation. Joint preservation techniques involving the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma or stem cells are available as a method to stimulate the natural repair process.
More invasive treatment measures are offered when conservative therapy fails to alleviate symptoms or patients have severe arthritic damage to the hip joint. There are a variety of surgical techniques that can restore the hip joint; however, Dr. McCormick may integrate them together to better address the patient’s specific needs.
For more information on hip abductor injury or hip abductor tears, their symptoms or for expert diagnosis of your hip pain, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving Orlando, Kissimmee, West Palm Beach County, Florida and the surrounding areas.
