Hip dislocation at a glance
• Dislocation is an injury to a joint in which the bones are forced out of their natural position by trauma. In a hip dislocation, the head of the thighbone (femur) is forced out of its socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis.
• Symptoms include a visible deformity of the joint, and extreme pain. To treat a dislocated hip, a healthcare provider will move the bone back into position.
• Recovery from a hip dislocation typically takes two to three months.
Causes of hip dislocation
A tremendous amount of force is necessary to force the femur from its socket, so hip dislocations are often caused by sports injuries or trauma. Contact sports like hockey or football, and sports that may involve falls like skiing or gymnastics are common causes of hip dislocation.
Hip dislocations can also occur in a car accident, particularly when the person is not wearing a seat belt. Falls from ladders or other heights, and industrial accidents may also cause hip dislocation.
If a person has had hip replacement surgery, it is also possible for the artificial joint to become dislocated.
Symptoms of hip dislocation
Symptoms of hip dislocation include intense pain and inability to move the affected leg. The hip joint will appear noticeably deformed and swollen. If nerve damage occurs from the injury, there may be numbness in the foot and ankle area.
There are two types of hip dislocations, posterior and anterior. Posterior dislocations account for 90 percent of all dislocations, and occur when the thighbone (femur) is forced out of the socket towards the back. The hip becomes stuck in a bent position, and is twisted in towards the body.
In an anterior dislocation, the femur is forced out of the socket towards the front. The leg is then twisted away from the center of the body, while the hip is just slightly bent.
Hip dislocation treatment
A dislocated hip is a serious medical emergency, and should be treated by a doctor immediately.
The initial treatment for a hip dislocation is a procedure called a reduction, in which a healthcare provider manually moves the top of the thighbone back into place in the socket (acetabulum).
Sedatives or anesthetics (whether local or general) may be necessary during a reduction. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to put the joint back into place.
After the reduction, the hip must be immobilized, often for two to three months. Pain medication or muscle relaxants may help relieve pain during recovery. Physical therapy will be necessary to restore the strength and range of motion in the hip joint. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
If you are experiencing hip pain from a dislocated hip, contact us to request an appointment with our orthopedic hip specialists.
Femoroacetabular Impingement Treatment
Hip impingement at a glance
• Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition in which the bones of the hip joint are not formed properly, causing pain and reduced range of motion.
• Symptoms of FAI depend on the individual, but typically include pain in the groin area, lower back or outer hip. Sharp pain may occur when twisting, turning, or squatting.
• Treatment for FAI may include physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication, or surgery. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
Causes of hip impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement is the abnormal formation of the hip bones during childhood. Although sports activity does not cause the condition, people who have FAI and are more active are likely to experience hip discomfort sooner than others.
Sports that require repeated hip motion, like soccer, ice-skating, or gymnastics, are more likely to cause pain in people with FAI.
There are three general types of deformity recognized as Femoroacetabular impingement : cam, pincer, and combined.
In a cam impingement, a bump forms on the head of the thighbone, which grinds against the cartilage in the hip socket. In a pincer impingement, extra bone juts out over the rim of the hip socket. A combined impingement includes both the cam and the pincer deformities.
Symptoms of hip impingement
Symptoms of hip impingement include pain in the hip, groin, or lower back. A person with FAI may also have reduced or restricted range of motion in the hip. At times, a sharp, stabbing pain may be felt in the hip when twisting, turning, or squatting.
Treatment of hip impingement
Initial conservative treatment for hip impingement typically includes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen or naproxen, physical therapy, and changes in daily activities that exacerbate the condition.
If the pain does not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged areas, reduce the bony growths, and relieve pain.
If you are experiencing hip pain or symptoms of hip impingement, contact us to schedule an appointment with our orthopedic specialists.
Osteonecrosis Treatment
Osteonecrosis at a glance
• Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply to a bone is interrupted, causing the bone tissue to die.
• Avascular necrosis can be caused by dislocations and fractures, certain medical conditions, or long-term use of corticosteroids or alcohol.
• Over time, symptoms may include pain in the groin, thigh or buttock, especially when putting weight on the affected leg, and limping.
• Treatment for osteonecrosis includes medication, specific exercises, or electrical stimulation. Eventually, most people with osteonecrosis will need to have surgery.
Causes of osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, occurs when the normal supply of blood flow to a bone is reduced or cut off, causing that part of the bone to die. Traumatic injuries to the hipbone, such as fractures or joint dislocations, are common causes of osteonecrosis.
In some cases, other medical conditions like sickle cell anemia or Gaucher’s disease can cause avascular necrosis. These diseases make it hard for blood to move through the bone because they increase the amount of pressure inside the bone. HIV, lupus, and diabetes also increase a person’s chances of developing osteonecrosis.
People who take high doses of corticosteroids for long periods of time are at a higher risk for developing osteonecrosis. Cancer treatments (particularly radiation), organ transplants, and dialysis also can contribute to osteonecrosis developing. Heavy, long-term alcohol use can also cause this painful condition.
Symptoms of osteonecrosis
In many cases, avascular necrosis is not detected until the disease is quite advanced because there may be no discernible symptoms in the early stages of the condition. As it worsens, there may be pain in the hip joint during weight-bearing activities. Eventually, hip pain will occur during movement and sometimes even when at rest.
Hip pain caused by osteonecrosis may occur in the hip, groin, thigh, or buttock. Avascular necrosis can also develop bilaterally, in both hips.
Treatment for osteonecrosis
Treatment options for avascular necrosis depend on the severity of the bone damage. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may help to relieve the pain. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
In some cases, drugs that are commonly used to treat osteoporosis may help to slow the progression of osteonecrosis. Additionally, cholesterol drugs can help keep the blood vessels that flow into the bones from becoming blocked.
Restricting physical activity and limiting the amount of weight placed on the hip joint can help slow the development of further damage to the hip bones.
While being treated for avascular necrosis, it may be necessary to use crutches for several months to avoid further damage. Physical therapy exercises may also help maintain the range of motion in the hip joint. Electrical stimulation is one technique used to treat osteonecrosis. Electrical currents stimulate the body through electrodes attached to the skin, encouraging new bone growth to replace damaged bone. This procedure can also be performed directly to the damaged area during surgery.
Surgery is a common treatment for osteonecrosis because in many cases the condition is far advanced by the time it has been detected. Surgeons may remove or reshape part of the damaged bone, or graft a healthy section of bone from another part of the body.
Joint replacement surgery may be necessary if the bone has already collapsed.
If you are experiencing hip pain and the symptoms associated with avascular necrosis, contact us to request an appointment with our orthopedic specialists to learn about your treatment options.
• Dislocation is an injury to a joint in which the bones are forced out of their natural position by trauma. In a hip dislocation, the head of the thighbone (femur) is forced out of its socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis.
• Symptoms include a visible deformity of the joint, and extreme pain. To treat a dislocated hip, a healthcare provider will move the bone back into position.
• Recovery from a hip dislocation typically takes two to three months.
Causes of hip dislocation
A tremendous amount of force is necessary to force the femur from its socket, so hip dislocations are often caused by sports injuries or trauma. Contact sports like hockey or football, and sports that may involve falls like skiing or gymnastics are common causes of hip dislocation.
Hip dislocations can also occur in a car accident, particularly when the person is not wearing a seat belt. Falls from ladders or other heights, and industrial accidents may also cause hip dislocation.
If a person has had hip replacement surgery, it is also possible for the artificial joint to become dislocated.
Symptoms of hip dislocation
Symptoms of hip dislocation include intense pain and inability to move the affected leg. The hip joint will appear noticeably deformed and swollen. If nerve damage occurs from the injury, there may be numbness in the foot and ankle area.
There are two types of hip dislocations, posterior and anterior. Posterior dislocations account for 90 percent of all dislocations, and occur when the thighbone (femur) is forced out of the socket towards the back. The hip becomes stuck in a bent position, and is twisted in towards the body.
In an anterior dislocation, the femur is forced out of the socket towards the front. The leg is then twisted away from the center of the body, while the hip is just slightly bent.
Hip dislocation treatment
A dislocated hip is a serious medical emergency, and should be treated by a doctor immediately.
The initial treatment for a hip dislocation is a procedure called a reduction, in which a healthcare provider manually moves the top of the thighbone back into place in the socket (acetabulum).
Sedatives or anesthetics (whether local or general) may be necessary during a reduction. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to put the joint back into place.
After the reduction, the hip must be immobilized, often for two to three months. Pain medication or muscle relaxants may help relieve pain during recovery. Physical therapy will be necessary to restore the strength and range of motion in the hip joint. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
If you are experiencing hip pain from a dislocated hip, contact us to request an appointment with our orthopedic hip specialists.
Femoroacetabular Impingement Treatment
Hip impingement at a glance
• Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition in which the bones of the hip joint are not formed properly, causing pain and reduced range of motion.
• Symptoms of FAI depend on the individual, but typically include pain in the groin area, lower back or outer hip. Sharp pain may occur when twisting, turning, or squatting.
• Treatment for FAI may include physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication, or surgery. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
Causes of hip impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement is the abnormal formation of the hip bones during childhood. Although sports activity does not cause the condition, people who have FAI and are more active are likely to experience hip discomfort sooner than others.
Sports that require repeated hip motion, like soccer, ice-skating, or gymnastics, are more likely to cause pain in people with FAI.
There are three general types of deformity recognized as Femoroacetabular impingement : cam, pincer, and combined.
In a cam impingement, a bump forms on the head of the thighbone, which grinds against the cartilage in the hip socket. In a pincer impingement, extra bone juts out over the rim of the hip socket. A combined impingement includes both the cam and the pincer deformities.
Symptoms of hip impingement
Symptoms of hip impingement include pain in the hip, groin, or lower back. A person with FAI may also have reduced or restricted range of motion in the hip. At times, a sharp, stabbing pain may be felt in the hip when twisting, turning, or squatting.
Treatment of hip impingement
Initial conservative treatment for hip impingement typically includes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen or naproxen, physical therapy, and changes in daily activities that exacerbate the condition.
If the pain does not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged areas, reduce the bony growths, and relieve pain.
If you are experiencing hip pain or symptoms of hip impingement, contact us to schedule an appointment with our orthopedic specialists.
Osteonecrosis Treatment
Osteonecrosis at a glance
• Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply to a bone is interrupted, causing the bone tissue to die.
• Avascular necrosis can be caused by dislocations and fractures, certain medical conditions, or long-term use of corticosteroids or alcohol.
• Over time, symptoms may include pain in the groin, thigh or buttock, especially when putting weight on the affected leg, and limping.
• Treatment for osteonecrosis includes medication, specific exercises, or electrical stimulation. Eventually, most people with osteonecrosis will need to have surgery.
Causes of osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, occurs when the normal supply of blood flow to a bone is reduced or cut off, causing that part of the bone to die. Traumatic injuries to the hipbone, such as fractures or joint dislocations, are common causes of osteonecrosis.
In some cases, other medical conditions like sickle cell anemia or Gaucher’s disease can cause avascular necrosis. These diseases make it hard for blood to move through the bone because they increase the amount of pressure inside the bone. HIV, lupus, and diabetes also increase a person’s chances of developing osteonecrosis.
People who take high doses of corticosteroids for long periods of time are at a higher risk for developing osteonecrosis. Cancer treatments (particularly radiation), organ transplants, and dialysis also can contribute to osteonecrosis developing. Heavy, long-term alcohol use can also cause this painful condition.
Symptoms of osteonecrosis
In many cases, avascular necrosis is not detected until the disease is quite advanced because there may be no discernible symptoms in the early stages of the condition. As it worsens, there may be pain in the hip joint during weight-bearing activities. Eventually, hip pain will occur during movement and sometimes even when at rest.
Hip pain caused by osteonecrosis may occur in the hip, groin, thigh, or buttock. Avascular necrosis can also develop bilaterally, in both hips.
Treatment for osteonecrosis
Treatment options for avascular necrosis depend on the severity of the bone damage. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may help to relieve the pain. Talk to your pharmacist before purchasing anti-inflammatories as these medications may be contraindicated as they may interact with other medications and medical conditions.
In some cases, drugs that are commonly used to treat osteoporosis may help to slow the progression of osteonecrosis. Additionally, cholesterol drugs can help keep the blood vessels that flow into the bones from becoming blocked.
Restricting physical activity and limiting the amount of weight placed on the hip joint can help slow the development of further damage to the hip bones.
While being treated for avascular necrosis, it may be necessary to use crutches for several months to avoid further damage. Physical therapy exercises may also help maintain the range of motion in the hip joint. Electrical stimulation is one technique used to treat osteonecrosis. Electrical currents stimulate the body through electrodes attached to the skin, encouraging new bone growth to replace damaged bone. This procedure can also be performed directly to the damaged area during surgery.
Surgery is a common treatment for osteonecrosis because in many cases the condition is far advanced by the time it has been detected. Surgeons may remove or reshape part of the damaged bone, or graft a healthy section of bone from another part of the body.
Joint replacement surgery may be necessary if the bone has already collapsed.
If you are experiencing hip pain and the symptoms associated with avascular necrosis, contact us to request an appointment with our orthopedic specialists to learn about your treatment options.
