Every year, more than 300,000 people across the U.S. undergo hip replacement
surgery, making it one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries.
The number of hip replacements done annually in the U.S. is increasing
for a number of reasons:
Baby boomers are moving into the age in which hip problems become more
common, thus driving up the overall incidence
Younger people, who have been athletic or active since childhood and adolescence,
are beginning to experience the effects of injuries and wear and tear
caused by their active lifestyles
More people are overweight, which causes extra stress on the hip joint
What's causing the pain
The hip is a ball and socket joint that attaches the leg to the torso of
the body. Hip pain can have several causes including arthritis, injuries
and compressed nerves. The pain of hip problems may be experienced in
the hip itself, or it may radiate to other parts of the body. When describing
hip pain, it's important to try to pinpoint the exact location in which
the pain is felt as this can provide clues that will help in diagnosing
the cause.
Our team uses the latest technology - X-ray, MRI and CT - to diagnose the
cause of your pain and to treat it.
Symptoms of hip problems can include:
Pain in the hip area itself
Groin pain, tightening or throbbing in the inner thigh
Lower back pain
Leg pain
Additional signs that should be brought to the attention of a physician include:
Pain that persists more than a few days
Pain that occurs at night or while resting
Not being able to stand in one place for too long
Swelling of the hip or the thigh area
Common causes of hip pain
Osteoarthritis of the hip: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain, especially
in those 65 years or older. Osteoarthritis causes inflammation, which
can cause gradual deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the ends
of the bones where they enter the joint. Osteoarthritis worsens over time.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatment may include exercise,
physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.
Hip fracture: A hip fracture can be life-threatening and therefore requires immediate
attention. actures require immediate surgery and can be life-threatening.
The risk of hip fracture increases with age as a result of age-associated
thinning and weakening of bone. Women, in particular, are at risk for
hip fracture. Therefore, it's recommended that they speak with their primary
care physician about osteoporosis and screening tests that can measure
bone density.
Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones,
muscles, and tendons near joints.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that
attaches muscles to bones. Tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body,
but it most commonly occurs around shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and
hips. It is a common sport, hobby, and occupational injury.
Hip replacement surgery
King's Daughters orthopedic surgeons are skilled in performing hip replacement
surgery using the most advanced technology and techniques available today.
An important component of joint replacement surgery at King's Daughters
is our Rapid Recovery program.
Our Rapid Recovery program helps patients recover from hip replacement
surgery more quickly, with less pain and more complete restoration of
function. The Rapid Recovery team includes the patient, patient's coach,
orthopedic surgeon, nurses, physical therapists and an orthopaedic nurse
navigator.
Patients who choose to participate in the Rapid Recovery program can expect
Less pain
Walking hours after surgery
Go home sooner
Coach to help before and after surgery
Patient navigator to help through surgery process
Rapid Recovery participants credit much of their success to their personal
coach, whose job it is to motivate the patient to reach goals quickly,
safely and with less stress.
The coach (spouse, family member or friend):
Attends Joint School education class with the patient
Attends appointments with the patient before surgery
Attends therapy sessions during the hospital stay
Is available for discharge instructions and medication review in the hospital
Accompanies the patient to therapy and office visits or helps arrange transportation
Our team is near you
Our orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, nurse practitioners
and physician assistants see patients in:
