Hip Arthritis Treatment

Hip Arthritis Treatment in Bethesda, MD

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your hip joint, arthritis or osteoarthritis could be the culprit. Arthritis is when inflammation of the joint causes painful symptoms. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when joint cartilage and the underlying bone begin to deteriorate. The earlier you see an orthopedic physician about your hip pain, the better. Arthritis can be effectively treated, especially when it’s caught early.

At OrthoBethesda, our highly skilled orthopedic team specializes in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and symptoms, including hip pain. We may be able to treat our Bethesda, Maryland patients with a cutting-edge procedure known as arthroscopy.

 

Arthroscopy For Hip Pain Relief

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure we may recommend to treat your hip arthritis. Also referred to as keyhole surgery, we perform hip arthroscopy through tiny incisions. An arthroscope, or small, fiber-optic video camera, is inserted through these incisions.

The camera projects images onto a large monitor, allowing the surgeon to look inside the joint to search for damage or injury. The surgeon can also use an arthroscope to repair the joint issue simultaneously.

We use hip arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a variety of hip-related conditions, including:

  • Bone chips or torn cartilage removal
  • Torn labrum repair, which is the fibrous ring of cartilage lining the hip’s socket
  • Bone spurs or bone growths removal
  • Removal of the inflamed synovium, or lining of the joint
  • Fracture or torn ligament repair
  • Diagnosis of conditions accompanied by hip joint pain, swelling and hip stiffness when these symptoms do not respond to conservative measures

Your Hip Arthroscopy Procedure

When your OrthoBethesda orthopedic surgeon recommends hip arthroscopy for your arthritis or another painful hip condition, they will ensure you fully understand what this procedure entails ahead of time. The typical process goes as follows:

  • Your surgeon performs the procedure while you’re under regional or general anesthesia, depending on what you and your physician decide.
  • Your surgeon makes two to three small incisions, each about a quarter inch in length around your hip joint.
  • The arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions along with a sterile solution that is pumped into the joint to expand the area and allow more room for the surgeon to work.
  • The projected image on the monitor allows the surgeon to view the joint directly and determine the extent of trauma and what can be surgically treated.
  • Small surgical instruments are also inserted through the incision to repair any problems
  • Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon closes the incisions and covers them with a bandage.

Advantages of Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is an excellent alternative over the more invasive open hip surgery. It has many advantages, such as:

  • Minimal trauma to surrounding tissue, muscles and ligaments
  • Smaller incisions and less scarring
  • Faster recovery and earlier mobilization
  • Less pain
  • Shorter stay in the hospital

Potential Risks and Complications Involved With Hip Arthroscopy

Any surgery has potential risks involved. However, you need to be fully aware of these possible complications before you choose to proceed with a hip arthroscopy procedure. Some of the risks that could occur include:

  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • Excess bleeding
  • Blood clots

Your OrthoBethesda surgeon may advise you to take precautions that could prevent complications and promote a faster recovery, including:

  • Following all post-op instructions
  • Taking prescribed pain medications
  • Utilizing crutches to limit the weight you place on the hip
  • Participating in physical therapy
  • Consuming a healthy diet
  • Not smoking
  • Not lifting heavy objects or performing strenuous exercises for a few weeks after the procedure

When you contact OrthoBethesda for hip pain and arthritis treatment, we utilize the most cutting-edge procedures to ensure you receive incredible patient care. Advanced surgical techniques, like arthroscopy, allow us to diagnose and treat hip diseases better than ever.

Further Reading

8 Signs To Know If You Need Hip Replacement Surgery

How To Keep Your Hips and Knees Healthy At All Stages of Life

 

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Contact OrthoBethesda to Find out More About Hip Arthroscopy

To find out more about the best hip pain treatment options in Bethesda, MD, schedule your appointment today by calling (301) 530-1010.