What are the Options for Arthritis of the Hip?

Hip arthritis occurs when the hip joint cartilage wears down or is damaged. As a result, the bone surfaces of the joint rub together, causing pain and stiffness. It can be challenging to move the hip or the leg. 

There are various forms of hip arthritis, but all involve cartilage loss, eventually leading to joint damage.  

What is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis occurs when the hip joint cartilage begins to wear down or is damaged. The breakdown causes the bones to rub against each other and become rough. You feel pain, stiffness, and issues with mobility. 

The most common form of arthritis that affects the hip is osteoarthritis. It causes wear and tear of the joint over time. It is very common, and most people develop some form of osteoarthritis as they age. It is most common in people who are 60 years old or older. 

How badly joints are affected varies per person and depend on other factors such as the person’s anatomic structure and activity level. 

Other conditions can cause hip arthritis, including in younger patients. These include:

• Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus)
• Infections
• Trauma to the hip
• Anatomic irregularities such as hip impingement or hip dysplasia

 The chances of getting hip arthritis increase with age. A family history of arthritis can also be a factor. Patients who are overweight or have had hip trauma are also prone to hip arthritis. 

Once hip arthritis begins, it continues to worsen until bone-on-bone rubs together. The experience of pain and mobility issues varies between patients. 

How do You Treat Hip Arthritis?

Treatment depends upon the severity of the arthritis and the patient’s age. There are non-surgical and surgical interventions. Often doctors may use a combination in advanced hip arthritis. 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis

Non-surgical options are used to help reduce pain and maintain mobility. Some non-surgical treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Activity modification (reducing or stopping activities that are causing pain)
• Weight loss
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections

Surgical Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis

Hip replacement surgery

Traditional hip replacement surgery can be a partial or total replacement. With a total replacement, the doctor removes both the damaged ball and socket. The doctor replaces the joint with prosthetics. The implant serves as the new hip joint. 

With a partial hip replacement, the doctor only replaces the ball section, the femoral head. 

Anterior hip replacement is an option that is less invasive than a traditional hip replacement. With a traditional hip replacement, an incision is made in the side or back of the hip. Anterior hip replacement involves a small cut on the front part of the hip. 

With this surgery, most of the muscles and ligaments remain intact, which is the benefit of this surgical option. It allows for less pain, short hospital stays, and a quicker recovery. There is also a reduced risk of hip dislocation as the surrounding tissues are preserved. 

Despite the advantages, it is not appropriate for all patients with hip arthritis. Age, weight, and other factors need to be considered.

Hip resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is another less invasive option than traditional hip replacement surgery. The surgeon trims the damaged part of the cartilage and bone from the hip for the procedure. A metal cap is placed over the bone, and a metal shell in the hip socket. Unlike a total hip replacement, where the entire femoral head resurfacing tries to preserve as much of the original bone as possible. It is usually an ideal option for younger patients. 

Regardless of the procedure that is beneficial for you, most patients experience significant relief and improved mobility after surgery.

Where Can I Find Out More Information About Hip Replacement in Boca Raton? 

Orthopaedic Surgery Associates specializes in hip replacement procedures. Through discussion with you and your family, our surgeons will weigh the risk and benefits of the procedure and explain what recovery entails. 

We provide a range of surgical services, including hip replacements, knee and shoulder joint replacements, hand and wrists surgical repairs, and arthroscopic surgeries. 

OSA has many of the leading orthopedic surgeons in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton. We are one of the most advanced orthopedic groups in Florida.

Our physicians are available for consultations at two convenience locations in Palm Beach County:

• orthopedic doctors in Boca Raton
• orthopedic doctors in Boynton Beach 

If you would like more information about our service, do not hesitate to contact us today! 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health..