At Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine (OSSM), we are well equipped to treat patients with all forms of hip damage or injury. Whether the injury is a hip fracture due to a fall, or hip damage resulting from arthritis, we can help restore a patient back to a healthy and pain free life. Hip replacements, whether total or partial, are just a part the specialized orthopedic care we provide. Our two hip specialists, Dr. Douglas McInnis and Dr. Luke Smith, use cutting edge technology to reconstruct as well as resurface hips.
Dr. McInnis has been with us for over 15 years, and is an expert in the field. He has a unique background: not only was Dr, McInnis the first fellowship trained adult reconstruction surgeon in North Idaho, but he completed this specialized fellowship in New Zealand! Joint reconstruction is an incredible way we can help our patient’s get back to health, and Dr. McInnis has a wealth of experience and expertise.
Dr. Luke Smith is the newest doctor we are proud to bring on board at OSSM. He joined our amazing team of doctors this year, and has a lot to offer as a specialist, especially when it comes to the hip joint. He is also a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon, who spent time completing his fellowship in Adult Joint Reconstructing Surgery in Pennsylvania.
One aspect of OSSM that sets us apart is our focus on minimally invasive treatment as well as more extensive surgeries. Dr. McInnis was the first to focus on hip and knee reconstruction, but also has can focus on less invasive procedures such as hip resurfacing, revision hip surgeries, and more. He can handle complex cases, often referred from other providers. Dr. Smith focused on minimally invasive joint replacement techniques during his fellowship and has experience operating with robot assistance.
You are in safe and capable hands at OSSM for your hip replacement or reconstruction. Here are some facts that are good to know if you are facing hip surgery:
The Hip Joint
First, it is important to have a small understanding of the hip joint and how it operates. We can all point to our hips, but may not fully understand that our hip joint is where the femur meets the pelvis. It is a ball and socket type joint: the head of the femur is shaped like a ball, cradled in the socket of the pelvis. A healthy hip joint can bear weight and move without pain or restriction.
Common Causes
There are several common causes for a partial or total hip replacement:
Hip Fracture: falling is a common cause of hip fractures, and is often diagnosed right away due to the severe pain caused by the injury.
Often we think of a traumatic injury being the catalyst for a necessary hip replacement surgery. However, injury only makes up part of the hip replacement patient population. If the blood supply is compromised to the hip joint, it can cause permanent damage to the joint. The bone will not be able to function or thrive healthily. Arthritis is often a culprit for the type of damage to the hip joint that will result in surgery. There are two contributing types of arthritis when it comes to hip damage:
Rheumatoid arthritis: RA is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the joints. Painful stiffness and swelling of the joints are hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and often the hip joints are damaged.
Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis causes damage to the hip joint when the cartilage that protects the joint wears down over time, leaving the head of the femur painfully rubbing/grinding in the hip socket with every move.
Symptoms
These symptoms are common signs we see in patients who need hip replacements:
Pain that interferes with every day life: constant or worsening pain, especially that interferes with daily life is a sign of the type of injury to a hip joint that may warrant surgery.
Reduction in function: inability to complete daily care tasks because of reduced function in the hip joint is another red flag. Being able to use stairs, walk, sleep well, stand up off of the toilet or chair, or get dressed are all tasks that are challenging, or even impossible, with an unhealthy hip joint.
If you are experiencing lasting pain or reduction in function, please call today to schedule an appointment to see one of our hip specialists, so we can help you!
Treatment
At OSSM, Dr. McInnis and Dr. Smith are able to consult with the patient to decide the best possible course of action to get them back on their feet. Dr. Smith and Dr. McInnis have spent countless hours taking care of patients in the operating room and are help that is just a call away. Treatment for hip damage may involve the following treatments:
Partial Hip Replacement: A partial hip replacement involves replacement of just the “ball”, or femoral head, in the hip joint. An artificial ball, either ceramic or metal, is implanted in the end of the femur. The socket, which is the part of the joint the ball rotates in, is left alone. Often a partial hip replacement is the best option for a patient with a fracture.
Total Hip Replacement: The entire joint, ball and socket, is replaced during a total hip replacement surgery. A prosthetic ball is implanted in the end of the femur, and a prosthetic cup-shaped metal piece is placed in the hip socket. This surgery is often performed to treat the total hip damage caused by arthritis, although may be required to treat hip fracture as well.
Hip Preservation: If an active patient has an increased risk for failure of a total hip replacement, this surgery is a good option. The bones are reshaped and resurfaced, so they articulate better in the joint, reducing pain and problems in the hip.
With our fellowship trained hip-specialist team, the options go beyond total or partial joint replacement. Both our doctors have the unique ability to offer our patients the least invasive options to restore the hip joint. You can rest assured that as a hip patient you will be treated in the safest and most effective possible way.
Complications
As with any surgery, complications are a possibility with hip replacement. Common possible complications can include:
Bleeding, infection, or blood clots: these are risks associated with all surgery.
Dislocation of the joint
Possible need for another hip surgery
Numbness or weakness due to nerve damage
Prevention
Early detection is key. Making an appointment with one of our doctors is the first step in maintaining hip health if a patient is experiencing pain or limited function.
Prevent falls with awareness and preparedness
Maintain health: a healthy weight can slow the progression of osteoarthritis, a leading cause of hip replacement. Exercise also strengthens the muscles surrounding the hip, which protects against misalignment or abnormal wear of the joint.
Protect against further damage: preventing further damage by altering certain vigorous activities when experiencing hip pain can increase longevity of the hip joint.
Next Steps
Whether you are suspicious of hip damage, or know you are in need of a hip replacement, we can help. Currently we are scheduling appointments with Dr. Luke Smith. Early intervention and detection can make a profound impact on your health and healing, so call us today at (208)664-2175.
Photo Credits:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/link/c3372cd573fe45ad8225ceeb9d83535b.aspx
