Understanding the Conditions Hip Preservation Surgery Can Prevent

It's a fact of life that as you age, your body isn't as spry as it once was. Pain and discomfort can sneak up on you, particularly in your hips. 

What if you could take preventive steps today to ward off these issues down the line? This is where hip preservation surgery comes in — and at his private practice in Houston, Texas, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Kevin Park, MD, specializes in this life-changing procedure. 

Keep reading to learn about four conditions that can lead to hip pain and loss of mobility and how hip preservation surgery can help prevent these conditions from worsening and return you to an active, pain-free life.

1. Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, characterized by a shallow hip socket, is a condition usually present from birth. This can result in instability or partial dislocation, causing pain and wearing away the cartilage that cushions the hip joint. 

You might not even know you have hip dysplasia until you're an adult, with symptoms often showing as pain in the hip or groin, especially during physical activity. Hip preservation surgery can prevent the need for a total hip replacement. 

2. Hip impingement

Also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), this condition occurs when the hip bones do not form correctly during the growing years. People with hip impingement often experience pain in the groin area, difficulty moving the hip joint, and a stiff or locked hip. 

Without intervention, FAI can result in damage to the hip joint and early-onset arthritis.The good news is that Dr. Park can use hip preservation surgery to prevent or slow this occurrence. 

3. Loose bodies

Loose bodies refer to small pieces of bone or cartilage that have broken free and float around in the joint space. They can be the result of an injury, certain diseases, or wear-and-tear over time. 

These loose bodies can move about in your hip, causing pain, decreased mobility, and even locking of the joint. Hip preservation surgery can help. 

4. Labral tears

The labrum is the ring of cartilage lining the outer rim of your hip joint socket. It acts like a rubber seal to help hold the ball at the top of your thigh bone securely within your hip socket. 

Tears can occur from injury, structural abnormalities, or wear-and-tear over time. Symptoms can be similar to other hip conditions, making it necessary to seek a professional diagnosis from an orthopaedic expert like Dr. Park.

5. Other hip conditions

Apart from these four main conditions, hip preservation surgery can also address a range of other issues related to the hip joint. These include alignment or soft tissue abnormalities, growth plate abnormalities, and synovitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the hip joint. 

All these conditions can contribute to discomfort, pain, and reduced mobility. Addressing these problems early with hip preservation surgery can prevent further damage and restore your quality of life. 

Understanding hip preservation surgery

If you've been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or if you're experiencing ongoing hip discomfort, hip preservation surgery might be an effective solution. This term covers a variety of surgical procedures that aim to preserve and enhance the function of the natural hip joint, rather than replacing it with an artificial one.

Hip preservation surgery is designed to correct the issues that lead to these conditions, such as reshaping a deformed hip bone in the case of hip impingement, or repairing the hip socket in the case of hip dysplasia. 

It can also involve removing loose bodies from the hip joint or repairing a torn labrum.

As a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Park specializes in these complex procedures. He understands that every patient's needs are unique, and he's committed to providing personalized care to help you return to your active lifestyle.

Choosing to undergo surgery can be daunting, but rest assured: Dr. Park guides you through every step of the process. 

The ultimate goal of hip preservation surgery is not just to alleviate pain and improve function in the short term, but also to prevent the progression of these conditions that could lead to the need for a total hip replacement later in life.

The first step in your journey toward improved hip health is understanding the conditions that might be affecting you. Then, with expert guidance from a skilled surgeon like Dr. Park, you can make informed decisions about your treatment options. 

Are you ready to learn more about these conditions and how hip preservation surgery can help? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Park in Houston, Texas, today.