Hip Surgery in Little Rock, AR
Hip pain can occur due to arthritis, an injury, pinched nerves, or other problems. Our doctors are experts at diagnosing and treating hip problems. Their goal is to return you to your pre-injury level of functioning as quickly as possible, or, if you have arthritis, to restore hip movement and reduce your pain.
Martin Orthopedics specializes in treating hip pain and injuries.
Our board-certified doctors are specially trained, and our clinic is fully equipped, to meet our patients’ needs. We take the time to carefully evaluate your condition and educate you on the best treatment options. Whether your care requires a surgical or non-surgical approach, we work to ensure you are matched with the right treatment and that you have a swift and effective recovery.
COMMON HIP PROBLEMS
These are typical hip problems evaluated by our physicians. Our doctors are highly experienced in each issue, and the staff of Martin Orthopedics is happy to answer questions about your specific symptoms.
Hip Arthritis
It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, an inflammation of one or more joints. In a diseased hip, inflammation causes pain and stiffness.
Although there is no cure for arthritis of the hip, there are many treatment options available depending on the severity of the problem. These range from rest, exercise, and medication for mild cases to hip replacement or resurfacing surgery for severe cases. Most people with hip arthritis are able to manage pain and stay active.
Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that are located in joints throughout the body, including the hip joints. These act as a cushion between bones and the overlying soft tissue, helping to reduce friction between the gliding muscles and bone.
Sometimes, weight-bearing pressure and excessive movement take their toll on the hips, leading to painful inflammation and swelling of the bursa. As a result, many daily activities, such standing or walking, may become difficult.
Dislocation
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. Its socket is formed by part of the large pelvis bone called the acetabulum, while the ball is the upper end of the femur (or thighbone) called the femoral head. A smooth tissue known as articular cartilage covers the surface of the ball and socket, creating a low friction surface that enables the bones to glide easily across each other. The acetabulum is also covered by a strong fibrocartilage called the labrum which serves to create a tight seal and helps provide joint stability.
When hip dislocation occurs, often due to a traumatic event, the femoral head is pushed either backward (posterior) or forward (anterior) out of its socket. Often, the nerves, ligaments, labrum, muscles, and other soft tissues holding the bones in place are also damaged.
If the injury only involves the dislocated ball and socket, the doctor will administer an anesthetic or a sedative and painlessly manipulate the bones back into their proper position. This is known as a reduction. More extensive damage to the hip may require surgery.
Hip Fracture
A fractured hip is a serious injury whose complications, such as blood clots and infections, can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
The risk of sustaining a hip fracture as the result of severe impact or a fall heighten as we age, and our bones tend to weaken. It also occurs about three times more often in women and men as a result of osteoporosis or a loss in bone density. Also, because of poorer vision and balance problems, older people are more likely to sustain a hip fracture due to a fall.
A hip fracture almost always requires surgical repair or replacement, depending on the severity of the injury and the likelihood of proper healing, followed by physical therapy.
