Your hip joint can withstand many times your bodyweight while performing a wide range of activities. But despite its sturdy nature, the hip is subject to age-related deterioration or acute injuries which may necessitate surgical treatment. Here are 5 things you should know about your hip joint before undergoing surgery:
1. Most hip surgeries can be performed with minimally invasive techniques.
With the advances in hip surgery, problems such as hip impingement, hip dysplasia, post-traumatic joint disease, early arthritic conditions, and labral tears can be repaired through tiny, poke hole incisions, preserving most of the healthy tissues.
2. Hip surgery is not only for the elderly.
Surgical procedures such as hip arthroscopy, hip osteotomy (surgical repositioning of the hip joint to correct deformities), and hip osteoplasty (surgical reshaping of the joint for better articulation) can help young patients return to sports or other activities with minimal or no restrictions.
3. Hospital stays are much shorter than in the past.
Many patients are hesitant to undergo hip surgery because they are fearful of a prolonged hospital recovery. The good news is the average length in hospital stays as fallen dramatically in recent years. With the American Hip Institute procedure, most patients can go home the same day.
4. Exercising before surgery can speed up your recovery.
The hip joint is surrounded by large muscles that help protect it from injury. Exercising the large quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles that surround the hip will help you regain function and mobility faster after surgery.
5. Following post-operative instructions will improve surgical outcomes.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be instructed to temporarily use assistive devices such as a walker and avoid high impact activities to ensure a positive surgical outcome.
Visit the specialists at the American Hip Institute for treatment of any hip pain that is not improving with rest or activity modification.
Dr. Benjamin Domb is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Hip Arthroscopy. He is the Founder and Medical Director at American Hip Institute, is rated amongst the Top Doctors in the USA by the NY Times, US News & World Report, and Castle Connelly. The doctors at the American Hip Institute have been global leaders in Hip Arthroscopy and Robotic Surgery for over a decade. While some would call this excellence, we simply call it the American Hip Institute standard.
