(573) 248-1010

Care Credit
Pay Online
PATIENT PORTAL
APPOINTMENT REQUEST

Hip Care

Not all hip problems result in replacement. We treat a variety of hip ailments non-surgically. Here are some common conditions:

  • Hip Sprains
  • Hip Bursitis
Talk To Our Team

Our Hip Services

Hip Sprains

The large bones that make up the hip joint serve as anchors for several muscles. When overuse stretches or tear the muscle fibers the injury is called a strain. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Generally treatment and rehabilitation are designed to relieve pain, restore range of motion and restore strength. Stretching exercises and conditioning can often prevent hip strains.

Hip Bursitis

The bursa (the small jelly like sac) may become inflamed or irritated causing pain. Surgery is rarely needed for hip bursitis. Most cases are effectively treated with simple lifestyle changes or by using anti-inflammatory medications.
Hip Anatomy

The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball portion of the joint is called the femoral head, and is part of the upper leg bone (femur). The socket portion is called the acetabulum, and is part of the pelvic bone. The femoral head (ball) fits into the acetabulum (socket) and moves within its natural fluid, called synovial fluid, which helps to lubricate the joint during motion.
In a healthy hip joint, the surfaces of these bones where the ball and socket rub together are very smooth and covered with a tough protective tissue called cartilage. Arthritis causes damage to the bone surfaces and cartilage. These damaged surfaces eventually become painful as they wear.

There are many ways to treat the pain caused by arthritis. One way is total hip replacement surgery. The decision to have total hip replacement surgery should be made very carefully after consulting your doctor and learning as much as you can about the hip joint, arthritis, and the surgery.

In total hip replacement surgery, the ball and socket that have been damaged by arthritis are removed and replaced with artificial parts made of metal and a durable plastic material. We call these artificial parts “implants,” or “prostheses.”

Getting to the Joint

The patient is first taken into the operating room and given anesthesia. After the anesthesia has taken effect, the skin around the upper thigh is thoroughly scrubbed with an antiseptic liquid.

An incision about six inches long is then made over the hip joint. The incision is gradually made deeper through muscle and other tissue until the bones of the hip joint are exposed.

Replacing the Socket Portion of the Joint

One type of implant that replaces the socket consists of a metal shell that is lined with a strong plastic liner.

Removing the Surface of the Socket

The leg is maneuvered until the femoral head is dislocated from the socket.

A special reamer is then used to remove the damaged cartilage and bone surface from the acetabulum, and to shape the socket so it will match the shape of the implant that will be inserted.

Inserting the Implant

The implant that replaces the ball consists of a long metal stem that fits down into the femur. The metal ball is mounted on top of this stem.

Replacing the Ball Portion of the Joint

The implant that replaces the ball consists of a long metal stem that fits down into the femur. The metal ball is mounted on top of this stem.

Removing the Ball
A special power saw is used to remove the damaged femoral head.
Clearing and Shaping the Canal
The upper leg bone has relatively soft, porous bone tissue around the center. This part of the bone is called cancellous bone. It surrounds the canal, which mainly contains blood vessels and fatty tissue.

Special instruments are used to clear some of the cancellous bone from the canal, and then to mold the inside walls of the canal to fit the shape of the implant stem.

Inserting the Implant

The stem implant may be held in place by either using the special cement for bones, or by making it fit very tightly in the canal. If cement is used, it is injected into the canal first, and then the implant is inserted into the canal. If cement is not used, the implant is simply inserted into the canal. Like the socket implant, the stem implant may have a special surface with pores that allow bone to grow into them.

On some implants, the stem and ball are one piece. On others, they may be two separate pieces. If the ball is a separate piece, it is usually secured to the top of the stem after the stem has been inserted.

Closing the Wound

When all the implants are in place, the surgeon places the new ball that is now part of the upper leg bone into the new socket that is secure within the pelvic bone. If necessary, the surgeon may adjust the ligaments that surround the hip to achieve the best possible hip function.

When the ligaments are properly adjusted, the surgeon sews the layers of tissue back into their proper position. A plastic tube may be inserted into the wound to allow liquids to drain from the site during the first few hours after surgery. After the tube is inserted, the edges of the skin are sewn together, and a sterile bandage is applied to the hip. Finally, the patient is taken to the recovery room.

Always call us directly with your questions and concerns!

Call Us At  (573)-248-1010

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
“The staff at Midwest Orthopedic is both professional and personable. Can’t say enough good about them.”

Greg Naber

Patient