Orthopedic doctors specialize in the musculoskeletal structure, which covers the bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and tendons throughout the body. Different orthopedic doctors may specialize in a specific area, like orthopedic hip specialists focus on the causes of hip pain and provide care for conditions affecting the hip joints.
What is an Orthopedic Hip Specialist?
Hip specialists are a type of orthopedic doctor who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hip conditions, which are diseases and injuries relating to the hip joint and surrounding structures. These specialists are usually orthopedic surgeons, having been trained in orthopedic hip surgery and non-surgical treatments, but may also provide sports medicine and treat other areas of the musculoskeletal structure.
To diagnose hip pain and conditions, they perform physical examinations and use diagnostic tools, usually imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. These imaging tests help doctors see injuries or damage done by a disease in the bones and soft tissues to give a more accurate diagnosis.
Hip Conditions An Orthopedic Hip Doctor Treats
An orthopedic doctor who specializes in the hip is qualified to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that can affect the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can affect multiple joints, including the hips, causing inflammation and joint damage.
- Hip Fractures: Fractures of the hip bone, which can occur due to trauma, falls, or other injuries.
- Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to instability and an increased risk of arthritis.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles near the hip joint.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the hip, often caused by overuse or injury.
- Infections: Infections that occur in the hip joint.
- Labral Tears: The labrum is a cartilage structure that lines the hip socket; tears can cause pain and instability in the hip.
- Snapping Hip Syndrome: Characterized by a snapping or popping sensation in the hip joint, often caused by tight muscles or tendons.
- Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement): Abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
- Tumors: Although rare, tumors can affect the bones or soft tissues around the hip joint.
- Hip Dislocation: The displacement of the hip joint's ball from the socket, often due to trauma.
- Hip Labral Tear: Damage to the labrum, the cartilage that lines the hip socket.
- Tendinopathy: Conditions affecting the tendons, such as tendinitis or tendinosis.
Treatments Orthopedic Hip Surgeon & Doctors Provide
Orthopedic surgeons typically provide care for their specialty rather than strictly providing surgical treatment. For doctors who specialize in the hip, they provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments:
Non-Surgical Approaches
- Physical Therapy: Exercise programs and rehabilitation to improve strength, flexibility, and joint function.
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications to manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Recommended changes in activities, weight management, and other lifestyle factors that can impact hip health.
- Assistive Devices: Canes, crutches, or braces to support and protect the hip joint.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of anti-inflammatory medications into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: A lubricating fluid is injected into the joint to improve mobility.
Hip Surgery Treatments
- Hip Arthroscopy: A surgical technique using small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat certain hip conditions, such as labral tears or impingement.
- Ultrasound-Guided Procedures: Techniques that use ultrasound for precise injections or aspirations.
- Hip Replacement Surgery: Total or partial replacement of the hip joint with prosthetic components to relieve pain and improve function.
- Hip Resurfacing: An alternative to traditional hip replacement, preserving more of the patient's natural bone.
- Hip Osteotomy: A surgical procedure to realign the bones of the hip joint, often used in cases of hip dysplasia.
- Fracture Repair: Surgical fixation of hip fractures using plates, screws, or other devices.
Why Choose Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedic Specialists?
Our orthopedic hip specialists at Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics have completed additional training specifically in the hip. With this advanced training, Dr. Eric S. Secrist and Stacia A. Smith have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your hip injury or condition individually to your needs.
To consult with one of our orthopedic surgeons or doctors, please request an appointment online or call (360) 424-7041.
