Understanding Hip Preservation
Hip preservation care is designed to identify and treat painful hip conditions while protecting the natural joint whenever appropriate. The plan depends on the source of pain, joint health, and your goals.
Common Hip Conditions
Hip pain may originate inside the joint or from surrounding muscles and tendons. Careful evaluation helps distinguish among these sources.
Femoroacetabular Impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement, or FAI, occurs when the shape of the ball or socket creates abnormal contact during movement. It may contribute to groin pain and damage to the labrum or cartilage.
Hip Labral Tears
The labrum forms a rim around the hip socket. A tear may cause groin pain, clicking, catching, stiffness, or discomfort with twisting and prolonged sitting.
Snapping Hip & Bursitis
Tendons moving over bone can create a snapping sensation, while irritation of a bursa may cause pain on the outside of the hip. Not every painless snap requires treatment.
Hamstring Injuries
Strains or tears near the hamstring attachment may cause pain at the back of the thigh or near the sitting bone, weakness, bruising, and difficulty running.
Gluteal Tendon Injuries
Irritation or tearing of the gluteal tendons can cause pain on the outside of the hip, particularly with walking, stairs, lying on that side, or prolonged standing.
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments to evaluate and treat selected problems inside the joint, including some labral, cartilage, and impingement-related conditions.
Evaluation
Evaluation may include a detailed history, examination of hip and lower-extremity motion and strength, and X-rays. MRI or other specialized imaging may be recommended to assess the labrum, cartilage, tendons, and bone shape.
Treatment Options
Many hip conditions begin with activity modification, focused physical therapy, medication, or an image-guided injection when appropriate. For selected patients, arthroscopy or tendon repair may be considered after diagnosis and nonsurgical care are reviewed.
Additional Patient Education
These independent resources from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provide further general information.
This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace an evaluation or individualized medical advice.