Hip

Don’t let hip pain stand in the way of enjoying your favorite activities. If you are experiencing hip pain that has lasted longer than a month or is very severe, it’s time to seek care from Altru Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

Symptoms and Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can range from a sharp stabbing pain to a constant sensation of muscle burn when standing. Some pain may be in the groin area or the thigh.

If you have fallen recently and are experiencing hip pain, you may have a fracture. But if your hip pain has slowly been worsening, you may be suffering from:

• Arthritis
• FEmoralacetabular impingement
• Infection int he bones or joints
• Osteonecrosis of the hip
• Inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
• Bursitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Labral tear of the hip
• Strained hamstring or hip flexor

Hip pain caused by arthritis, a common reason for a partial or total hip replacement, is more prevalent as you age, especially for women. Other risk factors include obesity, previous injuries in the hip and a history of playing high-impact sports like football.

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

Hip pain caused by a fracture will likely require immediate surgery, but many other sources of pain are treatable with physical therapy. The specialists at Altru can teach you stretches and exercises like hip thrusts that will reduce pain and improve your range of motion. You may also be prescribed medications or receive steroid shots to reduce inflammation.

The team is focused on providing the highest level of care and establishing a unique treatment plan for each patient. Altru also offers support with making lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, that can improve your pain.

Hip Replacement

If you and your orthopedic provider decide the time is right for a joint replacement, Altru offers multiple advanced hip replacement procedures that can help speed the recovery process. You’ll work with your doctor to determine which option is right for you.

Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Replacement

Altru Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers total hip replacement with the advanced technology of the Mako Robotic-Arm. Using highly advanced, surgeon-controlled robotic technology, the Mako Robotic-Arm offers incredibly accurate and individualized placement.

A 3D model based on a CT scan is created to specifically plan the procedure for each patient’s unique anatomy. During the procedure, the Mako Robotic-Arm provides real-time data and feedback, allowing your surgeon to fine-tune the implant positioning and ensure your results are optimal. This technology has been shown to reduce post-replacement complications, such as dislocations, impingement and leg-length discrepancies.

Key Benefits for Patients

Total hip replacement with the Mako Robotic-Arm can help patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Benefits may include:

• Extreme accurate anatomical placement
• More accurate leg length restoration compared to manual replacement
• Quicker recovery
• Low risk of dislocation and impingement
• Less pain
• Minimal blood loss during the procedure

 Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

At Altru, we proudly offer the anterior approach hip replacement. This alternative technique provides:

• Minimized muscle damage
• Potential for improved mobility
• Potential for less pain
• Smaller incisions with reduced scarring

Anterior approach hip replacement allows your surgeon to avoid detachment of muscles and tissues from the thighbones or hips. This may result in a swifter recovery and shorter hospital stay for patients. Altru is the first and only provider in Grand Forks to offer the anterior approach.

What to Expect in a Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacements are done at Altru Specialty Center. On average, patients will stay at the joint replacement center for one to two days after the procedure to ensure initial recovery goes smoothly. Dedicated physical therapists will begin therapy during your stay, and you will also have outpatient therapy for four to six weeks. Your physician will determine your specific recovery time based on your progress. You can expect to return to the activity level appropriate for your age and ability that you enjoyed prior to injury or chronic pain.

If you are experiencing hip pain, schedule an appointment by calling 701.732.7700 or through MyChart.