Ask Dr. Hansen: What Are The Surgical Options For Hip Pain?
When patients complain of hip pain, we’ll try first to treat pain with nonsurgical treatment. If conservative treatments fail to control pain, Dr. Hansen explains the available surgical options you might consider.
An occasional twinge in your hip joint can cause discomfort, but when that twinge becomes a constant painful ache, it can have a devastating effect on your ability to move through your day. Summit’s hip specialists will work with you to create a conservative treatment plan to control your pain without doing surgery. If conservative treatments aren’t effective, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dane Hansen discusses hip surgery options.
Hip surgery options
“Total hip replacement is one of the safest and most effective hip surgeries offered in medicine,” says Dr. Hansen. “The most common surgical approaches to treat hip problems are arthroscopic surgery and total joint replacement surgery. Patients with a hip impingement or labral tears—two common causes of activity-related hip pain—may benefit from arthroscopic surgery. With this minimally invasive approach, your surgeon uses small incisions, tubelike endoscopes, and special tools to repair the damaged hip joint while preserving the function of the soft tissues and cartilage.”
Options when the bone is damaged
When damage to the hip joint is serious, your surgeon will probably recommend a total hip procedure to replace the damaged bone in the joint, remove diseased cartilage, and implant smooth metal and plastic pieces that function as a new joint surface—with minimal damage to the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues. These replacement joints come in multiple sizes to ensure a tailored fit. Prior to surgery, X-rays are used to make initial sizing decisions. Final adjustments are made during the surgery to maintain correct leg length and the right amount of tension on the muscles and ligaments around the joint.
“The anatomy of the hip allows for a tight, circumferential fit of metal replacement implants,” Dr. Hansen explains. “Artificial hip replacement joints are designed with a special metal that has the same porosity as bone. Your bones actually grow into the metal pores of the replacement joint and it becomes fixed to your skeleton.”
Outcomes of hip surgery options
Every surgical procedure involves some risks, but the outcome data on joint replacement surgery is reassuring. “Hip replacement surgery is very safe and effective,” says Dr. Hansen. “In 90 to 95 percent of cases, patients report an excellent outcome. These surgeries help people to maintain vibrant, healthy lives and to avoid health issues related to inactivity. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing my patients to return to activities that include walking, hiking, golf, tennis, cycling, and even rock climbing.”
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
Additional resources for you
- Discover Summit’s comprehensive arthritis care
- Take a free hip or knee risk assessment
- Get trusted info on hip replacements from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- Dr. Warner Provides Hip Labral Repair Guidance
- Helpful to know: Common Causes of Hip Pain
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Dane Hansen, D.O.
“Arthritis patients have high expectations for their activity level. With advanced training in minimally invasive surgical techniques and quick-recovery joint replacement, I strive to help my patients return to their fully active lifestyle as quickly as possible.”
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Ask Dr. Hansen: What Are The Causes Of Knee And Hip Joint Pain?
The demand for total knee and total hip joint replacements is on the rise. Summit orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dane Hansen explains the causes of joint injury and how these conditions may be managed with nonsurgical treatments.
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Advanced Certification Award
Summit Orthopedics’ Vadnais Heights Surgery Center Receives The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement – The facility is one of just two nationwide to receive the prestigious certification.
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Ask Dr. Hansen: Separating Arthritis Myths From Facts
We think of arthritis as an old person’s disease, and view knee and hip replacements as procedures reserved for elderly patients. Dr. Hansen talks about the common myths surrounding arthritis, and how these beliefs may prevent younger arthritis patients from enjoying a vibrant active life.