New Jersey Hip Replacement: Osteoarthritis & Fracture Care

Hip Replacement Solutions for Hip Pain & Osteoarthritis

Millions of American suffer from chronic hip pain caused by either degenerative wear-and-tear or traumatic events, such as a football tackle or a sudden fall. Common causes of hip pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip bursitis, and hip fractures. Hip pain is often debilitating, and keeps patients from pursuing and enjoying everyday activities, such as walking the dog, raking leaves, or taking a walk.

Treatments for hip pain range from conservative methods, such as physical therapy (physical medicine and rehabilitation), cortisone injections, and pain management, to surgical treatments like hip replacement or hip resurfacing. Ideally, conservative methods are used to reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with orthopedic hip problems; however, not every hip problem can be treated using noninvasive methods. Cases of severe arthritis and hip fractures often indicate hip replacement as the best solution to resolve the associated pain and immobility.

Hip Replacement Solutions for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear-and-tear arthritis,” is a degenerative condition that affects more than twenty million Americans. Through natural degradation, the cushioning between bones deteriorates and wears away and allows friction to affect the bones and accelerate bone deterioration. The ligaments and muscle connected to the joint become weak, as well. Patients that develop osteoarthritis of the hip joint will experience sharp, acute pain symptoms as well as immobility and stiffness in the joint.

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed and confirmed through consultations with an orthopedic surgeon, who will consider family history, pre-existing conditions, as well as other risk factors. A physical examination will be performed to assess the patient's level of mobility, strength, and joint alignment. The attending surgeon may will also order an x-ray to confirm the existence of hip damage or deformity, as well as an MRI scan or blood test to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues.

Hip Replacement for Bone Fractures

Hip fractures are debilitating, traumatic injuries that affect approximately a quarter of a million individuals in the United States every year. Older patients are more likely to sustain hip fractures, as their instability and weak, brittle bones contribute to a heightened risk of falling and sustaining a bone fracture. Athletes who play gridiron football, rugby, or soccer are also at risk for sustaining hip fractures, as the physical nature of the sports lends itself to traumatic contact injuries.

Hip Fractures

When the femoral neck is fractured, the head disconnects from the rest of the thighbone. This causes a disruption of blood flow to the femoral head, making the fracture unlikely of healing on its own. Depending on the displacement of the bone fracture, as well as the age of the patient, hip replacement may be indicated to mend the bone and provide the stability and reduction in pain the patient desires.

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement, also known as hip arthroscopy, is often indicated for patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis that causes chronic pain, immobility and instability. During a hip replacement procedure, the surgeon will remove the top of the femur and cap it with a new ball component. A rod inserted into the femoral neck supports the new cap. Next, the surgeon clears the socket component of the hip joint by scraping the surface to remove any damaged bone and cartilage. On the newly prepared surface, the surgeon places a new socket component. Once the components of the new joint are set in place, the replacement hip should feel and move like a natural joint.

Orthopedic Excellence in Springfield & Newark, New Jersey

Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if the patient is a candidate for hip replacement. Dr. Michael Rieber is an experienced orthopedist specializing in minimally invasive joint replacement, arthroscopy, and sports medicine, is well suited to treat hip pain of all kind in the safest, most effective manner possible. Dr. Rieber serves the Essex and Union County areas with offices conveniently located in Newark, New Jersey, as well as Springfield, New Jersey.