Hip

Total hip arthroplasty

What is it and how is it performed?

Total hip arthroplasty is a procedure to treat osteoarthritis of the hip. It is performed once nonoperative treatments have been exhausted. An incision is made over the side of the thigh and the damaged surfaces of the hip are removed. The cartilage in the acetabulum (socket) is shaved away, and the femoral head is removed. A metal cup is inserted in the acetabulum with a plastic liner and a metal stem is inserted into the femur. A ceramic head is placed onto the femoral stem.

How long does it take to recover?

You can return to your daily activities within several weeks. Patients may return to work after 6 weeks. It takes about three months to heal completely.

What limitations will I have because of the hip replacement?

For the first six weeks after your surgery, your surgeon may recommend avoiding certain hip movements.

The main benefit to a hip replacement is the treatment of pain. Generally, patients can easily tolerate low to moderate impact activities, such as golf, cycling, and dancing.

How long does the surgery last?

About 2 hours.

Bilateral total hip arthroplasty

What are the benefits compared to a total hip arthroplasty?

It is more convenient for people since they only need to undergo surgery once, and people are off work for a shorter period of time.

Rehabilitation is faster since physical therapy appointments will focus on both hips at once, rather than having tow separate courses of treatment.

How long does it take to recover?

You can return to your daily activities within several weeks. You may return to work after about one month.

Am I a candidate?

Candidates for bilateral knee arthroplasty are active, have good strength in their legs, and have few or no associated medical conditions.

Revision hip arthroplasty

Hip arthroplasty technology and techniques have drastically improved over the years, and older implants are subject to loosening of components and wearing of the plastic liner. Other complications include infection and instability. There are many options currently available to treat these complications and your surgeon will discuss the best treatment tailored for your needs.

The implants used currently demonstrate excellent longevity and function.

Hip fracture surgery

As we age, our bones become less dense and are at risk of breaking from a fall or other minor trauma. The term for this decreased bone density is osteoporosis. Increased age, decreased physical activity, smoking and genetics affect the risk of developing this disease.

Hip fractures typically refer to breaks in the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone).

Treatment options for hip fractures include:

Partial hip replacement

Screw fixation with or without a plate

Nail and screw fixation

Your surgeon will discuss with you whether you would benefit from a partial hip replacement versus a fixation.

If the hip fracture involves a hip replacement, the treatment is generally more complex. Your surgeon will discuss the best treatment for you on an individual basis.

Hip Surgery

The shoulder joint

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that provides a large range of motion between the head of the humerus (ball) and the glenoid (socket). However, it requires strong stabilizers to keep the joint intact. Traumatic injuries and overuse can lead to tears in the rotator cuff (the stabilizing muscles), the labrum (the lining of the glenoid) and ligaments.

To perform a shoulder arthroscopy, your surgeon will make several small incisions around your shoulder to insert a small camera and specialized instruments.

What procedures can be performed with shoulder arthroscopy?

Bankart repair for shoulder dislocations

Labral repair

Rotator cuff repair

Acromioplasty for shoulder impingement

Biceps tenodesis for biceps injuries

Bankart repair

When the shoulder dislocates, the ligaments and labrum can be damaged. If these structures do not heal appropriately, the shoulder can remain unstable. A Bankart repair is a procedure that repairs the torn labrum in the front of the glenoid using sutures. This prevents the humeral head from dislocating forward on the glenoid.

Bankart repair

When the shoulder dislocates, the ligaments and labrum can be damaged. If these structures do not heal appropriately, the shoulder can remain unstable. A Bankart repair is a procedure that repairs the torn labrum in the front of the glenoid using sutures. This prevents the humeral head from dislocating forward on the glenoid.

Labrum repair

The lining of the shoulder socket can tear from an acute injury, a dislocation, or overuse. These tears are repaired arthroscopically with sutures.

How long is the surgery?

Depending on what repairs are required, about 1-2 hours.

Rotator cuff repair

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that contain the head of the humerus in the glenoid. These muscles can be torn from an acute injury or overuse. Typically these injuries present with pain and some patients may note weakness with certain movements. A rotator cuff repair is performed arthroscopically to place sutures in the torn muscles and reattach them to the humerus.

Biceps tenodesis

The biceps is a muscle in the upper arm with two tendons (the long and short heads) that originate in the shoulder. The long head crosses over the shoulder joint and may be damaged from an acute injury, overuse, or impingement under the acromion. To alleviate symptoms, your surgeon may recommend a biceps tenodesis where the long head of the biceps is cut from its insertion on the scapula and reattached to the upper humerus.

Acromioplasty

The acromion is an extension of the shoulder blade (scapula) that curves over the shoulder and connects with the collar bone (clavicle). The acromion may be abnormally shaped, narrowing the space in the joint and causing impingement of the rotator cuff.

An acromioplasty is an arthroscopic procedure where the under surface of the acromion is shaved to relieve impingement on the rotator cuff.

How long does it take to recover?

Depending on the surgery, it will take 3-6 months to recover from an arthroscopic shoulder procedure.

Click on each section to learn more.
What is the anatomy of the hip?
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The hip is a ball and socket joint, consisting of the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). The joint surfaces are lined with cartilage to allow smooth and painless motion. Around the edge of the acetabulum, there is a lip of cartilage, called the labrum. This cartilage helps keep the femoral head in place and absorbs energy when a force is applied to the hip.

There is a capsule that contains the joint and is filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint.

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Are you experiencing hip pain?
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After a history and physical exam are completed, your physician may order imaging tests such as x-rays, CT, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. There are many causes of hip pain, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Labral tear
  • Infection
  • Developmental hip dysplasia
  • Femoroacetabular impingement
  • Fracture

Knee joint
What is hip arthroscopy?
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Hip arthroscopy

  • Hip arthroscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia (where you are asleep for the procedure) but can also be done under spinal anesthesia (numb from the waist down). The affected leg is placed in traction, meaning it will be pulled on, to separate the hip joint just enough to have space for the instruments. The hip is injected with fluid to better visualize the joint. Several incisions are made around the hip to insert a small camera and specialized instruments into the joint.

This procedure can be performed to treat multiple conditions, including:

  • Labral tear
  • Loose bodies
  • Femoroacetabular impingement
  • Hip joint infection
  • Bursitis
  • Snapping hip
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Am I a candidate for hip arthroscopy?
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  • Patients who are candidates for hip arthroscopy are generally healthy and have a hip condition that does not require an open surgery. Conditions requiring hip arthroscopy are usually caused by sports injuries, repetitive use, or could be due to structural deformities (such as in femoroacetabular impingement).
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What conditions cannot be treated with hip arthroscopy?
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Hip arthroscopy is a valuable and effective procedure, but it does have limitations. Conditions that are not treatable with hip arthroscopy include:

  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Severe deformities (as seen in hip dysplasia)
  • Joint contracture
  • Severe hip stiffness
  • These conditions are treated through other open surgeries.
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How long is the recovery after a hip arthroscopy?
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  • Hip arthroscopy is usually performed as a day surgery, meaning you will go home the day of the surgery. Your surgeon may provide you with specific instructions for mobility, and you may need to use crutches for several days.
  • You will work with a physical therapist to regain range of motion in the hip and build strength.
  • You will be able to return to your normal daily activities after about 6 weeks. It takes 3-6 months before you can return to playing sports. It is important to regain full range of motion and adequate strength before discussing a return to sports. 
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Is hip arthroscopy painful?
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  • Pain is a normal part of the healing process, and you will be provided with medications to manage your pain. Acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory medications, and a short course of oral narcotics are adequate for treating pain after hip arthroscopy. 
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What are the risks to undergoing hip arthroscopy?
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Every surgical procedure involves the risk of complications. Complications related specifically to hip arthroscopy include:

  • Cartilage damage from surgical instrumentation
  • Nerve compression in the groin or leg due to positioning during surgery
  • Infection
  • Blood clots in the leg (deep venous thrombosis)
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What is hip resurfacing?
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Hip resurfacing is a procedure to treat hip osteoarthritis in select patients. The surface of the femoral head is cut away and replaced with a metal cap, and the acetabulum is shaved and a cup is inserted. This differs from a total hip arthroplasty, where the entire femoral head is cut away and a femoral stem and head are inserted. 

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How is it performed?
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Hip resurfacing involves placing the patient under anesthesia, either general or spinal. An incision is created over the hip and the femoral head is dislocated. The femoral head is shaved away and replaced with a metal cap. The acetabulum is shaved with a reamer and a metal cap is impacted into place. The hip is then put back into place and the wound is closed

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Who are good candidates for hip resurfacing?
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Hip resurfacing is a procedure to treat hip osteoarthritis in a select number of patients. Ideal patients are younger than 60 years old and have strong, dense bone.

  • Conditions that are more amenable to total hip arthroplasty include:
  • Severe osteoarthritis
  • Hip conditions that have shortened the leg significantly
  • Osteoporosis
  • Severe hip deformities
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of hip resurfacing compared to total hip arthroplasty?
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The advantages include:

  • Less bone is cut away
  • Hip biomechanics are not altered significantly
  • Lower likelihood of hip dislocation

The disadvantages include:

  • May require larger incision
  • Inability to correct limb length discrepancies

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What are the risks to hip resurfacing?
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  • Hip fracture
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Nerve injury
  • Metal ions entering the blood circulation
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What is the recovery period after hip resurfacing?
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  • Patients are able to walk immediately after their surgery. You will require a physical therapy program to work on range of motion and strength after surgery.
  • You can return to work performing light duties after several weeks. Return to physical activity is possible after 3-6 months. Patients should avoid high-impact physical activities such as running and skiing. Light to moderate physical activities such as walking, swimming, and playing golf are recommended.
Introduction
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Are you experiencing shoulder pain, discomfort, or instability?

Have you suffered a torn rotator cuff? Have you had repeated shoulder dislocations?  Have you had a shoulder injury that has not improved with pain medication and physical therapy? If so, then shoulder arthroscopy may be the right procedure for you. This surgical procedure involves using a small camera called an arthroscope and miniature shoulder instruments to diagnose and treat problems in the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed to diagnose and treat a number of diseases and injuries. The goals of arthroscopic shoulder surgery are to provide pain relief, improve range of motion, and to treat shoulder instability. Ideal candidates for shoulder arthroscopy include athletes, manual laborers, or any other individuals who have suffered a shoulder injury. Many shoulder injuries are treated with pain medication, physical therapy, and activity modification. However, if these modalities fail to provide pain relief or improve function, then surgical treatment would be the next step. It is important to note that only a qualified orthopedic surgeon can determine if shoulder arthroscopy is the right procedure for your individual needs.

The shoulder joint anatomy

The shoulder joint is a complex joint stabilized by multiple bones, tendons and ligaments. It is a very mobile joint that allows a large range of motion because it is a ball and socket joint. However, it requires multiple structures to work together and keep the joint stable. The complexity of the joint puts itself at risk for numerous shoulder problems.

The bones that make up the shoulder joint are the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). The head of the humerus fits into the socket of the glenoid, which is a portion of the scapula. There is a lip of cartilage called the labrum that surrounds the glenoid and helps keep the head of the humerus in place. Another portion of the shoulder blade that has an important role is the acromion. The acromion hooks around the top of the shoulder and connects with the clavicle, forming the acromioclavicular joint.

There are several large and easily visible shoulder muscles that are responsible for moving the shoulder joint, such as the biceps and deltoid muscles. However, the most important muscles for the stability of the joint are the rotator cuff muscles. They enable the biceps and deltoid muscles to do the heavy lifting. The rotator cuff is comprised for four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The rotator cuff tendons keep the head of the humerus stable throughout the shoulder’s range of motion.

Bursae are small sacs of fluid that help lubricate the numerous moving structures in the shoulder. With repetitive motion or due to an injury, the bursae can become inflamed and this inflamed tissue causes shoulder pain.

An injury to any structure in the shoulder can have a profound effect on function. The level of disability and treatment are dependent on which specific structures are injured and the severity of the injury. Shoulder pain can also limit range of motion and lead to frozen shoulder, where inflamed tissue causes severe shoulder stiffness.

Knee joint
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
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Shoulder surgery can be performed in two ways:

Open surgery: making one large incision to look at the injured structures directly. Open surgery is more commonly performed for more complex surgeries such as shoulder replacements or shoulder fractures.

Open surgery: making one large incision to look at the injured structures directly. Open surgery is more commonly performed for more complex surgeries such as shoulder replacements or shoulder fractures.

A common procedure performed for shoulder injuries is shoulder arthroscopy. It is performed when nonsurgical options are either unsuccessful or provide insufficient pain relief. If you are experiencing persistent pain or instability despite physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications, a surgery may be indicated for you.

Most shoulder arthroscopies are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep. Your anesthetist may perform a nerve block to help alleviate pain during the surgery and for a short period afterwards.

The patient is usually positioned in an upright position, as if sitting in a beach chair or lying on their side, in the lateral decubitus position. Shoulder arthroscopy involves creating several small incisions around the shoulder. Sterile water is injected into the joint to expand the structures. A camera is inserted into the shoulder and specialized instruments are used to examine and repair structures. Depending on what repairs need to be performed, the surgery lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Shoulder arthroscopy is a day surgery, meaning you will be able to go home shortly after the procedure is completed.

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What shoulder problems can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
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Torn rotator cuff tendons

Shoulder instability or recurrent dislocations

 Frozen shoulder

A diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy can also be performed if the cause of pain is unclear despite thorough non-invasive investigation.

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What shoulder problems cannot be treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
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Osteoarthritis – This is wear and tear arthritis. It may require an open surgery to perform a total shoulder replacement.

 Fractures – Not all shoulder fractures require surgery, but if surgery is indicated, it must be done as an open procedure. Shoulder fractures can be treated either with plates and screws, or with a partial shoulder replacement.

Knee joint
 Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery painful?
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Pain is a normal part of the recovery process. Your surgeon will prescribe you medications to relieve pain. Usually, over-the-counter pain medications and short-term narcotics are sufficient.

You may be given a sling of shoulder immobilize for comfort and to protect the repairs that were done.

recovery
How long is recovery from shoulder arthroscopy?
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Recovery time varies depending on what repairs are done during shoulder arthroscopy. After a simple diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, you can return to physical activity and driving after a couple of weeks. You may resume light duties at work after about one week.

 For more complicated procedures, return to physical activity could take 3-6 months

It is important that you follow the recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. You will be provided with a program to regain your shoulder strength and range of motion.

Hip Surgery risks
What are the risks of arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
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Shoulder arthroscopy is a safe and commonly performed procedure. In rare occasions, complications may occur. These include:

Infection

Infection

Blood vessel injury

Blood vessel injury

If you notice any fever, redness at the surgical site, increased swelling of the arm, or pain that gets worse over time, then you should consult a physician.

Hip Surgery risks
Is shoulder arthroscopy a major surgery?
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Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is usually a day surgery, meaning you will go home the same day of the procedure. There are also few risks, and the surgery does not take long to perform. However, it is still a complex surgery that requires knowledge and technical skill from your orthopedic surgeon and operating team.

Hip Surgery risks
Bankart repair
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Shoulder dislocations occur usually due to trauma and involve the head of the humerus disengaging from the glenoid. This can cause damage to the labrum and even the bone of the glenoid, which leads to an increased risk of recurrent dislocations. The injured portion of the glenoid, whether it is the labrum or the bone that is damaged, is called a Bankart lesion. And fittingly, it is treated using the Bankart procedure.

Shoulder dislocations occur usually due to trauma and involve the head of the humerus disengaging from the glenoid. This can cause damage to the labrum and even the bone of the glenoid, which leads to an increased risk of recurrent dislocations. The injured portion of the glenoid, whether it is the labrum or the bone that is damaged, is called a Bankart lesion. And fittingly, it is treated using the Bankart procedure.

Hip Surgery risks
Rotator cuff repair
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Rotator cuff tears can be the result of injury, overuse, or aging. Acute injuries are often amenable to repair as the muscle and tendon are still robust enough for sutures to hold them into place. In the case of chronic injuries, your surgeon will discuss with you whether a surgery is likely to help with pain and function. If a surgery is indicated, then a good outcome is likely.

Rotator cuff repairs are performed through shoulder arthroscopy. After a camera and specialized instruments are inserted, the shoulder is examined for other injuries that require treatment. After the rotator cuff tear is identified, small plugs with suture tails are inserted into humerus, around the humeral head. The suture tails are then woven through the torn tendon and are tightened to bring the tendon into contact with the bony surface of the humeral head.

Hip Surgery risks
Biceps tenodesis
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Anatomy    

The biceps is a muscle with two portions that originate in the shoulder. The short head attaches to the coracoid process (a finger-like projection on the scapula). The long head, which travels over the head of the humerus and attaches to the top of the glenoid. The longer biceps tendon travels over the shoulder and is at risk of being pinched by the acromion (the portion of the scapula that wraps around the top of the shoulder). With repetitive overhead movement, the pinched biceps tendon of the long head becomes frayed and inflamed. This leads to pain and loss of function.

Biceps tenodesis surgery is a two-step procedure to cut the tendon of the long head of the biceps and reattach it onto the humerus.

First, the surgeon performs a shoulder arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and to examine for any other injuries that require treatment. The tendon of the long head of the biceps is identified and cut.

The next step is to create a separate incision near the top of the humerus. The cut portion of the tendon is pulled out from this incision. The cut portion is reattached to the humerus with a button or a screw.

Hip Surgery risks
Acromioplasty
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The acromion is a portion of the scapula (shoulder blade) that wraps around the top of the shoulder and attaches to the clavicle (collar bone). With repetitive or forceful overhead movements, the tendons in the shoulder can become pinched between the humerus and the acromion.

 An acromioplasty is a procedure where the under surface of the acromion is shaved to prevent impingement on the tendons. It is performed through shoulder arthroscopy. After a camera and specialized instruments are inserted into the shoulder, the surgeon will look for other injuries that require treatment. Once the acromion is identified, a special instrument is used to shave off a thin portion under the acromion. 

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Pricing
Type of procedure
Cost
Hip Arthroscopy
18,250
Total Hip Arthroplasty
20,000
Hip Resurfacing
26,000
Bilateral Hip Arthroplasty
30,500
Bilateral Hip Resurfacing
40,500
Typical candidates
Procedure
Age Group
Physical Activity
Symptoms
Recovery Time
Risks
Total Hip Arthroplasty
Older Adults
Restricted, low-impact
Severe osteoarthritis, severe hip deformities, significant leg shortening
Weeks to Months
Dislocation, Infection, Implant failure
Hip Arthroscopy
Varied, often younger adults
Faster return, varies by case
Unclear hip pain, minor tears or damage
Usually Shorter, often same-day to a few weeks
Infection, Nerve damage
Hip Resurfacing
Under 60 with strong bone
Moderate, avoid high-impact
Moderate osteoarthritis, good bone quality
Weeks to Months, varies
Hip fracture, Infection, Blood clots, Metal ions in blood, Nerve injury
Shoulder arthroscopy
Age Group
All ages
Physical Activity
Athletes (swimming, weightlifting, gymnostics, and more), individuals with shoulder injury or high demand activities.
Symptoms
Pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, instability
Recovery Time
3-6 months
Risks
Infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel damage, shoulder joint stiffness or weakness.
Bankart repair
Age Group
Late teens to early 30s
Physical Activity
Active individuals with high demand shoulder activities (football), overhead activities
Symptoms
Pain, weakness, snapping or popping sensation in arm
Recovery Time
3-6 months
Risks
Instability, weakness, nerve damage, loss of arm strength
Biceps tenodesis
Age Group
Middle-aged
Physical Activity
Individuals with biceps tendon injury (fall, dislocation), degeneration, or pain, individuals with high demand biceps activities (arm wrestling, weightlifting)
Symptoms
Pain, weakness, snapping or popping sensation in arm
Recovery Time
6-8 weeks
Risks
Instability, weakness, nerve damage, loss of arm strength
Acromioplasty
Age Group
All ages
Physical Activity
Athletes, manual laborers, individuals with repetitive overhead movements (painting, reaching, throwing), overhead activities
Symptoms
Shoulder impingement, pain, weakness
Recovery Time
3-6 months
Risks
Instability, nerve damage, loss of shoulder strength, recurrence of impingement
FAQ

What are the criteria used to assess bone density and quality before recommending hip resurfacing?

Bone density and quality are assessed through imaging tests like DEXA scans and CT scans.

How does hip resurfacing affect long-term joint health and mobility compared to total hip arthroplasty?

Hip resurfacing preserves more bone and may offer better long-term mobility but lacks long-term studies compared to total hip arthroplasty.

What is the likelihood of needing a revision surgery after hip resurfacing, and how does it compare to total hip arthroplasty?

Revision rates for hip resurfacing vary but are generally similar or slightly higher than for total hip arthroplasty.

Are there any lifestyle or dietary changes recommended to optimize the success and longevity of a hip resurfacing procedure?

High-calcium diet, weight management, and low-impact exercise are recommended to optimize hip resurfacing longevity.

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Your questions and concerns have most likely been asked and answered in our support group. We provide you with reliable patient education and resources to help you throughout this life-changing process.