Orthopedic Hip and Knee Specialists in Tucson, Arizona

At Pima Ortho, our physicians use a team approach for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of our patients. With decades of experience in research and patient care, we provide the latest effective treatment alternatives and new technologies for joint reconstruction, including application and development of joint arthroplasties, corrective osteotomies, use of biologics and prosthetic joint replacements.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint made up of hip bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons and synovial fluid. This important joint is the point of articulation between the head of the femur (upper thigh) and the acetabulum (pelvis) and serves the essential function of supporting the body’s weight when we are walking or standing still.

Numerous conditions can result in debilitating hip pain or hip problems, including osteoarthritis, degenerative changes due to aging, congenital disease, abnormal anatomy, trauma, sports, and overuse. Often, hip problems or injuries can cause discomfort, loss of mobility and muscle weakness, causing significant disruption to daily activities and quality of life.

Hip Preservation Treatment

Hip preservation is a type of minimally invasive surgical treatment performed on the hip to prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis. Moreover, orthopedic hip preservation treatment also helps to delay or avoid the need of hip replacement later in life. This treatment typically involves a technique called hip arthroscopy.

Hip arthroscopy is an innovative treatment which involves the use of fiber optic cameras and specialized instruments to repair and reconstruct the hip joint. This approach provides patients with some important advantages over other invasive types of hip surgery, including the following:

• Smaller incisions
• Faster recovery time
• Minimal scarring
• Reduced risk of complications

Diagnostic Testing

To diagnose the cause of your hip pain symptoms, our team of orthopedic experts at Pima Ortho employs state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, including 3D imaging and advanced MRI scans. In addition, your assessment will include a comprehensive physical and radiological examination to establish an accurate diagnosis and create the optimal treatment plan.

Conditions We Treat

At Pima Ortho, we offer orthopedic hip preservation treatment for the following conditions affecting the hip:

• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) (Hip Impingement)

This condition is caused by extra bone growth along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint, resulting in irregularly shaped bones which can rub together, pinching tissue or creating excessive friction. When left untreated, FAI can cause serious damage to the hip joint, as well as pain and stiffness.

• Hip Dysplasia (Congenital Dysplasia)

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has not developed properly, resulting in a shallow hip socket. As a result, the ‘ball’ of the hip joint (the femoral head) slips partially or completely out of the joint. The symptoms sometimes occur at a very young age, but in some cases, they may not become noticeable until late adolescence or early adulthood. Hip dysplasia is a treatable condition and can range from a mild abnormality to complete dislocation of the hip. However, when left untreated, it can lead to excessive cartilage wear and early arthritis.

• Pediatric Hip Disorders

Hip problems in children can arise from congenital disorders, injury, overuse or infection of the hip joint. Symptoms of pediatric hip disorders can involve mechanical symptoms, such as hip ‘clicks’, while the child may also complain of hip pain, limp or be unable to weight bear or move the affected leg. Pediatric hip disorders which require treatment include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

• Hip Labral Tears

This painful condition involves tearing of the ring of cartilage (labrum) between the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint, which is often caused by trauma or repetitive movement. This debilitating condition can cause intense hip and groin pain, as well as hip locking and instability.

• Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hip causes degeneration of the cartilage which cushions the hip joint, causing friction, inflammation pain and stiffness of the hip joint. Since this condition progresses with time, it is better to start treatment early to achieve the best results.

• Hip Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs which function to reduce friction in the body’s joints. Hip bursitis is a painful condition where the hip bursae become inflamed when the hip is overused or injured.

• Hip Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis)

This condition involves the death of bone tissue due to reduced blood supply to the head of the thigh bone (femur). If left untreated, it can result in complete deterioration of the hip joint and severe arthritis.

• Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome (also called coxa saltans) is a hip disorder in which inflamed and tightened muscles and tendons rub over the hip joint, causing a snapping or popping sensation during certain types of movements.

In addition, we offer hip preservation treatment for the following conditions:

• Bony Abnormalities
• Chondral Lesions or Injuries
• Extra-Articular Disorders about the Hip
• Excessive/Insufficient Torsion
• Lumbosacral Issues Impacting the Hip
• Periarticular Muscle Irritations and Tendonitis
• Ruptured Ligament of the Hip
• Synovitis
• Slipped Capital Epiphysis in the Hip
• Snapping Hip
• Tendinopathies of the Hip
• Version

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In some cases, non-surgical options can be effective in treating hip pain and can include the following approaches:

• Physical Therapy

A crucial component in our multi-disciplinary team approach, physical therapy can be a highly effective method to treat hip pain. Physical therapy aims to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, maintain range of motion of the joint and decrease the associated inflammation. Sometimes, physical therapy can serve as an alternative to surgery, and is a key component to patient care before and after hip surgery. Although physical therapy will not heal certain painful conditions of the hip (such as impingement, labral tear, dysplasia), it can help to reduce pain and avoid invasive surgery.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Anti-inflammatories, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to treat mild to moderate inflammation and painful conditions of the hip, including bursitis, tendonitis, muscular tears, arthritis, labral tears, or synovitis. NSAIDs are often prescribed in conjunction with a physical therapy program.

• Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that can be used to reduce pain and inflammation when injected directly into the hip joint. Moreover, targeted corticosteroids injections can also serve as a helpful diagnostic tool to identify the underlying causes of hip pain and discomfort.

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an essential component of synovial fluid, which plays the important function of cushioning and lubricating the hip joint during movement and activity. However, during the aging process, less synovial fluid and HA are produced in the body’s joints, resulting in increased friction and reduced ability for shock absorption. Targeted HA injections into the hip joint space can be used to treat certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, and are designed to provide lubrication for the hip joint, facilitating movement and providing pain relief.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma with a high number of blood cells called platelets, which contains important growth factors that can promote tissue repair and regeneration. The bioactive proteins contained in PRP can initiate healing processes of bone, tendon and ligament regeneration and repair, as well as to help wound healing. Targeted PRP injections can be used to effectively treat certain painful conditions affecting the hip.

Why Choose Pima Ortho for Your Hip Preservation Treatment?

Pima Ortho offers cutting-edge treatment options for hip pain, injuries and related conditions. Our orthopedic hip specialists use a wide range of surgical and non-surgical solutions to effectively address hip pain and any underlying medical conditions.

Our comprehensive approach helps to ensure the optimal treatments for each patient, helping you return to the activities and lifestyle you enjoy the most. If you experience hip pain and discomfort, contact us to discuss your treatment options.