“My hip is stiff and it hurts.”
By Dr. Gil Ortega, Dr. Kurtis Staples, and Dr. Brian Miller, Sonoran Hip Center, Scottsdale LIVING WELL Magazine
“My hip is stiff and it hurts.” Hip stiffness and pain are common patient complaints that have different causes. Hip stiffness and pain may be caused by conditions such as tendonitis, hip arthritis, hip dysplasia, traumatic injury, and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). FAI is a condition in which the hip anatomy is challenged with more friction than normal.
In FAI, the hip ball and hip socket rub together in an abnormal pattern that leads to increased hip damage by injuring the surface of the ball and/or hip socket as well as the soft tissues. There are two forms of FAI. One form is called a CAM lesion. A CAM lesion occurs when the hip ball is not perfectly round. Another form of FAI is called a Pincer lesion. A Pincer lesion occurs when the hip socket is overgrown and causes a “pinching” effect on the hip ball, which then leads to damage of the hip cartilage and soft tissue.
FAI may be diagnosed by a patient’s history and physical examination in addition to x-rays, CT and/or MRIs. FAI is associated with many athletic activities of past or present including football, cycling, golf, tennis and/or yoga. A hip surgeon experienced in FAI is most qualified in making the diagnosis of FAI. A delay in diagnosing FAI may lead to increased wear and permanent damage to the hip joint.
The treatment options for patients diagnosed with FAI include non-operative treatments such as activity modifications. The operative treatment options for FAI include hip arthroscopy and open surgical procedures. In hip arthroscopy, small incisions are used to evaluate the hip with a camera and instruments. The hip surgeon will contour the surfaces of the hip joint as well as repair any injury to the hip tissues. In open surgical procedures, the hip joint is contoured to decrease hip friction. A surgeon trained and experienced in hip preservation techniques will best allow patients with FAI to have a well-preserved hip.
Drs. Brian Miller, Kurtis Staples, and Gil Ortega all have extensive training and experience with the various treatments of FAI as well as other hip conditions and may be reached at 480-398-4624. Learn more about hip joint anatomy and treatments at www.sonoranhipcenter.com.
