The hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint. In the hip joint, the head of the femur sits in the acetabulum. The acetabulum has a cartilage lining and this allows for the smooth motion of the hip when moving into flexion, extension, or abduction. Over time the cartilage becomes damaged and can cause extreme pain that affects everyday living.
Symptoms
Chronic Hip Pain
Diagnosis
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
Surgery
During the surgery, the surgeon will go in and remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint. The surgeon then replaces the damaged pieces with artificial prostheses on the head of the femur and in the acetabulum. The hip retains its stability due to the congruity of the joint.
Rehab
Following surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles that surround and stabilize your hip: your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip adductors, and gluteal muscles.
Your therapist will also stress getting full hip flexion and extension.
Your physician may suggest you use an ambulatory device; forearm crutches or a cane.
