Hip Joint Conditions

Hip Dysplasia

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Symptoms: Hip dysplasia often presents with pain in the groin or side of the hip, stiffness, a sensation of instability, or limping. Some patients may notice clicking or catching inside the joint.

Diagnosis: Our orthopedic team uses physical examination, X-rays, and advanced imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) to evaluate the alignment and depth of the hip socket.

Treatment:

• Non-surgical: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification to reduce stress on the joint.

• Surgical: In more advanced cases, procedures such as periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) or hip arthroscopy may be recommended to realign or preserve the joint.

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Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

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Symptoms: Patients with FAI often report hip or groin pain during activity, reduced hip motion, or sharp pinching pain when sitting, bending, or twisting.

Diagnosis: FAI is identified through a clinical exam combined with specialized hip X-rays and MRI to assess bone shapes and labral tears.

Treatment:

• Non-surgical: Activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted physical therapy to improve hip mobility.

• Surgical: Hip arthroscopy to reshape bone spurs (cam or pincer lesions) and repair associated labral damage.

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Gluteus Tendon Tears

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Symptoms: Pain over the outer hip, weakness when climbing stairs or standing on one leg, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side. This condition is sometimes misdiagnosed as sciatica or bursitis.

Diagnosis: A physical exam combined with MRI or ultrasound can confirm a partial or complete tear of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons.

Treatment:

• Non-surgical: Physical therapy, corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and anti-inflammatory medications.

• Surgical: Tendon repair through minimally invasive or open techniques when symptoms are severe or persistent.

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Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome

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Symptoms: Lateral hip or thigh pain that worsens with running, walking downhill, or prolonged activity. Tightness along the outside of the thigh is also common.

Diagnosis: IT band syndrome is usually diagnosed through a detailed clinical exam. Imaging may be used to rule out other causes of lateral hip pain.

Treatment:

• Non-surgical: Stretching programs, physical therapy, foam rolling, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification.

• Surgical: Rarely needed, but in persistent cases, IT band release procedures can reduce friction and relieve symptoms.

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Hip Arthritis

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Symptoms: Stiffness, groin pain, loss of range of motion, and difficulty with daily activities such as walking, bending, or getting in and out of chairs. Symptoms often worsen over time.

Diagnosis: Hip arthritis is confirmed through X-rays that reveal joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or cartilage loss. MRI may be used in early cases.

Treatment:

• Non-surgical: Weight management, physical therapy, low-impact exercise, joint injections, and anti-inflammatory medications.

• Surgical: In advanced stages, hip replacement surgery may provide long-term pain relief and restore mobility.