HIP IMPINGEMENT

If you’ve experienced pain or stiffness in the groin or thigh, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is Impingement?

The hip consists of ball and socket joints that connect the hips to the legs. If the ball and socket of the hip joint fails to fit together perfectly, Orthopedic Hip Specialists call this “Hip Impingement”.

Moreover, hip impingement can restrict the motion of the joint, damaging the bones and cartilage over time, leading to pain and arthritis.

Some cases tem from a misshapen ball at the head of the femur that fails to fit the socket. However, in other cases, the socket will have an uneven edge that fails to properly grasp the ball. Some cases of this condition result from a combination of the two.

Patients suffering from this condition often report groin pain when flexing the hip, when sitting for long periods, or when participating in activities such as running or jumping. Patients with hip impingement will also tend to suffer a reduced range of motion with their legs.

Additionally, some cases of hip impingement will require surgery from an orthopedic hip specialist to prevent further injury.

Hip Impingement Procedure

Hip impingement procedure, often performed via arthroscopy, aims to relieve pain and improve hip function by addressing the underlying issues causing the impingement. During the procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions around the hip and inserts an arthroscope—a thin tube with a camera—to visualize the joint on a monitor. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon then removes or reshapes the excess bone or cartilage causing the impingement.

This can involve trimming or smoothing the femoral head or acetabulum to reduce friction and improve joint movement. In some cases, the procedure also addresses associated soft tissue damage, such as labral tears. The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopy typically results in less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. After the procedure, patients often undergo physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility. Full recovery may take several months, during which adherence to rehabilitation protocols is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Hip Impingement Recovery

Hip impingement recovery involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Initially, you should avoid activities that exacerbate pain and inflammation, allowing the hip joint to rest and heal. Physical therapy is crucial in the recovery process, with therapists guiding you through exercises designed to improve hip strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

These exercises help alleviate symptoms and prevent future impingement. If conservative treatments are insufficient, your doctor might recommend surgical intervention, such as arthroscopy, to correct the impingement and repair any damage to the hip joint. Post-surgery, adhering to a rehabilitation plan is essential for a successful recovery. This includes gradual reintroduction of activities under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Full recovery can take several months, depending on the severity of the impingement and the treatment approach. Patience and consistency in following the prescribed recovery plan are vital to regain full hip function and return to daily activities.

If you would like to speak to an orthopedic specialist in the DFW metroplex, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.