Hip Osteoarthritis and the Direct Anterior Approach
May 11, 2020
Email US
Click to Email Us
HipArthritis Symptoms
Hip arthritis can present with very minor symptoms and can progress to debilitating symptoms. Symptoms include pain in the groin with activity. The pain is usually worse in the morning and the hip feels stiff. With early OA the stiffness normally subsides as the day progresses, but may recur at the end of the day. With advancing arthritis the hip loses motion and this stiffness does not improve throughout the day. Patients may have difficulty walking, have a limp and may require use of an assistive device such as a walker.
Diagnosis
If a patient suspects they may have arthritis, or if they are having any of the above symptoms, they should seek consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. At OSS Health, we have orthopaedic surgeons who are fellowship trained in treating hip and knee OA. A diagnostic evaluation will include obtaining a medical history, physical examination and x-rays.
Non-surgical Treatment Options
Treatment almost always begins with non-surgical options. Typically an anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. If oral medications fail, we typically offer injections of corticosteroids into the joint. For the hip joint these are typically performed as an outpatient procedure in our pain department. The injection blocks inflammation and helps reduce symptoms. Injections can my repeated every 3-4 months, so long as they continue to provide relief of symptoms.
Physical therapy or exercise programs will also be prescribed to improve flexibility, build strength, and maintain muscle tone. Swimming, in particular, is an excellent exercise for people with arthritis. When the arthritis becomes severe causing loss of motion and balance at the hip, devices such as canes or walkers are prescribed to make it easier and safer to walk. Lastly, but most importantly, lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis of the hip and help prolong the time until hip replacement is necessary. These include:
maintaining a healthy weight (and losing weight, if necessary)
changing activities to minimize stress on the hip
exercising to build up strength and flexibility
Surgical Options
If the non-surgical treatment options fail, surgery will help to reduce pain, enhance quality of life, and improve the ability to perform everyday activities with few or no restrictions. To treat end stage arthritis of the hip, total hip replacement has been utilized providing excellent long term outcomes. Today, there are many surgical approaches being utilized by orthopedic surgeons to perform a total hip replacement. An increased interest has developed in the Anterior Approach. This is a minimally invasive approach and is considered tissue sparing.
The Anterior Approach
The Anterior Approach for total hip replacement provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility because the muscle tissues are spared during the surgical procedure. With this surgical approach the surgical plane is between muscles allowing access to the hip without detaching them. Keeping the muscles intact may also help decrease incidence of dislocations.
With the Anterior Approach, one small incision is done on the front (anterior) of the hip. Since the incision is in front, the patient avoids the pain of sitting or lying on the incision site. There are fewer restrictions after surgery and during recovery as compared to the traditional approaches. There is reduced scarring as only a small incision is utilized on the front of the hip. This surgical procedure is often times performed utilizing a high-tech operating table that facilitates exposure and allows for real time x-ray evaluation of the hip for the most optimized positioning of implants and evaluation of leg length.
If you are suffering with hip pain and are looking for treatment options, you can schedule an appointment via the website (www.osshealth.com) or by calling 717-848-4800.
Editors Note: This article was contributed by Dr. George Margetas, an orthopaedic surgeon with OSS Health.
Other Articles You May Like
Avoiding Common Estate Planning Mistakes: A Message from Jeff Bellomo
Greetings, I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits. In my years as an elder law and estate planning attorney here at Bellomo & Associates, Ive had the privilege of guiding families through the intricacies of planning for the future. Today, I want to share some insights on common estate planning mistakes, drawing from the experiences of those Ive had the honor of assisting. Its human nature to postpone tasks, especially those that involve contemplating the future. However, delaying your estate planning can have significant consequences. Whether youre an income-generating couple, a seasoned individual considering nursing home care, or a young family with dreams to protect, procrastination can rob you of the peace of mind that comes with a well-thought-out plan. No two families are the same, and neither should their estate plans be. Cookie-cutter approaches often neglect the nuances that make your situation unique. As your trusted advisor, I emphasize the importance of personalized solutions. Your plan should reflect your values, aspirations, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. Life is dynamic, and so are your circumstances. Marriage, births, career shifts, and even unexpected health challenges can reshape your priorities. Failing to update your estate plan accordingly can lead to unintended consequences. Regular reviews ensure that your plan remains a true reflection of your current life stage and desires. Discussing end-of-life matters can be uncomfortable, but its a crucial step in ensuring your wishes are understood and respected. Communicating openly with your loved ones about your estate plan can prevent misunderstandings and provide clarity during challenging times. In the age of online resources, its tempting to try a do-it-yourself approach to estate planning. However, the potential pitfalls of DIY plans can far outweigh the perceived cost savings. Professional guidance ensures that your plan complies with legal requirements and considers intricate details that may be overlooked. To those of you who resonate with these considerations, I extend an invitation to join us at our next estate planning workshop. Its not just an opportunity to learn about common mistakes but also a chance to connect with others who share similar concerns. Bring your questions, share your stories, and lets navigate the path to a secure future together. Remember, estate planning is not just a legal process; its a journey toward safeguarding what matters most to you. I look forward to meeting you and exploring the important next steps in creating a plan that reflects your unique legacy. To a future of informed decisions and lasting legacies, Jeff BellomoWe offer FREE WORKSHOPS every week! Click here to register!
The Perfect Gifts for Grandma
Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)
Transforming Arthritis Care with ClipDifferent A Perfect Solution for 58.5 Million Americans
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with over 58.5 million Americans currently living with this chronic disease. Characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, arthritis can significantly impact one's quality of life, making everyday tasks challenging. Among these tasks, nail clipping can become particularly difficult due to the precision and hand strength required. This is where ClipDifferent steps in offering an innovative solution designed to ease this burden.Understanding Arthritis and Its ImpactArthritis causes over 100 different types of joint diseases and conditions, with the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions often result in pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. For many, simple daily activities such as buttoning a shirt, opening jars, or clipping nails can become daunting tasks.People with arthritis may find these tasks especially problematic for several reasons:Limited Hand Strength: Arthritis often reduces grip strength, making it hard to grip jars and buttons, or handle traditional nail clippers.Joint Pain: The pain in the fingers and wrists can make certain repetitive motions required by certain daily tasks like opening doors, medications and even showering, very uncomfortable.Reduced Dexterity: Swelling and stiffness can hinder the fine motor skills needed to clip nails neatly and safely.ClipDifferent: A Game-Changer for Nail CareClipDifferent is revolutionizing nail care for individuals with arthritis by providing an easy-to-use, safe, and efficient nail clipping solution. Heres how ClipDifferent stands out:Automated Clipping Mechanism: The ClipDifferent Pro is designed with an electric nail trimming mechanism that eliminates the need for manual squeezing. Users simply insert their nails into the designated slot, and the device does the rest, trimming the nails smoothly and safely.Ergonomic Design: The devices design takes into account the physical limitations faced by individuals with arthritis. Its user-friendly interface and stable base require minimal hand movement, reducing strain and discomfort. The ClipDifferent pro, our one handed use design, stays put on a table or flat surface so you can safely trim. The Lil Nipper, our handheld design, takes minimal effort to hold onto and utilizes the same electric trimming technology.Safety Features: ClipDifferent prioritizes user safety with features such as a protective nail slot to prevent skin contact with the blade and an easy-to-clean design. This makes it suitable for individuals with limited hand control.Precision and Neatness: The precision trimming mechanism ensures that nails are cut evenly and smoothly, preventing jagged edges that can lead to further discomfort or injury.Independence and Confidence: By making nail care accessible and straightforward, ClipDifferent helps individuals with arthritis regain a sense of independence and confidence in their personal care routines.Real Lives Changed Many users with arthritis have experienced significant improvements in their daily lives thanks to ClipDifferent. Take it from our very own Kathi Holmes, who overcame paralysis and is living with arthritis. With the help of ClipDifferent, she was able to gain some independence back into her life. What once was a difficult task, is now something she feels grateful to be able to do so easily.Embrace a Better Quality of Life with ClipDifferentArthritis may be a part of life for millions, but it doesnt have to dictate your daily routine. ClipDifferent offers a practical, effective solution to one of the many challenges posed by this condition. By simplifying nail care, ClipDifferent empowers those with arthritis to maintain their personal grooming with ease and dignity.If you or a loved one is struggling with arthritis, consider trying ClipDifferent. Its more than just a nail clipper its a step towards reclaiming control over your daily life.Explore ClipDifferents products and see how they can make a difference in your life. Visit ClipDifferent.com today!