Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis Treatment in NYC
What Is Post Traumatic Arthritis Of The Hip?
Arthritis is defined as an inflammation of the joints caused by the wearing of cartilage between the bones. The most common form of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis of the hip, a potentially debilitating joint disease characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and limited range of motion in the hip. Osteoarthritis results from the gradual wear and tear the joint experiences over time, leading to deterioration in the cartilage. Post-traumatic arthritis is another form of hip arthritis, which causes the same symptoms as osteoarthritis, but is characterized by damage to the hip’s cartilage that develops following a traumatic injury, such as a fracture.
Unfortunately, when a traumatic injury occurs, it can increase a person’s chances of developing arthritis of the hip later in life — despite the fact that the injury may have seemed to heal years earlier.
Causes Of Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis
Post traumatic arthritis of the hip may be caused by events such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Falls
- Other forms of physical trauma, such as hip surgery
These types of injuries can cause significant damage to the hip cartilage as well as hip bone, which changes the way the hip moves. Over time, the cartilage and bone will wear differently and more quickly than before the injury. Other factors that may accelerate the development of post traumatic hip arthritis include:
- Being overweight
- Experiencing repeated injuries to the hip
- Lack of exercise
Symptoms Of Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis
The following symptoms of post-traumatic hip arthritis may warrant a consultation with Dr. Peter K. Sculco, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hip specialist:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Deceased range of motion
- Inability to play sports
- Inability to participate in activities involving hip joint movement
- Lowered tolerance for walking
- Fluid buildup in the joint
Risk Factors For Post Traumatic Arthritis In The Hip
The following are risk factors for developing post-traumatic arthritis in the hip:
- Participating in sports where hip injuries are likely
- Suffering from one or more traumatic injuries to the hip
- Failing to receive medical evaluation and proper treatment for a hip-related injury
- Being overweight
Diagnosing Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis
Methods that are commonly used to help identify post-traumatic hip arthritis include:
Physical Examinations for Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with your doctor conducting a thorough physical exam, which includes examining the range of motion and function of the hip. In addition, your doctor will analyze your personal and family medical history to help make an accurate diagnosis.
X-Rays for Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis Diagnosis
Often, your doctor will use x-ray imaging to evaluate your hip cartilage and bone and to determine the extent of deterioration and damage.
MRI or CT Scans for Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis Diagnosis
In cases where an x-ray is not detailed enough or your doctor finds it is necessary for further testing, an MRI or CT imaging scan may be used to evaluate the hip more closely.
What Our Patients Have to Say
“Dr. Peter Sculco is the reason I, at 75, am back to hiking, kayaking, and doing everything I was able to do before three hip surgeries, an infection and a broken femur. He is highly skilled but also consults with other specialists at HSS when the need arises. His bedside manner is the best of any doctor I’ve ever had and the care at HSS also ranks at the top!” -Diane W.
Post Traumatic Hip Arthritis Treatment
Non-Surgical Hip Arthritis Treatment Options
There are a number of treatment options for post traumatic hip arthritis, depending on your needs and the severity of the condition. Treatments can also help prevent further damage to the hip joint over time. Treatment options range from conservative approaches to surgical procedures.
Some of the possible conservative treatment options for post traumatic hip arthritis may include:
- Rest
- Use of a cane or other walking aid
- Exercise (low impact) or physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Medication prescribed by a doctor
Surgical Hip Arthritis Treatment
If conservative treatments fail to improve the function and discomfort in your hip, you may be a candidate for surgical treatment. Dr. Peter K. Sculco is dedicated to providing patients with advanced treatment options using the highest quality implants and latest surgical techniques.
Dr. Sculco specializes in the following post traumatic hip arthritis surgery treatment options:
- Total hip replacement (performed using posterior approach)
- Revision hip replacement
Schedule A Consultation
If you’re suffering from hip pain caused by post-traumatic hip arthritis, the first step to restoring your mobility and quality of life is scheduling an evaluation with an experienced orthopedic hip specialist. Dr. Peter K. Sculco provides personalized care paired with world-class orthopedic training. Call 212.606.1771 today to request an appointment.
Meet Dr. Sculco
What We Treat
Hip Arthritis
A common cause of hip pain, hip arthritis is defined as inflammation of the hip joint due to cartilage deterioration.
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is defined as painful inflammation of the knee joint resulting from cartilage deterioration.
Revision Joint Replacement
When artificial joints fail or wear over time, a revision joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
