The hip joint, one of the body's largest and most flexible joints, plays a pivotal role in everyday activities such as walking, running, and sitting. Hip health is a cornerstone of overall physical well-being, influencing not only mobility but also the quality of life. The orthopedic experts at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) are well qualified to treat hip conditions and injuries and provide uniquely tailored care plans for patients.
Understanding how to maintain healthy hips is essential, as it can prevent discomfort and enhance long-term mobility. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for hip health. Excess body weight places additional stress on the hip joints, increasing the risk of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Regular physical activity that combines aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility workouts can help manage weight and strengthen the muscles around the hip.
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip joint is another vital aspect of hip health. The gluteal muscles, hip flexors, and core muscles all contribute to the stability and function of the hips. It's important to incorporate stretching routines to maintain flexibility and improve the range of motion in the hips.
There are various causes of hip ailments which would require someone to seek attention from an orthopedic specialist. These include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or hip fractures or dislocations from trauma. Being mindful of hip health includes paying attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. Early recognition and intervention are key to addressing potential issues before they become more serious. If persistent pain occurs, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide guidance on appropriate treatments or therapies. SOS hip doctors prioritize non-surgical treatments, providing a personalized care plan that's tailored to each patient. For patients requiring hip replacements, SOS fellowship-trained surgeons are prepared to provide them with quality care to return them to daily activity.
For some patients, the Robotic Arm is appropriate for total hip replacement. SOS orthopedic surgeons use a computed tomography (CT) scan of the damaged hip to construct a three-dimensional model of the surgical area. Then, during surgery, the surgical robot interprets the information provided by the CT scan and guides the surgeon in preparing the implant point and positioning the hip implant. The benefit of robotic-assisted total hip replacement includes more accurate implant positioning, which can result in a more natural feeling after surgery; improved safety and reduced risk of injury to adjacent tissues, smaller incisions; and the potential for better long-term function. Robotic surgery is not suitable for all patients choosing to have a hip or knee replacement procedure. SOS surgeons will make the decision on which type of procedure is best for an individual patient based on their expert knowledge, experience and the patient’s personal and physiological situation.
When initially seeking care, it’s common for patients to present with hip pain, when they may have a back problem or issue contributing to their overall pain. The signs for each can be easily confused for one another. “The intricate connection between the hip and back is a fascinating aspect of human anatomy that plays a crucial role in our daily movements and overall well-being,” comments Dr. David Quinzi. “Understanding this relationship can provide insights into maintaining a healthy posture and preventing pain or injury.”
Anatomically, the hip and back connect through the sacroiliac (SI) joint. This joint connects the hip bones to your sacrum, the bone between your lumbar spine (lower back) and tailbone. Since the hips and lower spine are so close together, it's easy to mistake back pain for hip pain or vice versa. At the core of this connection is the lumbopelvic hip complex, a group of muscles, bones, and ligaments that work together to support and stabilize the body. The hip joint, which is one of the largest and most flexible joints in the body, connects the femur (thigh bone) to the pelvis. The lower back, or lumbar spine, consists of five vertebrae that support the upper body and provide flexibility and strength. The lumbar region connects directly to the pelvis through the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine. This connection is crucial for transferring forces from the upper body through the pelvis and into the legs during activities like walking and lifting.
When the hip and back are not functioning harmoniously, it can lead to a range of issues. Tight or weak muscles, poor posture, motion loss or an imbalance in muscle strength can result in misalignment, causing strain on the spine and hips. This can manifest as lower back pain, hip pain, or sciatica, a condition where pain radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back down the leg. To maintain a healthy connection between the hip and back, it is essential to engage in regular exercise that improves flexibility, strengthens the core and hip muscles.
Maintaining hip health involves a combination of weight management, regular physical activity, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and mindful posture. By taking proactive steps to care for the hips, individuals can enjoy improved mobility, reduced risk of injury, and a more active lifestyle. The experienced hip surgery professionals at SOS will listen to your situation, evaluate your individual medical needs and determine the best course of treatment for each patient.
The First Year After Hip Replacement
As part of SOS' mission to deliver outstanding patient care, the SOS Clinical Research Department has been collecting data for our Patient Registry since 2010. The registry tracks patient progress and well-being before and after hip replacement surgery. We're proud to report our patients share this their Hip Replacement Surgery:
4 Weeks after Hip Replacement
-74% could drive
-84% could walk without a walker/crutches
6 Weeks after Hip Replacement
-9/10 hip patients report improved pain
8 Weeks after Hip Replacement
-93% could drive
-93% could walk without a walker/crutches
6 Months after Hip Replacement
-98% of hip patients report improved pain
-91% could shop on their own with little to no difficulty
1 Year after hip arthroplasty
-92% report that surgery met or exceeded their expectations for motion and strength
Many SOS joint specialists have honed their skills treating unique hip conditions found in patients they’ve treated while on Operation Walk missions. Over the past decade, surgeons and other medical providers from SOS have participated in 10 trips to locales such as Ghana, Guatemala, Nepal and Panama to provide free surgical treatments to those who have no access to life-improving care for arthritis or other debilitating bone and joint conditions. On these trips they have encountered people suffering from debilitating hip pain caused by arthritis, sickle cell anemia, AVN, and other ailments. While these missions allow SOS surgeons to care for impoverished patients, they also learn critical skills that can benefit others in Central New York. Learn more about Operation Walk NY.