Hip Preservation

Hip pain and range-of-motion problems may be signs of more serious issues with the hip joint. Often, early diagnosis and treatment of minor hip problems can preserve the hip joint you were born with, helping avoid arthritis and delay or prevent the need for hip replacement.

Our surgeons offer the latest and most comprehensive hip preservation treatments, some of which are not readily available elsewhere in Wisconsin. In fact, we perform the most periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and surgical hip dislocation (SHD) procedures in the state, serving more patients than all other programs combined. Our patient care team includes Demetrios Douros, MD, who has a specialty in hip arthroscopy.

When Should Hip Preservation Be Considered?

Hip preservation procedures are most often performed in young, active patients who are suffering from painful hip conditions including:

• Hip dysplasia – a congenital condition in which the hip joint may be abnormally formed and may not function properly. Hip dysplasia is more common in women but can affect men as well. If left untreated, it can cause pain and early osteoarthritis.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – any condition in which the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip do not fit properly. Abnormal motion of the ball and socket can cause joint damage, pain and early arthritis. Untreated FAI is believed to be a major underlying cause of arthritis that leads to total hip replacement. FAI often occurs in high-level athletes, but any active person may develop it.
• Residual effects of pediatric hip disorders – adults may experience hip pain or functional hip problems stemming from childhood hip conditions, including slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). SCFE is a disorder in which the ball component of the hip joint slips off the top of the thigh bone (femur) in a backward direction. LCPD is a condition where the ball of the hip joint begins to change shape because of an interruption to the blood supply, leading to deformity.

Hip Preservation Treatments

Leading edge treatments for all forms of hip disorders are offered by orthopaedic surgeons at Froedtert & the Medical College. Learn more about hip preservation treatments including hip arthroscopy, arthroscopically assisted “mini-open” hip surgery, periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and surgical hip dislocation (SHD) for the most complex cases.