Surgical hip dislocation is a specialized procedure recommended for addressing specific hip disorders. This surgical approach involves accessing the hip joint through an incision made on the side of the hip, allowing for a wide exposure of the joint. Dr. Duncan and his team can effectively diagnose and treat various hip issues using this method.
Why Choose Surgical Hip Dislocation?
Surgical hip dislocation is suitable for treating a range of hip problems, including:
- Labral tears
- Surface cartilage damage
- Femoroacetabular impingement deformities
- Snapping hip" syndromes
- Synovitis
- Early arthritis
- Ligamentum teres rupture
- Loose bodies
- Other less common conditions
How is the Procedure Conducted?
During surgical hip dislocation, patients lie on their nonoperative side to allow access to the affected hip. An incision is made along the hip’s side, and the greater trochanter is cut and flipped in front of the hip, providing access to the hip capsule. The anterior capsule is then cut to dislocate the femoral head, enabling broad access to both the femoral head and the acetabulum.
Depending on the condition, various procedures may be performed, such as cartilage debridement, labral tear repair, and removal of abnormal bone protrusions. In cases of cartilage loss, microfracture techniques may stimulate new cartilage formation.
What to Expect After Surgical Hip Dislocation?
Patients undergo general anesthesia and experience a procedure duration of three to four hours on average. Surgical hip dislocation is typically performed as an inpatient procedure, necessitating a 1-2 day hospital stay.
Recovery involves crutches for two to four weeks, oral pain medication, and immediate physical therapy focusing on range-of-motion exercises and strength-building. Dr. Duncan designs a personalized physical therapy plan to rebuild muscle strength around the hip, with most patients requiring 12 weeks of therapy for full recovery.
Who is a Candidate for Surgical Hip Dislocation?
Surgical hip dislocation is recommended for physically active patients experiencing hip pain and specific hip disorders not progressed to end-stage osteoarthritis warranting total hip replacement.
Risks and Benefits, While generally safe, surgical hip dislocation carries risks including infection, nerve damage, and femoral head avascular necrosis. However, it may avoid or delay the need for total hip replacement and can fully address certain hip problems without further surgery.
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Duncan are essential for monitoring progress after surgery.