Accessibility Tools

FAQs

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

When you come for your appointment remember to bring the following:

  • Driver’s License or a valid ID
  • Insurance information
  • Referral Letter (if required)
  • Copies of results, MRI's, CT scans etc. and any other relevant information
  • New Patient Intake form
  • List of current medications

What is minimally-invasive surgery?

Minimally-invasive surgery means that a small incision is used and that there is minimal disruption of the muscles and tendons that surround the joint. This means less pain, faster recovery and being able to return to activities more quickly.

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is minimally invasive surgery of a joint. A small camera is used to view the joint through tiny, poke-hole incisions (portals). Other specific arthroscopic surgical instruments are used concurrently to diagnose and treat damage to the joint.

Could I be a candidate for hip arthroscopy?

If you have hip pain or known hip injury, and you do not have severe arthritis, you may be a candidate for hip arthroscopy. Through arthroscopic procedures, it is possible to repair labral tears, femoro-acetabular impingement, cartilage injuries, instability, snapping hip, gluteus medius tears and many other injuries.

What is the recovery for hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, with fairly minimal pain. Most patients begin recovery by riding a stationary bicycle the day after surgery, and begin physical therapy immediately after the surgery. Patients can return to work as soon as two to three days after their procedure, depending on the demands of their profession.

Can I get back to sports after hip arthroscopy?

If you are an athlete with an injured hip, hip arthroscopy may be the answer to get you back to competitive sports. High-level athletes go through intensive physical therapy after surgery, gradually increasing their workout intensity. Athletes can expect to return to playing sports between three to six months after surgery.

I have dysplasia. What are my hip surgery options?

Dysplasia is a congenital abnormality in which the socket of the hip is too shallow. Dysplasia should be evaluated by a surgeon specializing in Hip Preservation. In cases of mild dysplasia, hip arthroscopy may be possible. More severe cases should be treated with alternative hip preservation surgery, such as a peri-acetabular osteotomy (PAO).

How do I decide between hip resurfacing and hip replacement?

Hip resurfacing has significant advantages for highly-active males under 60 years old. Hip resurfacing has the advantage of conserving more of the hip's bone and reproducing your native anatomy. Hip replacement has advantages in women and those who will not place extreme activity demand on their hip after surgery. Our team will educate you to decide which surgery is right for you.

What is robotic hip replacement?

Robotic hip replacement is performed with the MAKOplasty Surgical Robot, a robot which works with the surgeon to allow greatly increased surgical precision, lower complication rates, less chance of hip dislocation and a longer-lasting hip replacement. Only a few centers around the country have the MAKO Surgical Robot.

How do I decide between robotic and minimally invasive hip replacement?

You don't have to. A robotic replacement can be performed through a minimally invasive approach.

Can I avoid hip surgery?

In many cases, surgery can be avoided by treating your pain or injury with non-operative measures: activity modifications, physical therapy, oral medications, injections or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).

Can my injury be treated with PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injection of growth factors and platelets extracted from your own blood. PRP has shown great promise in stimulating repair of body tissues including tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It has been used extensively in professional athletes who seek hurried return to play. If you have a problem involving a tendon, ligament or joint, PRP may be a nonsurgical option to get you back to activities quickly.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Yes. the American Hip Institute believes in patient, injury and surgery-specific physical therapy and rehabilitation courses. Regaining range of motion, strength and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. Pre-operative physical therapy, or prehab, may enhance your optimal recovery after surgery.

Where can I find out more information about Birmingham Hip Resurfacing?

Link: Hip Resurfacing

Where can I find out more information about Total Hip Replacement/MAKOplasty?

Link: Total Hip Replacement/MAKOplasty

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