If you’re experiencing chronic hip pain due to joint misalignment or early stages of arthritis, hip osteotomy may be a viable surgical option to restore function and alleviate pain. Dr. Pranjal Kodkani, a renowned joint preservation surgeon with specialized training in arthroscopy and sports injury management, is dedicated to offering cutting-edge solutions for hip pain, helping patients maintain active lifestyles without resorting to total hip replacement.
What is Hip Osteotomy?
Hip osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping or repositioning the bones around the hip joint to improve alignment and reduce stress on the joint. This procedure is often performed in younger patients with hip conditions like hip dysplasia or early-stage osteoarthritis who are looking to preserve their natural hip joint and avoid a hip replacement.
By realigning the bones, hip osteotomy redistributes weight and reduces the load on the damaged parts of the hip, which can help delay the progression of arthritis, relieve pain, and improve overall hip function.
Why is Hip Osteotomy Performed?
Hip osteotomy is typically performed for patients who have:
- Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip socket is too shallow, causing the femoral head to move out of the socket and increasing the risk of joint damage.
- Early Osteoarthritis: When cartilage in the hip joint begins to wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): A condition where abnormal bone shapes cause the femoral head to rub against the acetabulum (hip socket), resulting in pain and damage to the cartilage.
- Hip Instability: When the hip joint is unable to function properly due to structural issues, often leading to pain and limited movement.
The goal of the procedure is to improve the joint’s mechanics, relieve pain, and postpone or avoid the need for total hip replacement.
How is Hip Osteotomy Performed?
The surgery is typically carried out under general anesthesia and involves making an incision near the hip to access the bones. The surgeon will then cut and reposition the femur (thigh bone) or acetabulum (hip socket), depending on the patient’s condition.
There are different types of hip osteotomy, including:
- Femoral Osteotomy: This involves reshaping the femur to improve the alignment of the hip joint.
- Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO): This procedure is often used for hip dysplasia, where the acetabulum is repositioned to better cover the femoral head.
- Acetabular Osteotomy: This involves reshaping the acetabulum to improve joint stability and function.
In most cases, the bone is secured using plates, screws, or pins to ensure proper healing and alignment.
Benefits of Hip Osteotomy
Hip osteotomy offers several advantages, particularly for younger patients or those who are not yet candidates for a total hip replacement:
- Pain Relief: The realignment of the bones can help reduce pain caused by joint instability or early arthritis.
- Preservation of the Hip Joint: This procedure can delay the need for hip replacement, allowing patients to retain their natural hip joint for a longer period.
- Improved Mobility: Hip osteotomy can restore hip function, allowing patients to resume normal activities and improve their quality of life.
- Better Joint Alignment: The surgery improves the alignment of the femoral head and acetabulum, reducing wear and tear on the cartilage and improving overall joint health.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After undergoing hip osteotomy, recovery can take several months. The general recovery process includes:
- Initial Rest: Patients are typically advised to avoid putting weight on the operated leg for several weeks, using crutches or a walker to assist with mobility.
- Physical Therapy: A structured rehabilitation program is essential to regain strength, mobility, and flexibility. Physical therapy helps patients recover more quickly and safely.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Most patients are able to resume light activities within a few months, while returning to more strenuous activities, such as sports, may take 6 to 12 months depending on healing progress.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, hip osteotomy carries potential risks, including:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Non-union or delayed healing of the bones
- Joint stiffness or changes in range of motion
Dr. Pranjal Kodkani ensures a thorough pre-surgery evaluation to minimize these risks and provides ongoing care during the recovery process for the best outcomes.
Who is a Candidate for Hip Osteotomy?
Hip osteotomy is ideal for:
- Younger patients with hip conditions who wish to preserve their natural hip joint.
- Active individuals, including athletes, who want to return to physical activities without the need for a hip replacement.
- Patients with early-stage arthritis or joint deformities who want to delay or avoid a total hip replacement.
- Patients with hip dysplasia who wish to restore proper hip alignment.
Consulting with Dr. Kodkani, an expert in joint preservation, ensures that you receive personalized care tailored to your specific condition.
