Hip Pain in the Groin? Understanding and Treating Hip Arthritis

As an orthopedic surgeon, I frequently see patients experiencing hip pain. While hip pain can manifest in various locations—front, side, or back—today I'll focus on groin pain, a common symptom of hip arthritis.

Understanding Hip Arthritis

The ends of your bones are covered with cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that enables painless, fluid movement. In hip arthritis (osteoarthritis), this cartilage gradually wears away, much like a sheet of ice melting in the sun. This progressive thinning eventually leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing significant pain and stiffness.

Traditional vs. Anterior Hip Replacement

When arthritis becomes severe, hip replacement (arthroplasty) is often the best solution. The traditional approach involves an incision on the back of the hip, requiring the surgeon to cut through muscles and tendons to access the joint. This can lead to significant post-operative pain, longer recovery times, and more extensive rehabilitation.

A Less Invasive Approach: Anterior Hip Replacement

I offer an alternative: anterior hip replacement. This minimally invasive technique involves an incision in the front of the hip, accessing the joint between the muscles and tendons, rather than cutting through them. This approach offers several key advantages:

• Reduced Post-operative Pain: Minimizing muscle and tendon disruption translates to significantly less pain after surgery.
• Increased Stability and Mobility: Preserving muscle and tendon integrity contributes to improved stability and quicker return to mobility.
• Shorter Rehabilitation: Less tissue trauma means less time needed for rehabilitation.
• Intraoperative Customization: The anterior approach allows for more precise implant placement and customized surgical decisions.

Is Anterior Hip Replacement Right for You?

Anterior hip replacement is a valuable option for many patients with hip arthritis causing groin pain. However, it's crucial to have a thorough evaluation to determine if it's the right choice for your specific situation. If you're experiencing hip pain, call us at (402) 717-0820 to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and find the best solution for you.