Get Hip To Having Healthier Hips

At the virtual Lunch & Learn, Alan Cornett, DO, FAAOS, an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Surgeons Inc., discussed the diagnosis of hip pain and common causes of hip discomfort, including arthritis. He also shared the latest news on total hip replacement.

Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from Dr. Cornett’s presentation.

1. The cause of your hip pain may not be from your hip itself, but rather from your low back, buttock, side of hip or groin.
2. To determine the culprit, your orthopedic surgeon will do a clinical workup that includes taking your health history, doing a physical exam, getting X-rays and possibly ordering an MRI.
3. Hip arthritis affects hundreds of thousands of people each year. If your hip pain is due to arthritis, nonsurgical treatments include medications, physical therapy and assistive devices.
4. If conservative treatment is not successful, a hip replacement, which can last 20-30 years, may be the solution.
5. There are two types of total hip replacements:

• The traditional approach disrupts the tissue and muscles important for hip stability, which:
• Limits hip motion and positions
• Increases the risk of hip dislocation
• Creates the risk of a persistent limp
• Results in a greater reliance on assistive devices
• Requires a greater need for pain medication
• The anterior approach is minimally invasive and performed with the aid of a special orthopedic table and a small amount of X-ray for positioning of implants, which:
• Requires a smaller incision
• Does not disrupt the tissues and spares muscle
• Minimizes tissue trauma
• Provides a faster recovery

Watch Dr. Cornett's Presentation

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Amy Bennett

Amy Bennett is the physician communications coordinator for North Kansas City Hospital. She is editor of Physician Connections, and she writes brochure, web and other communication pieces for North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health. In her spare time, she is often working in her flower garden or volunteering with the Girl Scouts or Pet Partners, a pet therapy organization.