HIP
WHAT IS THE HIP?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. This means that the round head of the femur glides and rotates within the acetabulum, a deep, scooped-out cavity within the pelvis. The hip joint, like all joints in the body, also has a synovial lining, which produces small amounts of lubricating fluid to aid in the friction-free movement of the joint. The tightly constructed hip joint is exceptionally stable. While a handful of overuse injuries are associated with the hip, the majority of hip problems are associated with aging, disease, and fractures in the elderly.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON DISORDERS OF THE HIP?
Hip Bursitas: A common problem in the hip, bursitis is frequently caused by a repetitive motion injury or traumatic blow. Bursitis can also be triggered when legs are ofdifferent lengths (a condition that is surprisingly common). Depending on the severity of this injury, it’s treatment ranges from physical therapy to outpatient surgery.
Dislocation: Dislocation of the hip is typically caused when the head of the thighbone is pushed out and back. This leaves the hip in a fixed position, bent and twisted in towards the middle of the body. If the thighbone slips out and forward, the hip will only slightly bend and the leg will twist out and away from the middle of the body. A hip dislocation is a very painful, serious injury; recovery often requires time and patience.
Hip Fracture: You can break your hip at any age, but most hip fractures happen in people older than age 65. As you age, your bones become less dense as they slowly lose minerals. Gradual loss of density weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to a hip fracture. A hip fracture is a serious injury; fortunately, surgery to repair a hip fracture is usually very effective, although recovery often requires time, patience and physical therapy.
Hip Labral Tear: The socket of your hip joint is lined by cartilage called your labrum. This cartilage provides stability and cushioning for your hip joint, allowing the ball of your thighbone to move smoothly and painlessly in the socket. A tear in your labrum, known as a hip labral tear, can result from injury, repetitive movements that cause wear-and-tear on your hip joint, or degeneration, such as from osteoarthritis. A hip labral tear may cause pain or a “catching” sensation in the hip joint. When treatment for a hip labral tear is necessary, it may consist of physical therapy, medications or a combination, less frequently, surgery is necessary.