Surgical Question and Answer

Q. Is surgery required all the time for hip pain?

A. Absolutely not. Medications can be prescribed reducing the pain and inflammation of the joint, as well as canes to reduce the load on the affected hip. Changes in diet and exercise can strengthen the hip joint area. Usually anti-inflmmatory medications are prescribed to patients, as well as a recommendation to use a cane or walker, along with physical therapy activities.

Q. What is "mini incision surgery" all about?

A. Mini incision surgery is the practice of total joint replacement by using small incisions. Usually, two incision are made. Since mini incision surgery is a new practice, no long term data on the success of the operation is available. Mini incision surgery has been linked to some restricted range of motion in the hip. Until long term data is available, it is unknown if mini incision surgery is a successful practice for total hip replacement.