A Renowned Hip Preservation Specialist Practicing Near Fairfax, VA

Athletic young woman with hip pain

Dr. Derek H. Ochiai is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hip specialist who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) near Fairfax, Virginia. His specialties include hip arthroscopy and hip preservation, two fields that continue to evolve at a rapid pace. In fact, recent advances in conservative and minimally invasive treatment techniques are helping many patients regain their mobility and delay (or avoid) the need for a total hip replacement.

Hip pain is common and often results from many years of active use. The success of hip preservation is significant because a natural hip joint is always preferable to an artificial hip joint. Although joint replacement techniques and components have improved considerably in recent years, a mechanical hip may still loosen or stiffen over time. In addition to hastening the onset of arthritis, this can lead to the need for revision surgery. What’s more, patients who undergo a hip replacement at a relatively young age may need more than one follow-up procedure in their lifetime.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Hip Preservation Techniques?

Dr. Ochiai takes a conservative approach to hip pain treatment and emphasizes hip preservation whenever possible. He offers the latest nonsurgical alternatives to hip replacement, including physical therapy and medication, for many common hip conditions. He may also suggest a hip preservation procedure, such as labral reconstruction, debridement, bone spur removal or osteoplasty, to address:

  • A hip labral tear – An injury to the flexible cartilage that lines the outer rim of the hip socket
  • Trochanteric bursitis of the hip – Inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that absorbs shock and cushions the hip joint
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – Excessive contact and friction between the ball and socket of the hip joint
  • Hip dysplasia – A shallow hip socket that interferes with proper joint function and leads to instability
  • Avascular necrosis of the femoral head – Death of a bone segment due to lost blood supply

In general, hip preservation is best suited for patients who do not have cartilage damage from age-related degeneration. If you have a painful hip condition and have not developed severe arthritis, this treatment approach may be appropriate for you.

If you would like to explore your treatment options for hip pain with Dr. Ochiai, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center today to request an appointment at our world-class sports medicine center near Fairfax, VA.