Receive Personalized Care From a Hip Preservation Specialist Near Tysons Corner, VA

If you have been diagnosed with a painful hip condition such as hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or avascular necrosis (AVN)—but you do not have significant hip arthritis—you may want to consider exploring your joint preservation options with a hip specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center near Tysons Corner, Virginia. In addition to relieving pain and restoring function, hip preservation can reduce the risk of premature arthritis as well as the need for a hip replacement in the future.

Hip Dysplasia and FAI

The hip is a large ball-and-socket joint. The ball at the top of the thigh bone (femoral head) normally fits neatly into a socket in the pelvis (acetabulum). Hip dysplasia occurs when the acetabulum does not adequately cover the femoral head because the socket is too small or too shallow, improperly positioned or both.

FAI, or hip impingement, results from abnormal contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum during movement. This can happen if the ball, socket or both have an irregular shape. The resulting mismatch can cause excessive wear and tear on the joint.

The early symptoms of both hip dysplasia and FAI include irritation and tearing of the rim of cartilage surrounding the acetabulum (hip labrum). Because a labral tear usually results from an underlying condition, it is important for a hip specialist to identify and treat the source of the problem in order to maximize function and minimize the risk of re-injury.

Avascular Necrosis

AVN of the hip occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing a portion of the bone to die. During the healing process, the body produces new bone, which is naturally weaker than mature bone and cannot support the full weight load of the hip without causing pain. Eventually, the weakened area of the hip may collapse, which can interfere with the fit of the femoral head and the acetabulum and wear away the cartilage in the joint.

If you need treatment for hip pain, you can confidently turn to Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, where you will find people who have expertise that matters—and who truly care. If you would like to consult with a hip specialist at our independent orthopedic practice, contact us at (703) 525-2200 to request an appointment near Tysons Corner, VA.