Hip Trauma Reconstruction

What is Hip Trauma Reconstruction?

Hip trauma is an injury in the hip due to the impact caused by incidents such as a car accident or a hard fall. The injury can be a bone break or dislocation or both. 

Hip trauma reconstruction is the process of rebuilding and restoring the hip joint.

Indications for Hip Trauma Reconstruction

Major indications for hip trauma reconstruction include:

• Pain and inflammation in the hip and groin area
• Limited movement of the hip or leg
• Inability to put weight or pressure on the hip and leg 

How to Prepare for the Procedure?

The preparation for the procedure might begin well in advance, with X-rays and other imaging tests like MRI of your hip. Subsequently, your surgeon may ask you to: 

• Stop smoking (if applicable)
• Avoid taking any medications
• Stop food or drink after midnight the night before the procedure

How is Hip Trauma Reconstruction Performed?

Hip trauma reconstruction is performed with several approaches and may involve one or more of the following.

Hip Resurfacing

• Your surgeon makes an incision to access your hip bone and thighbone (femur). 
• Then the femoral head is trimmed and capped with a covering of smooth metal. 
• The damaged bone and/or cartilage are removed from the hip joint. 
• The hip socket is lined with a metal shell and the incision is closed with stitches.

Hip Osteotomy

• An incision is made, and the damaged bone is cut, reshaped and fixed in a proper position. 
• This ensures realigning of the load-bearing surfaces of the hip and proper weight distribution.
• The incision is then closed with stitches.

Hip Arthroscopy

• A few small incisions are made around the hip to insert the arthroscope device. 
• Your surgeon views the hip’s interior on a monitor and then inserts small surgical instruments.
• The affected parts are repaired, and the incisions are closed with sutures.  

Hip Arthroplasty

• Your surgeon gets access to the affected part through small incisions.
• The damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. 
• The incision is closed with stitches to conclude the arthroplasty. 

Risks Associated with the Procedure

The main risks associated with the procedure include but are not limited to:

• Wound healing problems, infection
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels
• Excess bleeding or blood clots

What Precautions should be Taken as You Recover from the Procedure?

As you recover from the hip trauma reconstruction, you may be required to:  

• Use crutches or a walker or a cane for a specific period of time 
• Follow weight-bearing restrictions until the hip heals and stabilizes
• Perform specific exercises to regain flexibility and motion in your hip

Benefits of Hip Trauma Reconstruction

Hip trauma reconstruction can: 

• Alleviate hip pain and restore mobility
• Reduce strain and wear and tear
• Improve the quality of life