Key Takeaways
- Hip preservation addresses structural problems in the joint, such as impingement or dysplasia, rather than replacing the joint itself.
- Good candidates are typically younger, active patients with a confirmed structural cause for their hip pain that has not improved with conservative care.
- Common conditions treated include femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, hip dysplasia, and early-stage avascular necrosis.
- Many hip preservation procedures can be performed arthroscopically, though more complex cases may require open surgery.
- Dr. John Redmond completed a fellowship in advanced hip surgery at the American Hip Institute and has treated hip conditions in patients as young as 12. Request an appointment to discuss whether hip preservation is right for you.
What Hip Preservation Means and Who Qualifies
For younger patients dealing with hip pain, the conversation often reaches a frustrating point: the pain is real and limiting, but joint replacement does not feel like the right answer yet. Hip preservation exists for exactly that situation. Rather than replacing a damaged joint, hip preservation surgery addresses the underlying structural problems that are causing pain and accelerating wear, to protect the joint and extend its healthy life for as long as possible.
Good candidates for hip preservation are generally younger or more active patients with a confirmed structural problem in the hip that has not responded to conservative treatment such as physical therapy or activity modification. Ideal candidates typically have intact or repairable cartilage and a clear structural cause for their symptoms, rather than widespread arthritis throughout the joint.
Dr. John Redmond is a Mayo Clinic-trained orthopedic hip specialist who completed a fellowship in advanced hip surgery at the American Hip Institute in Chicago, one of the country's leading centers for hip preservation. He has treated hip conditions in patients as young as 12 years old and has published research on outcomes in adolescent and young adult patients, bringing a level of specialization that is uncommon outside major academic centers.
Common Conditions Treated With Hip Preservation
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip, caused by extra bone growth on the femoral head, the socket rim, or both. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this bone overgrowth can damage the soft tissues of the hip during movement and, left untreated, can lead to progressive labral damage and early osteoarthritis. FAI can often be addressed arthroscopically.
- Labral tears: The acetabular labrum is the ring of cartilage that seals the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. Tears are commonly associated with FAI and hip dysplasia and are treated with repair or reconstruction depending on the extent of the damage.
- Hip dysplasia: A condition in which the hip socket is too shallow to adequately cover the femoral head, placing abnormal stress on the labrum and cartilage over time. Mild cases may be managed arthroscopically, while more significant dysplasia may require a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to reposition the socket.
- Avascular necrosis (early stage): Loss of blood supply to the femoral head can cause bone tissue to deteriorate. In early stages, before collapse has occurred, joint-preserving options may be available.
Hip Preservation vs. Hip Replacement
| Hip Preservation | Hip Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Correct structural problems and protect the natural joint | Remove and replace the damaged joint surfaces |
| Typical patient | Younger, active patients with a specific structural diagnosis | Patients with significant joint damage, often from advanced arthritis |
| Approach | Often arthroscopic; open surgery (such as PAO) for complex cases | Total or partial joint replacement, frequently via the anterior approach |
| Long-term goal | Delay or avoid the need for future replacement | Restore function in a joint that is already significantly damaged |
For many patients, a successful hip preservation procedure can delay or entirely avoid the need for hip replacement down the road. For patients who do eventually need replacement, preserving the joint earlier typically means better bone stock and a more straightforward procedure when the time comes.
Recovery and Long-Term Outlook
Recovery from hip preservation surgery depends heavily on the specific procedure performed. Arthroscopic procedures for FAI or labral tears generally allow for a faster return to activity than open procedures like PAO, which require a longer period of protected weight-bearing while the bone heals. Dr. Redmond evaluates each patient's imaging and anatomy carefully to recommend the most appropriate approach and sets realistic expectations for recovery before any procedure is scheduled.
The long-term goal of hip preservation is straightforward: address structural problems before they progress to irreversible joint damage, relieving pain while protecting the hip's long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hip preservation surgery?
Hip preservation surgery is a category of procedures aimed at correcting structural problems inside the hip joint that cause pain and accelerate damage, particularly in younger and more active patients. Rather than replacing the joint, these procedures address the underlying anatomy, whether that means treating bone impingement, repairing the labrum, or correcting socket alignment.
Who is a good candidate for hip preservation surgery?
Hip preservation is generally appropriate for younger or more active patients with a confirmed structural problem in the hip that has not responded to conservative treatment. Good candidates typically have intact or repairable cartilage and a clear structural cause for their symptoms.
What is the difference between hip preservation and hip replacement?
Hip preservation addresses the structural cause of hip pain, such as impingement or dysplasia, with the goal of protecting the natural joint. Hip replacement removes and replaces joint surfaces that have already been significantly damaged, most often by arthritis. Preservation is generally considered earlier, before that level of damage has occurred.
How do I find a hip preservation specialist near me?
Dr. John Redmond sees patients at both his Southside and Beaches offices in Jacksonville. You can request an appointment online or call (904) 675-4000 to discuss your symptoms and imaging.
Talk to a Hip Preservation Specialist Before Considering Replacement
If you are a younger or active patient dealing with hip pain and want to understand your options before considering joint replacement, Dr. John Redmond's specialized training in hip preservation can help you make an informed decision.
Dr. Redmond sees patients at his Southside and Beaches locations in Jacksonville. Request an appointment to discuss hip preservation and find out whether it is the right path for protecting your hip.
