Hip Orthopedic Care at Maimonides

The hip is a weight-bearing joint that is essential for everyday activities such as walking, sitting, and standing. It is important to keep the hip healthy and functioning properly to avoid pain and mobility problems. Hip orthopedics is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hip disorders.

The Maimonides Bone and Joint Center provides comprehensive care for patients with hip problems. Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in hip surgery and can treat a wide range of conditions, from simple hip fractures to complex revision surgeries. And with outpatient support services and rehabilitation programs, we can help you get back to living your life as quickly and safely as possible.

  • One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for orthopedic surgery two years in a row (2022-2023)
  • Recipient of Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Awards for two years in a row (2022-2023)
  • Named among the top 5% in the nation for overall orthopedic services for two years in a row (2022-2023)
  • Five-Star recipient for hip fracture and total knee replacement for 2023

To schedule an appointment, call 718.283.7400 today.

The Anatomy of the Hip

The hip is a ball and socket joint, which means that it is formed where the round head of the femur (thighbone) fits into the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. The joint is held together by a combination of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Bones and Joints of the Hip

There are three bones that make up the pelvis, the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. The acetabulum is a cup-shaped socket that is formed where the three bones meet. The femoral head sits in the acetabulum and is held in place by a ring of strong connective tissue called the labrum. The hip joint is a “weight-bearing” joint, which means that it supports the weight of the body, and the femoral head is the largest weight-bearing bone in the body.

Within the acetabulum, there is a layer of smooth articular cartilage that allows the bones to glide against each other with minimal friction. The labrum, a ring of tough connective tissue, helps to deepen the socket and provides additional stability to the joint.

Ligaments of the Hip Joint

Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that attach bones to other bones. There are four main ligaments that support the hip joint:

  • The iliofemoral ligament is a Y-shaped ligament that attaches the pelvis to the femur. It is the strongest ligament in the body and provides stability to the joint.
  • The pubofemoral ligament is shaped like a triangle and attaches the pelvis to the femur. It helps to stabilize the joint and prevent dislocation.
  • The ischiofemoral ligament attaches the ischium (sit bone) to the femur.
  • The ligamentum teres is a small ligament that attaches the femoral head to the acetabulum.

Additionally, the acetabular labrum is a ring of connective tissue that attaches to the rim of the socket and helps to deepen the socket and provide stability to the joint.

Muscles and Tendons of the Hip Joint

The iliotibial band is a long tendon that attaches the pelvis to the tibia (shinbone). It is also an attachment site for a number of hip muscles, including:

  • The gluteal muscles, which are the largest muscles in the body, attach to the pelvis and femur. They are responsible for extending the hip joint and keeping the pelvis level when walking.
  • The adductor muscles attach to the pelvis and femur and are responsible for bringing the leg in towards the body.
  • The iliopsoas muscle is a large muscle that attaches to the pelvis and femur. It is responsible for flexing the hip joint.

These muscles work together to move the hip joint and keep it stable.

Nerves and Arteries of the Hip Joint

The nerves and arteries of the hip joint are responsible for supplying sensation and blood flow to the area. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down the leg. It provides sensation to the skin of the leg and sends signals to the muscles that control the movement of the leg. The femoral nerve runs from the lower back down the leg and supplies the muscles with nerve impulses.

The arteries of the hip joint supply blood to the area. The femoral artery is the largest artery in the body and runs from the lower back down the leg.

Orthopedic Conditions of the Hip

There are a number of orthopedic conditions that can affect the hip joint. These include:

Hip Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis may include:

  • Pain in the hip joint that is worse with activity
  • Stiffness in the hip joint that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
  • Swelling in the hip joint
  • Decreased range of motion in the hip

Treatment typically involves a combination of pain relief medication, physical therapy, and weight loss. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint.

Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip

Unlike osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. This can damage the cartilage and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms of inflammatory arthritis may include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
  • Swelling in the affected joints
  • Decreased range of motion in the affected joints

Treatment for inflammatory arthritis typically involves a combination of medication and physical therapy. In cases where the arthritis is severe, surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint.

Hip Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and tendons. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms of hip bursitis may include:

  • Pain in the hip brought on by activity
  • Stiffness in the hip that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
  • Swelling
  • Decreased range of motion

Treatment typically involves a combination of pain relief medication, physical therapy, and ice. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa.

Hip Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. The tendons in the hip joint attach the muscles to the bone.

Symptoms of hip tendonitis may include:

  • Pain that is worse with activity
  • Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
    Swelling
  • Decreased range of motion

Recommended treatment typically involves RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physical therapy, and pain relief medication. Surgery is rarely necessary.

Labral Tears of the Hip

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint. It acts as a cushion and stabilizer for the joint. A tear in the labrum can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Symptoms of a labral tear may include:

  • Stiffness in the hip that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
  • Swelling
  • Pain in the hip that is worse with activity
  • Decreased range of motion

Treatment typically involves physical therapy, ice, and pain relief medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the tear.

Gluteus Medius Tear

The gluteus medius is a muscle that helps stabilize the hip joint. A tear in this muscle can cause pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion.

Symptoms of a gluteus medius tear may include:

  • Pain in the hip that gets worse with activity
  • Weakness in the affected leg
  • Decreased range of motion in the hip

Treatment typically involves physical therapy and pain relief medication.

Femoroacetabular Impingement

Finally, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which the bones of the hip joint rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Symptoms of FAI may include:

  • Pain in the hip that is worse with activity
  • Stiffness in the hip that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
  • Swelling in the hip
  • Decreased range of motion in the hip

Treatment typically involves physical therapy, ice, and pain relief medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Orthopedic Hip Surgery

Total Hip Replacement

One of the most common orthopedic hip surgeries is a total hip replacement. This surgery is performed when the hip joint has been damaged by arthritis or injury. It involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.

Total hip replacements are generally very successful, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities after a period of recovery.

The procedure involves making an incision in the hip, removing the damaged joint, and then replacing it with an artificial one. The artificial joint is usually made of metal and plastic.

After a total hip replacement, the majority of the patients will go home the same day or will stay in the hospital for one night. They will then need to undergo physical therapy to regain their strength and range of motion.

To schedule an appointment, call 718.283.7400 today.

 

Maimonides Bone & Joint Center
6010 Bay Parkway
7th & 8th Floors
Brooklyn, NY 11204
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm

Telephone for all locations: 718-283-7400
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
6010 Bay Parkway
1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204

Telephone for all locations: 718-283-8962 
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center – Brooklyn Heights
26 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11242
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm

Telephone: 718-283-7400
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center – Kings Highway
1715 East 13th Street
4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Monday-Friday, 8 am – 6 pm

Telephone: 718-258-2588
Maimonides Bone & Joint Center
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
1715 East 13th Street
Suite 402
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Telephone: 718-258-1238
Maimonides Medical Center Ambulatory Health Services Network (AHSN)
Orthopedic Services
948 48th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11219

Telephone: 718-283-7431

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