Hip Preservation Surgery Can Reduce Future Arthritis, Replacement Risks in Select Patient Populations

Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute experts have implemented a comprehensive hip preservation program using surgical interventions to address hip problems in certain patients with pain and dysfunction unrelated to arthritis. Hip preservation surgery relieves pain and restores mobility in patients failed by standard non-operative measures, and may reduce the potential for development of arthritis or the need for future hip replacement surgery in properly selected patients.

In hip preservation procedures, surgeons may intervene arthroscopically to repair the labrum and recontour the bony anatomy. “This treats the source of pain and restores stability to the hip,” says Abhishek Kannan, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute who specializes in joint preservation of the hip, knee, and shoulder. 

The technique benefits younger patients, typically ages 15 to 50, with hip dysplasia and/or femoroacetabular impingement. Sports specialization at a young age places a repetitive strain on the growth plates of the hip, altering development of bone morphology.

“Patients who benefit best are those with non-arthritic groin pain limiting their daily function or their athletic performance if they are athletes,” says Dr. Kannan. “With an extensive postoperative rehabilitation protocol, studies show 90 percent of patients return to their desired level of activity and excellent outcomes 10 years after surgery.”

For adolescent to early 20-year-olds with hip instability due to under-coverage from hip dysplasia, Dr. Kannan works in tandem with Jose Herrera, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children with expertise in periacetabular osteotomy. “I repair the labrum arthroscopically and address any intraarticular bony impingement sources,” says Dr. Kannan. “Dr. Herrera performs the open surgery to cut the pelvic bone and reorient the acetabulum to improve coverage.

“This combination procedure improves coverage, restores stability, and reduces the patient’s incidence of arthritis long term.”

Orthopedic experts at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute diagnose and treat complex hip problems using both nonsurgical approaches and the latest minimally invasive and advanced surgical techniques. Their residency and fellowship programs are highly regarded for attracting and training the next generation of orthopedic specialists.