Advanced Hip Arthroscopy, Total Hip Replacement, and Hip Resurfacing
Scott Barbour, MD has been a leader in hip arthroscopy for decades. He also instructs other surgeons on how to perform hip arthroscopy and does consulting for Arthrex, one of the world’s leading arthroscopy technology companies, to help guide the development of arthroscopy surgical tools. Dr. Barbour has also trained with Dr. Marc Philippon, a recognized pioneer in hip arthroscopy.
As a respected expert in the field of arthroscopy, Dr. Barbour has been instrumental in the development of new techniques, even pioneering a new labral reconstruction (the ability to restore lost cartilage) procedure using donor tissue.
Up until recently, it was believed that the constrained nature of the hip joint made minimally invasive surgical techniques too challenging to attempt. Advances in technology and surgical techniques, many of which have been driven by Barbour Orthopaedic surgeons, have made arthroscopic hip surgery an effective option for treating many hip joint problems.
Common ways a Hip injury occurs
Degeneration
Over time, our bodies age. This includes the bones, muscles, and tendons of the hip. Inflammation from “wear and tear” of the joints results in arthritis, whereas degeneration of the muscles and tendons results in tears that do not heal without surgical repair.
Repetitive Use
Repetitive use and skeletal development anomalies are the leading cause of hip pain in younger, athletic patients. Running, ice hockey, and artistic sports (dancing, and gymnastics) have a high incidence of hip injuries.
Trauma
Trauma is a leading cause of hip injury in older populations and athletes (in collision sports).
Previously Failed Hip Surgeries
The Barbour team has extensive experience helping patients who have undergone failed hip surgeries, as well as patients with mild to moderate arthritis. He also has extensive experience with hip replacement surgery and thus has a unique perspective on the procedure.
Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy
Due to its minimally invasive nature, many patients who undergo arthroscopic hip surgery can walk immediately after the procedure and are able to shower the following day. Most can drive a car within a few days. No bracing is required, and there are very few restrictions on activities. Most patients can exercise a few weeks after surgery.
The small incisions required for hip arthroscopy result in far less scarring than more invasive hip surgeries, and the reduction in tissue damage also significantly reduces or even eliminates the need for blood transfusions during surgery.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
In some circumstances there is a limit to the amount of good reparative surgeries one can do for the hip joint. Many patients will be best served by total hip replacement surgeries. The orthopaedic surgeons at Barbour Orthopaedics have decades of combined experience in the field of hip surgery and are exceptionally qualified to perform total hip replacement surgery. They are happy to consult with other doctors and patients regarding their options in terms of surgical techniques and replacement joints.
Hip Resurfacing
In order for a hip to function smoothly and without pain, it’s important the hip socket (acetabulum) and the femoral head (the top of the femur/thigh bone) fit together properly. When they don’t, hip resurfacing is a potential surgical solution. During the procedure, the hip socket is replaced and a small portion of the femoral head’s bone is replaced with specialized metal components to restore proper shape and function.