Warning from an orthopedist for those with hip pain

Medical Point Gaziantep Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kalender stated that it is important for patients who present with hip pain to consult an orthopedics clinic as soon as they feel the pain, in terms of treatment outcomes.

In children between the ages of 6 and 12, Perthes disease, which is characterized by a disruption of blood flow to the femoral head and causes hip pain and limping, is treated with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs depending on the stage and involvement, and surgical treatment is also performed depending on the progression.

In the statement where his views were included, Ali Murat Kalender stated that the reason for the frequent occurrence of hip pain in childhood is synovitis in the capsule, that is, inflammation of the joint lining, following an infection.

Kalender stated that slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children between the ages of 12 and 15 causes pain and limping, especially in overweight children, and said, 'Diagnosis and treatment are very important in this disease. Delay in diagnosis and therefore treatment can lead to permanent limping. The most frequently missed diagnosis in orthopedics is slipped capital femoral epiphysis. If the patient does not come to an orthopedist, they may continue their life with a permanent limp.' he said.

Stating that joint infections and rheumatological diseases between the ages of 15 and 45 can also cause hip pain, Kalender noted that at age 45 and over, calcification in the hip joint due to the deterioration of the joint cartilage causes pain.

Pointing out that advanced levels of calcification require surgical treatment, Kalender made the following assessments:

'The patient has difficulty putting on their own shoes and socks, and cutting their nails. The results of surgical treatment can have a 96 percent success rate. A total hip replacement, known among the public as a hip prosthesis, is applied. The patient can stand up and walk on the 1st day after the surgery. After the operation, hip joint movements are significantly relieved. Fractures in the hip joint can be observed as a result of trauma at any age.

The risk of fracture is high, especially as a result of traffic accidents and falls from heights. Surgical treatment comes to the fore in fractures involving the joint. In old age, spontaneous fractures can be observed as a result of simple falls or because bone quality is very weak due to osteoporosis. This is the most common cause of hip pain. Applying a hip prosthesis without delay is important for the patient's vital risk.'

"SURGERY IS NEEDED IN DELAYED CASES"

Stating that another cause of hip pain is infection in the hip joint, Kalender emphasized that if the infection can be diagnosed early, it can be treated with medication.

Drawing attention to the fact that surgery is needed in delayed cases, Kalender used the following expressions:

'Childhood hip dislocations, developmental dysplasia of the hip, only cause limping and late walking at early ages. It causes degeneration and pain in the hip joint at age 40 and over. In this case, the patient can be enabled to walk comfortably by applying a hip prosthesis again. Although tumors in the bones around the hip are rare, they can cause pain. After good research and imaging, surgical treatment appropriate to the character of the tumor is applied.'

Kalender pointed out that hip pain must be evaluated by an orthopedist, and underlined that a diagnosis should be made without delay and an appropriate treatment option should be determined.

Adding that permanent disabilities can be observed in delayed cases, Kalender warned that embolism can be observed as a complication resulting from hip fractures; he warned that this risk may increase if the patient remains immobile for a long time and the surgery is delayed, and that treatment should be applied as soon as possible without delay.

Kalender stated that it is important for patients who present with hip pain to consult an orthopedics clinic as soon as they feel the pain, in terms of treatment outcomes.