Hip Preservation
If you struggle with pain or have trouble getting around because of an injury or hip condition, VCU Health is here to help. Our orthopedic surgery team has extensive training and expertise in hip preservation surgery. In fact, our surgeons perform hundreds of procedures each year with excellent results. When hip conditions are treated early or before arthritis develops, you can maintain your activity level and range of motion for longer.
We offer a wide range of services to treat painful hip conditions, including minimally invasive surgery. While minimally invasive hip preservation surgery is a safe and effective option for many people, some patients need traditional surgery to restore joint function.
VCU Health offers hip preservation procedures for the following conditions:
- Abductor tendon tears
- Bursitis
- Disrupted blood supply to the hip
- Hamstring tears
- Hip dysplasia and instability
- Hip impingement
- Labral tears
- Loose cartilage
- Minor cartilage damage
- Snapping hip syndrome
Hip Preservation Surgery
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is minimally invasive surgery used to correct hip impingement, labral tears and other conditions. Surgeons access the hip joint using tiny incisions and cameras, which speeds recovery and causes less pain. This outpatient procedure restores normal hip function for most patients, so they can quickly return to their favorite activities. It’s a great option if you haven’t found relief with non-surgical treatment.
Using 3D imaging, our specialists correct and repair damage to the hip joint with less trauma to the surrounding tissue and bone. Our surgeons don’t use a post, so there are fewer complications after surgery. This safe and effective option can help you avoid or delay hip replacement surgery.
Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)
Patients with hip dysplasia may benefit from periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The surgery corrects a shallow hip socket and improves coverage of the hip bone. Several cuts are made in the pelvis around the hip to realign the socket. Once the correct position is found, the bone is fixed in place to hold the realigned hip socket. It can then heal in the new position.
PAO requires a brief hospital stay. Before returning home, you’ll work with a physical therapist to increase your mobility. You’ll gradually return to activities and sports after a few months and usually have no restrictions after a year. As with arthroscopy, PAO lets you return to high-level activities and sports. It may also help to delay or prevent hip replacement surgery.
Additional Hip Preservation Procedures
- Arthroscopic labral reconstructions
- Biologic injections for hip conditions
- Cartilage restoration
- Core decompression to treat avascular necrosis
- Endoscopic piriformis release/sciatic nerve decompression
- Femoral de-rotational osteotomy
- Open and arthroscopic abductor tendon repairs
- Open and endoscopic proximal hamstring repairs
Make an Appointment
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a hip preservation specialist at VCU Health, please call (804) 828-0713.
Meet Our Team
Gregory J Golladay, MD
OrthopaedicsJoint Reconstruction
Meghan Richardson, MD
Sports MedicineOrthopaedics
Jeremy A Ross, MD
Orthopaedics