Is a hip injury keeping you on the sidelines? If you want to get back into the action, it might be time to see a sports hip specialist. This article delves into the most common hip injuries in sports and how to find the right specialist for you.
While injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee or tennis elbow are common when leading an active lifestyle, sport and exercise isn’t always that readily linked to hip issues. However, that’s not to say they don’t happen and aren’t common. Below are the most common hip injuries associated with sports.
Soft tissue injuries These include strains and tears to muscles around the hip area. They can also include bursitis, tendonitis, and damage to the labrum (the cartilage that helps to stabilise the hip joint).
Musculoskeletal conditions and injuries These mostly account for fractures and dislocations. Stress fractures occur when small cracks in the bone appear and develop due to overuse. Meanwhile, dislocations to the hip joint sees the femoral head (the ball) dislocate from the socket.
Osteoarthritis This occurs following general wear-and-tear of the hip joint that also sees the degrading of the cartilage. Osteoarthritis is most commonly associated with previous injuries, ageing, and genetics.
What to look for in a sports hip specialist
If you’re concerned by persistent hip pain, it’s likely you’d benefit from seeing a hip sports injury specialist. These highly experienced consultants specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hip conditions.
When looking for a hip specialist, remember to think about the following:
Experience: try to find out how much experience your chosen consultant has in dealing with your specific issue?
Patient reviews: does the consultant have any reviews from their past patients? Word of mouth and recommendations are one of the most powerful means of validation for a business or professional
Qualifications: look for a surgeon with extensive qualifications and affiliations to renowned surgical societies. The Royal College of Surgeons and the British Orthopaedic Association in the UK are two examples of such institutions.
At Practice Plus Group, we have some of the most experienced and knowledgeable sports injury consultants in the UK. The profile below features top-level details about one of our most prominent hip consultants.
Kenan Dehne, Consultant orthopaedic surgeon
Practices at: Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green and Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham.
Qualifications:
Certificate of Specialist registration in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, 2018
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, 2015
Fellow of the European Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, 2014
Certificate of Specialist registration in Trauma & Orthopaedics, 2004
Ministry of Health, Damascus, Syria, 2004
Specialties: Hip surgery, hand and wrist surgery, knee surgery, orthopaedics, and sports injuries.
When do hip consultant recommend surgery for sports injuries?
Not all hip injuries require surgical treatment as a solution. At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon will take the time to assess your specific injury, run the necessary tests, and ask the questions needed to arrive at a diagnosis. A treatment plan will then be devised based on what the specialist recommends and believes is the best course of action.
There are signs you might need hip surgery, but this isn’t always the most suitable option. Persistent hip pain, swelling and inflammation, stiffness and immobility, and instability of the hip joint are all indicators that surgery may be required but until an assessment and diagnosis is sought, it’s very difficult to know if surgery is the best course of action for you.
Treatments for sports-related hip problems
Treatments for hip problems vary depending on the severity of the injury and the specific issue. In some cases, hip replacement surgery may be the best option, whereas in others, more conservative methods of pain management may be recommended.
A consultation with one of our hip specialists could get you the answers you need, while setting you on the way back to doing the things you love.
Questions to ask your sports orthopaedic surgeon
From the expected outcomes of hip replacement surgery to what your road to recovery might look like following, the following are all good questions about hip surgery to ask your specialist before you embark on a treatment path:
How do I know hip surgery is the best option for me?
What are the pros and cons of total hip replacement surgery?
Are there any alternative treatments for hip pain?
When is the best time to have hip surgery?
If surgery has been recommended by your specialist, you might want to consider asking the following questions:
What happens during hip surgery?
What is the expected outcome and success rate?
Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of a successful surgery?
How should I prepare for hip surgery?
How to choose the best sports hip specialist near you
Before you make a decision, remember the following tips when choosing the best hip surgeon for you:
Experience: how much experience does the consultant have in dealing with your specific issue?
Patient reviews: does the consultant have any reviews from their past patients?
Qualifications: look for a surgeon with extensive qualifications and affiliations to renowned surgical societies. The Royal College of Surgeons and the British Orthopaedic Association in the UK are two examples of such institutions.
Patient testimonial
“From being house bound to looking forward to life after surgery and getting back to the hobbies I enjoy is a wonderful feeling…I can’t recommend the team [at Birmingham] enough.”
Gerald Goddard, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
Spending time on the sidelines can be tough. If you’re facing some time away from your favourite sport or hobby due to injury, why not take the first step towards recovery today? Finding a sports hip specialist near you is a straightforward process, so why delay?
After medical school in Al-Mustansirya University in Baghdad, Nawar moved to Sweden where he passed the medical exam at Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm (MD) and started training to become Swedish-Board certified specialist in trauma and orthopaedics. He researched in the area of developmental hip dysplasia and enrolled in PhD studies at Gothenburg University on ankle fractures epidemiology. Nawar moved to the UK in 2020 and is still a visiting surgeon in Sweden. As a high volume surgeon, he has performed over 1000 joint replacements.
Not quite found the hip specialist info you’re looking for? Perhaps our FAQs can help!
How to tell if a hip injury is serious?
A hip injury is serious if:
– the pain is persistent and severe – it’s unresponsive to painkillers and other non-surgical treatments – there is swelling around the hip joint – you have trouble with mobility because of the injured hip joint.
How do I know if I need to see a hip consultant?
You might benefit from some time with a hip consultant if:
– your hip pain is persistent and severe – it’s unresponsive to painkillers and other non-surgical treatments – there is swelling around the hip joint – you have trouble with mobility because of the injured hip joint.
Can a hip consultant help me avoid surgery?
Yes, if they think surgery isn’t the right option for you at the time of your consultation. Instead, they might advise physio sessions, lifestyle changes, or even pain medication to help manage the issue.
What should I expect during my first hip consultation?
The aim of your hip consultation is to get you a diagnosis. The consultant will likely carry out a physical examination which may include x-rays, blood tests, and swabs. He or she will also ask questions about your current health and your family medical history. The consultation typically takes around an hour and by the end, your consultant will have devised a tailored treatment plan (if treatment is needed).
Who is the best hip surgeon in the UK for sporting injuries?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cut and dried answer to this question. The best hip surgeon for you will be the one that has plenty of experience in carrying out the specific treatment you need.
Can I play sports after a hip replacement?
Yes you can. That does, however, come with a ‘but’. While low-impact sports such as cycling, golf, and walking are generally recommended by hip specialists, high-impact exercise is often ill-advised.
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