If you have been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis or bursitis in one or both of your hip joints that is causing chronic pain, here are some *treatment services performed by Dr. Robert Ference.
These options may apply after more conservative treatments such as weight loss, exercise, physical therapy, and medications are not helping ease your symptoms.
Dr. Ference specializes in an anterior approach for hip replacement surgery. He was the first to perform the anterior approach in Michigan.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids help fight inflammation, signaled by heat, redness, pain, and swelling in an injured or inflamed part of the body. Corticosteroid shots ease pain faster than anti-inflammatory pills. When corticosteroids are injected into a joint, their effects are mostly limited to that joint. Steroid shots usually last up to one or two months. However, they can last longer, especially when used with other treatments such as physical therapy. Injections for certain conditions, such as acute joint pain, may also last longer. It’s best to limit steroid injections to three or four times a year.
Total Hip Arthroplasty (total hip replacement)
If the cartilage in your hip is worn away or significantly damaged in all three compartments, you may be a candidate for a Total Hip Replacement (also known as an arthroplasty). The Mako robotic technology is now available to perform Total Hip Replacements with more accuracy. Dr. Ference also performs an anterior approach for hip replacements where less tissue is damaged. Your xrays and other images, past health history, goals, and a comprehensive examination will allow Dr. Ference to determine if this is a treatment option for you.
Anterior Approach to Hip Joint Replacement
Dr. Ference specializes in an anterior approach for hip replacement surgery. He was the first to perform the anterior approach in Michigan. This technique spares the muscles that surround the hip joint and leads to faster recovery and greater patient satisfaction. To hear an interview with Dr. Ference about this technique, click here.