Tools to Diagnose
- History & Physical Examination – hip impingement and abductor dysfunction are diagnosed clinically
- X-rays, MRI, CT scan – hip dysplasia and cartilage problems are diagnosed radiographically
- Local anesthetic injections – injections can block pain receptors and help localize the source of pain
Steps to Diagnose
- Confirm hip as the source of pain
- Rule out non-mechanical causes like primary tissue pathology
- Identify potential causes of mechanical pain
Treatment Options
- Symptomatic – activity modification, medicines, therapy
- Surgical correction – treat the most likely cause, with comprehensive normalization of all elements of hip function
Value to the Patient (Risk-Benefit Analysis)
- Patient factors – symptoms & expectations, prognosis (activity, biology)
- Surgeon factors – training & experience
- Facility factors – safety, equipment, back-up support