Tools to Diagnose
| Tool | Diagnoses |
|---|---|
| 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
- 1 Confirm hip as the source of pain
- 2 Rule out non-mechanical causes like primary tissue pathology
- 3 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)
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Patient factors | Symptoms & expectations, prognosis (activity, biology) |
| Surgeon factors | Training & experience |
| Facility factors | Safety, equipment, back-up support |