Considering a Hip Replacement? Read Me!

This week’s story highlights the journey of a local Maricopa resident, whom we'll call Darla, and her experience with a hip replacement. It's a common scenario—hip replacements rank as the second most common orthopedic surgery in the U.S., following knee replacements. With age, many develop arthritis, but the crucial question remains: is limited mobility genuinely due to arthritis?

Darla had her left hip replaced five years before I saw her. Despite the surgery, she continued to struggle with basic tasks like putting on shoes and climbing stairs. She reported that pain was never a significant issue for her even before the surgery, but her mobility was severely limited. The expectation was that the hip replacement would resolve these problems, yet they persisted.

Upon assessment, it was plainly clear that the root of her difficulties lay not in the joint itself, but in muscular dysfunction. Her left hip flexor was remarkably weak, and she had trouble lifting her leg while seated. Getting in and out of cars was also a challenge. This indicated a problem with muscle function rather than an issue with her hip joint, even though her x-rays showed moderate arthritis prior to surgery.

After evaluating her situation, it was evident that her mobility limitations were never due to arthritis. Instead, there was a muscle strain with significant inflammation in her left hip. Focusing on eliminating the inflammation in the soft tissue and strengthening her hip and hip flexor made a significant difference. After six weeks of targeted intervention, Darla regained her ability to put on her shoes and navigate stairs—milestones she hadn’t achieved in nearly a decade.

This story underscores a vital takeaway: imaging alone should not dictate a diagnosis. Too often, medical providers lean heavily on x-rays or MRIs, potentially overlooking the importance of listening to patients' experiences and assessing their physical capabilities. Darla’s case illustrates that her arthritis was not the source of her mobility issues; rather, a deeper muscular dysfunction was at play.

The bottom line? Arthritis is not the leading cause of pain and dysfunction. Taking the time to understand a patient’s symptoms and listening to the stories can lead to more effective and appropriate treatment, potentially avoiding unnecessary surgeries. Quality care comes from a comprehensive approach that values both objective findings and subjective experiences.

Remember, it’s my personal goal to prevent 100,000 unnecessary surgeries. This is a case where I was too late to prevent surgery, but I was able to give back a life of activity and joy to a grandmother and fellow neighbor.

Stay healthy Movers!