HIP PAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS IN MISSOULA, MONTANA
At Missoula Bone & Joint, our hip specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating a range of hip conditions, including osteoarthritis. Common symptoms of hip issues can include joint pain, groin pain, limited mobility, weakness, swelling, tenderness, difficulty sleeping on the hip, and pain with movement. Hip pain can be disruptive and frustrating, impacting your ability to perform everyday tasks like walking or standing up from a chair. Understanding a bit about hip anatomy can help you recognize how conditions like arthritis and injuries affect this essential joint.
Understanding Hip Joint
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded head of the thighbone (femur) serves as the “ball” that fits into the acetabulum, or “socket” within the pelvis. Both the femoral head and the acetabulum are lined with a smooth, slippery cartilage that allows for easy movement. Around the acetabulum is an additional cartilage layer, called the labrum, which helps stabilize the joint. Strong muscles support the hips and legs, while tendons connect these muscles to the bones.
As one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints, the hip endures a great deal of stress, making it susceptible to both injury and age-related wear. When any part of the hip joint is damaged, movement can become challenging and painful.
Hip Arthritis
;Osteoarthritis is the most common source of hip pain seen at Missoula Bone & Joint. As we age, the cartilage lining the hip joint gradually wears down, causing the ball and socket to rub against each other. This friction leads to pain, stiffness, and often limited mobility. In many cases, hip replacement surgery can provide long-term pain relief and restore function.
Hip Joint Replacement Surgery
Our hip replacement surgeons are experienced in multiple approaches—including anterior, posterior, and superior techniques—to meet each patient’s individual needs. During a hip replacement the damaged socket is replaced with a new one and a metal stem is inserted into the femur (thigh bone). The artificial components are securely fixed, and surrounding muscles and tendons are carefully realigned. Our team also offers hip revision surgery to address issues such as infection or wear over time in artificial hip joints.
The Anterior Approach for hip replacement accesses the hip joint from the front, allowing the surgeon to work around muscles. Patients commonly experience improved mobility soon after surgery. Dr. Cameron Barton and Dr. Mark Channer offer the Anterior Approach.
The Posterior Approach for hip replacement accesses the hip joint from the back, providing the surgeon with a different view of the hip anatomy. This approach can be beneficial for long-term stability and alignment. Dr. David Allmacher, Dr. Jeffrey LaPorte, Dr Richard Myers, Dr. Christopher Price, and Dr. Michael Wright offer the Posterior Approach.
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat various hip conditions, including labral tears, impingement, and cartilage damage. Dr. Michael Wright specializes in hip arthroscopy and performs this procedure at our Missoula Bone & Joint Outpatient Surgery Center.
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are often due to falls, with osteoporosis being a leading risk factor. Osteoporosis causes bone loss and weakness, making bones more susceptible to fractures, particularly in women and with advancing age.
Other Hip Conditions We Treat
- Hip Arthritis
- Hip Fracture
- Hip Dislocation
- Hip Impingement
- Hip Labral Tears
- Hip Bursitis
- Synovitis (Inflammation of the Hip Lining)
- IT Band Bursitis
- Snapping Hip Syndrome
- Unexplained Hip Pain
Meet the Best Hip Doctors in Missoula, Montana:
If you’re experiencing hip pain, whether due to injury or conditions like arthritis, our board-certified specialists are here to help. Call Missoula Bone & Joint to schedule an appointment with one of our hip experts (406) 721-4436.
- Dr. David Allmacher
- Dr. Cameron Barton
- Dr. Mark Channer
- Dr. Jeffrey LaPorte
- Dr. Richard Myers
- Dr. Christopher Price
- Dr. Michael Wright