If you are experiencing groin pain, you may actually have a hip condition and the pain is radiating downwards. If you are older it may be due to arthritis or fracture. If you are younger you may have hip pain as a result of an underlying condition such as hip dysplasia or hip impingement.
Arthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis is when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time which causes pain as the bones will rub against each other.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip is pain, tenderness and stiffness.
Most commonly osteoarthritis is caused from wear and tear as we age, being overweight, having other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. It is also more common in women than men.
If your symptoms are milk you can try to treat your symptoms with lifestyle changes such as loosing weight, taking anti-inflammatories or steroid injections. However, if your symptoms are interfering with the enjoyment of your daily life and the joint is badly damaged then surgery can be explored.
Hip replacement surgery, also known as an arthroplasty, is a common procedure where the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one.
Depending on the condition of your knee you may be offered a total hip replacement, or a partial hip replacement.
Mr Makrides specialised in minimally invasive hip surgery to reduce your hospital stay and increase your recovery time, as well as Mako robotic assisted hip replacement.
Hip fracture
A hip fracture is a break in the top of the thigh bone, usually caused by falling or a direct injury.
You may experience hip pain, difficulty moving your leg or bearing weight.
You may need hip surgery to secure the joint with plates while it heals, or you may need a hip replacement if the break is particularly bad.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
DDH is checked for at birth, however mild to moderate cases can be missed and only diagnosed in adulthood after an investigation into what is causing your hip pain.
DDH causes the hip socket to be shallow and not sit flush with the ball. If diagnosed later in life you may have arthritis at a younger age. A hip arthroscopy is usually performed to stabilise the hip joint.
Hip impingement
Hip impingement or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is when something causes the bones in the hip joint to rub against each other, such as a difference in the size compatibility of the ball and socket, which can cause pain.
It is often mistaken for other conditions such as sprains and many people may suffer with hip pain before a full diagnosis. It can cause arthritis at a younger age. You may have a
hip arthroscopy to shave off excess bone to align the ball and socket.
Labral tear
A labral tear is an injury to the cartilage that holds the ball and socket of the hip together. It is often the result of conditions such as hip dysplasia or hip impingement. It can cause pain and instability in the hip joint and increase the risk of developing arthritis at a younger age.
Surgery is usually performed via a hip arthroscopy to repair the damage. If you have an underlying conditions such as hip dysplasia or hip impingement then you may also have treatment for them at the same time.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.
