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Mercer-Bucks Orthobiologic Institute

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Hip Preservation

Created by Michael Ast, MD and Frederic Kleinbart, MD, the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedic’s Hip Preservation Program was developed for those patients who are suffering from hip pain but do not need Hip Replacement Surgery.

Hip Preservation Surgery is meant to repair abnormal or injured hip joints while preserving the original hip and hip function. The benefits of Hip Preservation Surgery include maintaining the patient's own joint and hip bones, no long term activity restrictions and lower risks of complications than a Total Hip Replacement.

Michael Ast, MD
Michael Ast, MD
Frederic Kleinbart, MD
Frederic Kleinbart, MD

What Conditions Are Treated?

Hip Impingement

Also referred to as Femoro-Acetabular Impingement (FAI) occurs when the ball of the hip joint (head of the femur) does not have full range of motion within the socket. This causes decreased range of hip joint motion as well as abnormal contact of the hip bones that often leads to cartilage injury and pain.

Labral Tears

The labrum is a piece of cartilage that runs along the hip socket. It provides stability to the hip joint and can become torn due to injury or “wear and tear”.

Cartilage Injuries

Am I a Candidate?

Upon medical evaluation, if you fall into one of the following categories, you could be a candidate for Hip Preservation Surgery.

  1. High activity level
  2. No advanced arthritis
  3. Skeletally mature (above the age of 15)
  4. Good responses to hip joint injections but have failed other treatments

What Are the Hip Preservation Surgical Options?

Hip Arthroscopy

Multiple small incisions, using fiber optic cameras and special instrumentation to repair or reconstruct certain problems within the hip joint.

Mini-Open Hip Reconstruction

Using a single 2”-3” incision to repair damage in and around the hip joint. This offers more treatment options than hip arthroscopy and may be safer for patients with mild arthritis.

Stem Cell Therapy

With direct access to the hip joint, stem cells can be removed during surgery and used to treat a variety of hip cartilage and soft tissue problems.

What Should I Expect Prior to Surgery?

Upon medical evaluation, if you fall into one of the following categories, you could be a candidate for Hip Preservation Surgery.

  1. A physician consult with one of the hip preservation specialists
  2. A detailed physical exam focusing on common causes of non-arthritic hip pain
  3. Diagnostic imaging including x-rays and MRIs when necessary
  4. Treatment often begins with oral anti-inflammatories, activity modifications and physical therapy
  5. Depending on diagnosis, treatment can include diagnostic or therapeutic image-guided injections
  6. If all non-surgical treatments fail, then a consultation with a surgeon to discuss possible surgical treatment options

What Should I Expect Prior to Surgery?

  1. Most patients go home the same day of surgery or within 24-48 hours
  2. Depending on the procedure, the patient may or may not be able to put weight on the leg for a period of time
  3. Patient may shower right away since there are no stitches or staples used
  4. Patient is re-evaluated at 2 weeks post-surgery to discuss physical therapy and appropriate activities
  5. Once all physical therapy is completed, patient should be able to return to all activities with no restrictions