With the readiness of the medical team and the technology for treating hip osteoarthritis at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, we are fully prepared to provide comprehensive care when you experience pain, stiffness in the hip area, abnormal fatigue, or difficulty moving. If left untreated for a long time, the symptoms will worsen. Therefore, you should promptly see a doctor for examination and treatment, which will help you avoid enduring pain and safely return to your normal life.
Causes of Hip Osteoarthritis
- Increasing age, especially for those aged 50 and above
- Body strain from heavy work due to occupation and daily life activities
- Genetic factors in families with a history of hip osteoarthritis
- Underlying diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis of the hip (mostly unknown causes, possibly related to some underlying diseases and the use of certain medications such as steroids)
- Infectious conditions
- Accidents causing hip fractures
Treatment by Specialists and Advanced Technology
When patients come for treatment, it begins with a detailed history taking about hip pain and stiffness. Then, an X-ray examination is performed. If the results are still unclear, additional MRI scans are used to provide accurate and precise diagnosis for effective and targeted treatment planning. Treatment is divided into two types:
- Non-surgical treatment, starting with resting the hip, adequate rest, continuous physical therapy to strengthen muscles, and taking pain relief medication as needed. Most patients with mild hip degeneration will experience improvement quickly.
- Surgical treatment, involving hip replacement surgery in cases of severe degeneration and intense pain that hinders daily life, such as inability to walk or abnormal movement.
Hip Replacement Surgery Techniques That Improve Patients’ Quality of Life
With the technology and specialized surgical techniques of our medical team, we provide hip replacement surgery to ensure maximum safety and full benefits from the treatment. Patients who choose surgery experience an improved quality of life because:
- The surgery is highly safe, reducing the risk of infection
- The surgical wound is very small, with an operation time of about 1.5 hours
- The prosthetic hip is sized to fit the patient’s anatomy, tailored individually
- The prosthetic hip is made from high-quality, durable materials with a lifespan of 15–20 years
- Patients can stand and walk one day after surgery with regular physical therapy and walking practice
- Patients can return to a near-normal lifestyle and follow exercise guidelines to strengthen their body as advised by the doctor
Direct Anterior Approach: A New Surgical Technique That Does Not Cut Muscles
Traditional hip replacement surgery involves incisions from the back or side of the hip, requiring muscle cutting, which causes more injury, slower recovery, and a higher chance of hip dislocation. At Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, we use a new surgical technique called the Direct Anterior Approach, which accesses the hip from the front without cutting muscles. This technique allows precise adjustment of leg length tailored to each patient, resulting in better treatment outcomes because:
- Less injury and blood loss due to no muscle cutting
- Small surgical incision on the front of the hip
- Lower risk of hip dislocation
- Faster recovery with about 3 days of hospital stay
Dr. Siraphat Phopuk
Orthopedic Specialist
Muscle, Bone, and Joint Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
