Emerging techniques in hip care point to value-based orthopedic solutions

In order to increase the value that the orthopedic industry brings to patients, we must expand our scope from simply joint replacement to total joint care — supporting joint health instead of simply treating advanced disease. One of the ways we are achieving this today is by detecting minor problems early and using minimally invasive procedures to help prevent further damage to cartilage and bone.

A perfect example of an emerging technique in hip care today is the treatment of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI). While a relatively new diagnosis, FAI commonly results from repetitive-motion sports injuries and is being identified in more young patients. The condition occurs when a bump or irregularity develops on the femoral head or if there is over-coverage of the head by the acetabulum. These irregularities cause impingement within the hip joint that can result in damage to the cartilage, which can then lead to the development of osteoarthritis with total hip replacement possibly required to help treat the resulting pain.

Orthopedic surgeons now commonly use two minimally invasive techniques that can resolve FAI by smoothing out the irregularity in the hip joint: hip arthroscopy and an open direct anterior approach. Both are effective, and the decision of which technique to use is based on the surgeons’ preference and patients’ unique indications and anatomy. Both help allow rapid rehabilitation and return to high activity levels.

Whether the arthroscopic or direct anterior approach is used, FAI treatment helps to allow orthopedic surgeons to support patient joint health across the entire continuum of care. It enables surgeons to correct the irregularity of the femur and/or acetabulum and attempt to repair any cartilage damage that may have already occurred, plus reconnecting the labrum, if torn, back to the bone using suture anchors.

By helping to enable patients to continue to enjoy their active lives and potentially preventing or delaying future, more expensive osteoarthritis treatment, the FAI procedure is delivering value to stakeholders throughout the health care industry. The new treatment is designed to provide patients with quality joint care while delivering efficiency to the health care system by driving down costs and improving clinical outcomes. Similarly, these procedures are aimed at keeping people active for longer, reducing work absence and improving quality of life.

As an industry, we need to continue to invest in research and development and identify orthopedic techniques and technologies for FAI surgery that will create responsible, value-based orthopedic solutions, improving the quality of care and enhancing surgical outcomes while improving efficiency.

For more information:
Jim Nevelos, PhD, is the director of hip research at Stryker Orthopaedics.