Hip preservation
Hip preservation surgery is used to relieve hip pain by reshaping the natural joint or by repairing or replacing damaged tissues. These procedures can be used instead of total hip replacements, offering another solution for hip dysplasia or arthritis.
HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge International Center for Hip Preservation
Internationally recognized hip preservation center of excellence helping keep you in the competition.
If you have hip dysplasia or hip pain, joint replacement is not your only option. Our fellowship-trained, board-certified hip preservation specialists have distinct surgical specialties and are leaders in caring for difficult-to-treat hip conditions.
Dominate without letting pain hold you back
If you're an active athlete suffering from hip dysplasia or hip pain, joint replacement is not your only option. The expert hip preservation specialists at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge International Center for Hip Preservation specialize in treating your hip pain using minimally invasive techniques that address your pain while preserving your natural hip bone.
Conditions treated with hip preservation procedures
At The HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge International Center for Hip Preservation, our physicians are skilled in diagnosing and treating common and complex hip conditions.
- Hip dysplasia: The top ball part of your thighbone (femur) doesn't fit properly into your hip socket because it's too shallow. Hip dysplasia is a leading cause of hip pain and instability in active women ages 13 to 40.
- Hip labral tears: The cartilage tissue (labrum) that lines your hip socket tears.
- Hip impingement: Irregularly shaped bones in your hip joint rub against each other. Hip impingement is also called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
- Hip instability: The hip joint feels loose or weak. Hip dysplasia often causes hip instability.
Why choose HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge for hip preservation
Creating a vision for the future in hip preservation
The International Center for Hip Preservation at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge is bringing together world-renowned hip preservation specialists across North America and the United Kingdom through HCA Healthcare network. We are committed to developing best practices for hip preservation that benefit our patients.
Providing compassionate hospital care
We combine a state-of-the-art orthopedic unit with a care team of nurse and therapists specializing in hip preservation. Our patient and family concierge program supports families traveling from afar and abroad.
Advancing research and positive outcomes
Our robust research program focuses on improving patient care, from nonoperative management to surgical treatment of young, active patients with complex hip disorders. At our monthly case conference hip preservation specialists from across the country and internationally meet virtually to discuss challenging cases, review imaging studies and collaborate to create the best plan of care for patients.
Educating doctors and practitioners
Our physician training program connects surgeons around the world via livestream to educate and advance surgical techniques. We also offer advanced training for hip preservation physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Annie's hip dysplasia discovery and treatment
Annie was always active in sports—lacrosse, volleyball, running. But after years of dealing with hip pain, she was finally diagnosed with a labral tear and surprisingly with hip dysplasia. After having a Ganz or periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) procedure and labral tear repair, she's enjoying her active life again!
Serving patients from around the world
As a destination center for hip preservation, we treat patients and provide consultation to orthopedic specialists from a growing list of states and countries.
Concierge services
Whether traveling near or far for specialized medical care, you want to know you are in expert hands before, during and after your stay. Our HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge concierge service works closely with our hip preservation team giving you on point of contact for any questions before your arrival, support for loved ones on the day of surgery and assistance with all hospital services and area accommodations. Call (720) 225-1998 or visit our patient resources page for more information.
Hip Preservation Second Opinion program
The specialists at the International Center for Hip Preservation at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge offer second opinions for hip preservation surgical options to help you and your family feel more comfortable and confident when it comes to your medical treatment.
Why would you consider getting a second opinion?
Sometimes making these surgical decisions can feel overwhelming. Getting a second opinion can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are doing what's right for your young athlete. Seeking another medical opinion is an easy way to understand the diagnosis, add perspective about your doctor's expertise and help you gain valuable insight into the treatment options, recovery and return to activity.
Specialists know asking for another medical opinion is common and understand that this helps you make the best decision for your family.
Common reasons families may seek a second opinion:
- You want to be sure you have learned about the best treatment options.
- You want to feel confident you have selected the most experienced provider.
- Your young athlete is still suffering with symptoms after initial treatments and want to learn more.
- You want to determine the best course of action to help the young athlete return to the sport she or he loves.
For a second opinion from an International Center for Hip Preservation at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge specialist, call (720) 225-HIPS.
Our hip preservation services
Hip preservation surgery is a subspecialty of our orthopedic program in which surgeons perform procedures designed specifically to preserve your natural hip joint, rather than undergoing a hip replacement. We use the latest technology to pinpoint the cause of your hip pain, including advanced CT scans that create a 3D model of your hip and pelvic region. We also use ultrasound-guided fluoroscopy imaging (moving X-rays) to determine the combination of hip and back pain sources.
Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy
During hip arthroscopy, our surgeons insert a thin scope with a video camera (arthroscope) through a small incision in your hip. They refer to video images from the arthroscope to perform procedures through other small incisions. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, which means you have smaller scarring and little blood loss and will recover faster.
At the HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge Center for Hip Preservation, we specialize in arthroscopic hip labral reconstructions. We treat many patients who experience a repeat hip labral tear after undergoing surgery at another center (a failed labrum repair). Our surgeons expertly reattach tissue or use donor tissue to reconstruct the torn labrum, and we help lower your risk of another tear.
Our surgeons use hip arthroscopy to:
- Diagnose hip conditions
- Remove torn labral cartilage and reattach tissue to bone
- Repair or reconstruct the labrum
- Trim bone spurs caused by hip impingement
- Remove inflamed connective (synovial) tissue
- Perform revision surgery on a previously repaired torn labrum
Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) procedure for hip dysplasia
Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), also known as Ganz osteotomy, is an advanced surgical procedure for hip dysplasia. Most people develop symptoms between 13 and 40 years old, and our surgeons treat hip dysplasia in both teenagers and adults. The treatment greatly reduces your risk of early-onset hip arthritis before age 50 and the need for a hip replacement at a young age.
During PAO, our surgeons reshape your hip joint and rotate the hip socket into its proper position. This repositioning allows the ball joint (femoral head) to sit correctly in the socket.
Surgeons at the HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge International Center for Hip Preservation are nationally recognized PAO experts. For you, this means:
- Less time in surgery: Our deep experience performing PAOs means we can safely and effectively perform the procedure in about 90 minutes. That's two to three hours shorter than other centers. Less time in surgery means less time under anesthesia. It also minimizes blood loss.
- Faster recovery: Many of our patients leave the hospital 72 hours after surgery. PAO patients at other centers often have a five- to seven-day hospital stay.
Combination PAO and hip arthroscopy for hip dysplasia and labral tears
We are one of a select few centers nationwide with the expertise to perform periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and hip arthroscopy during one surgery. Rather than performing two separate surgeries several weeks apart, this combined surgical approach helps optimize outcomes for patients and enable a shorter recovery.
You also benefit from:
- Fewer surgeries
- Reduced time under anesthesia
- Minimal blood loss and tendon and muscle damage
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain and scarring
- Faster return to activities
What to expect during surgery
Before your procedure
Your surgery and hospital visit
When you're ready to go home
A virtual tour of hip preservation surgery
While you're in the hospital
Preparing for your recovery
Don't play through the pain!
Hip pain doesn't have to leave you on the sidelines of your favorite activities. Our specialized physicians and staff offer innovative treatments that can help alleviate your pain. Call today and ask for a hip preservation specialist.
Hip pain doesn't have to leave you on the sidelines of your favorite activities. Our specialized physicians and staff offer innovative treatments that can help alleviate your pain. Call today and ask for a hip preservation specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I check in for surgery?
You will go the Spine & Total Joint Center on the east side of the campus.
Where do I get crutches?
You can get crutches at most pharmacies. You can also ask neighbors or friends if they have some that you'd like to borrow. Online retailers sell them and there are several donation centers around the metro Denver area.
What other medical equipment might I need?
It is not necessary to get these pieces of equipment, but many patients find them helpful. This may be determined based on help at home and your home environment. You might find these beneficial: toilet riser with arm bars, shower chair/bench, shoe horn, sock aide, extended grabber.
When will we get the CPM machine and hip brace?
Patients will get a call a few days prior to surgery to coordinate a day to get fitted to these prior to surgery. This will always be within the last few days just before surgery. For the hip brace, patients will need to come in person to the surgeon's office to be fitted. For the CPM machine, this will be delivered to your home.
How long will I be in the hospital?
You'll check in to the hospital on the day of your surgery. For some procedures, you may be able to return home that day, but if you have a PAO procedure, you will typically stay 2-3 days in the hospital. We have specific criteria that will dictate when you are ready to discharge. This will be shared with you during your surgery conference.
Can I have someone spend the night while I am in the hospital?
Yes, we have a futon in the room in which a loved one may spend the night with you.
Do I need to remove my IUD prior to surgery?
No. We tell patients to stop birth control one month prior to surgery, however, if you have an IUD it doesn't have to be removed.
When can I return to my sports?
This is up to your doctor, but usually you may return to playing sports in about six months.