Our Summary

This research paper discusses a common cause of hip pain, which is often misdiagnosed due to vague symptoms and imaging results. The cause of the pain is usually damage to the tendons in the hip, which can appear in a variety of ways.

The first line of treatment usually involves physical therapy, changes in lifestyle, and pain medication. In some cases, injections of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids are used. If these methods aren’t effective, surgery may be required.

There are a variety of surgical techniques that can be used, which are chosen based on the appearance of the damage during surgery and information from MRI scans. These techniques range from simple procedures to repair the tendon, to more complex surgeries involving muscle transfer.

The paper notes that these surgeries can now be performed endoscically (using small incisions and a camera), which has been shown to result in better patient outcomes and fewer complications than traditional open surgery.

However, certain types of tendon damage are associated with poorer results after surgery. As a result, the authors suggest that it might be best to perform endoscopic surgery to repair the tendon sooner rather than later if the patient has been experiencing pain for more than 6 months and a tear is visible on an MRI scan.

The paper is essentially a review and update on the diagnosis and treatment of damage to the hip tendons, with a particular focus on the use of endoscopic surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the first line of treatment for hip pain caused by tendon damage?
  2. How do doctors decide which surgical technique to use for tendon repair?
  3. When is it recommended to perform endoscopic surgery for tendon repair in the hip?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tendon repair is to follow a structured rehabilitation program after surgery to help restore strength, flexibility, and function in the affected area. This may include exercises to improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles surrounding the tendon, and gradually increase activity levels. It is important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider and physical therapist to ensure a successful recovery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, can help support the healing process and prevent future injuries.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tendon repair include those who have been experiencing persistent hip pain for more than 6 months, have not responded well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication, and have visible tendon tears on MRI scans. These patients may benefit from endoscopic surgery to repair the damaged tendons and improve their symptoms. Other factors that may influence the recommendation for tendon repair include the severity of the tendon damage, the patient’s overall health and activity level, and the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Patient experiences hip pain and seeks medical attention.
  2. Initial treatment may involve physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and pain medication.
  3. Injections of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids may be used if initial treatments are not effective.
  4. If pain persists, surgery may be recommended.

After tendon repair:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery, which may involve endoscopic techniques for better outcomes.
  2. Recovery period post-surgery, which may involve physical therapy and pain management.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities and exercise.
  4. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Improvement in pain and function over time, with the goal of full recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tendon repair include:

  1. What are the potential causes of my tendon damage in the hip?
  2. What non-surgical treatment options are available for my condition?
  3. How do you determine if surgery is necessary for tendon repair?
  4. What are the different surgical techniques that can be used for tendon repair in the hip?
  5. What are the risks and potential complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  6. How long is the recovery process after tendon repair surgery?
  7. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for tendon repair surgery in the hip?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or physical therapy exercises I should do after surgery?
  9. How soon after surgery can I expect to return to normal activities and exercise?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations for tendon repair in the hip that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Thaunat M, Pacoret V, Saad M, Saint-Etienne A, Morvan A; Francophone Arthroscopy Society (SFA). Journal: Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2022 Dec;108(8S):103393. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2022.103393. Epub 2022 Sep 6. PMID: 36075568