Chondral Defects of the Hip

Chondral Defects of the Hip (Articular Cartilage Damage) Specialist

What are Chondral Defects of the Hip?
(Articular Cartilage Damage)

Articular cartilage is a smooth but firm tissue that lines the joints of the body and allows for a reduction in friction. This substance covers the ends of the bones that form the hip joint (femur and acetabulum), allowing for smooth motion between the ends of the bones when the hips move. This tissue also acts as a “shock absorber” by protecting the joint during impact activities such as running and jumping.

A chondral defect of the hip is a condition that occurs when there is articular cartilage damage. The defect and/or damage to the articular cartilage can result in a number of conditions leading to various symptoms. Degenerative diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common conditions of the hip in which articular cartilage has suffered damage. In some instances, cartilage can potentially wear down and break off or tear away from the bone. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can also lead to chondral defects within the joint. Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park, Texas communities orthopedic hip specialist, Dr. Jeff Padalecki, successfully treats a number of hip conditions, including chondral defects of the hip.

Normal wear and tear that comes with aging is a common culprit for chondral damage in the hip. Damage to the articular cartilage within the hip can also occur as a result of a direct blow to the hip joint, such as with a fall or a traumatic accident (i.e. motor vehicle accident). These defects can also result from repetitive motion, overuse, and stress from sports or other activities.

What are the Symptoms of a Chondral Defects of the Hip?

The most common symptom of a chondral defect of the hip is pain, which can almost feel like a “catch” within the joint.

How is a Chondral Defect of the Hip Diagnosed?

Dr. Padalecki will review the patient’s background including a complete history and discuss any injury that may have taken place to cause damage to the hip joint. Typically an MRI is the most effective method to view the articular cartilage within the hip joint.

Are you experiencing chondral defects of the hip symptoms?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Padalecki:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review with Dr. Padalecki.

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Padalecki.

How are Chondral Defects of the Hip Treated?

Non-Surgical

In less severe cases, surgery for chondral defects of the hip can be avoided and patients are able to manage their pain with non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications, ice, and exercises as prescribed by a physical therapist. Injections into the hip can also help alleviate symptoms.

Surgical

Cartilage has a poor blood supply and does not have the ability to repair itself. In cases of severe articular cartilage injury, surgery will likely be recommended with the goal of minimizing symptoms. Some procedures also have the capacity to help restore the area with scar tissue that behaves like cartilage. These surgical procedures can minimize the symptoms associated with cartilage defects and allow for a better quality of life. The exact surgical technique can vary based on the size and severity of the defect. Dr. Padalecki typically uses a variety of techniques:

• Chondroplasty is an arthroscopic surgery which removes and cleans out, or debrides, any unstable pieces of cartilage or foreign bodies within the joint. When a patient is diagnosed with “loose bodies”, a chondroplasty and loose body removal is typically the procedure that is used.This usually is the first approach to treat damaged cartilage. It offers a shorter recovery time and is less invasive.

• Microfracture is another approach that has been developed to help cartilage grow. During the procedure, tiny holes are made in the underlying bone stimulating stem cells within the marrow to approach the site of injury, creating new cartilage growth.

What Occurs after Chondral Defect Hip Surgery?

A rehabilitation and physical therapy program will be prescribed at your first post-operative visit with Dr. Padalecki. Initially, the therapy will focus on slowly returning motion back to the injured hip. After that is achieved, you will follow a progressive strengthening program to protect the repaired hip and avoid future damage or degenerative issues.

For additional resources on chondral defects of the hip or other articular cartilage damage, please contact the office of Dr. Jeff Padalecki, hip specialist in Austin, Texas.