Question 1

What is hip preservation surgery?

Accepted Answer

Hip preservation refers to procedures that treat the underlying cause of hip pain — impingement, labral tears, dysplasia, instability or cartilage damage — while keeping your own joint. The goal is to relieve pain and restore mechanics early enough to delay or avoid a hip replacement.

Question 2

What is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?

Accepted Answer

FAI is abnormal contact between the femoral head-neck junction and the socket rim. Extra bone on the femur (cam), the socket (pincer) or both pinches the labrum and cartilage during deep flexion and rotation, causing groin pain, stiffness and clicking in athletes and active individuals.

Question 3

Do labral tears heal without surgery?

Accepted Answer

A torn labrum does not heal on its own, but not every tear needs surgery. Many patients improve with targeted physical therapy, activity modification and injections. Surgery is considered when mechanical symptoms persist, imaging confirms a structural cause, and non-operative care has been given a fair trial.

Question 4

How long is recovery after hip arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Most patients use crutches for about two to four weeks and begin formal physical therapy within the first week. Desk work often resumes in one to two weeks, running around three to four months, and full return to cutting or contact sport typically between four and six months, guided by criteria-based testing rather than the calendar.

Question 5

When is a PAO recommended instead of arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

A periacetabular osteotomy is recommended when the socket itself is too shallow to support the joint (hip dysplasia). Arthroscopy alone in a dysplastic hip can worsen instability, so the socket is reoriented to provide durable coverage — sometimes combined with arthroscopic labral and cartilage work.

Question 6

Do you treat gluteal tendon and hamstring tears?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gluteus medius and minimus (abductor) tears, proximal hamstring tears at the ischial tuberosity, rectus femoris and hip flexor injuries, and core muscle injury / sports hernia screening are all part of the practice, using endoscopic or open repair depending on the tear pattern.

Question 7

Do I need a referral, and what should I bring?

Accepted Answer

A referral is helpful and required by some insurance plans, but you may call the office directly. Please bring any prior hip imaging (X-rays, MRI or MR arthrogram) on disc or via portal access, along with therapy and injection records.

Question 8

Can I get a second opinion on a hip surgery already recommended elsewhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Second opinions for FAI, labral repair versus reconstruction, dysplasia, revision hip arthroscopy and failed prior hip surgery are a routine part of the practice. Bring your imaging and prior operative reports so the review is complete on the first visit.

Question 9

Do you care for professional and youth athletes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The practice provides team coverage in professional soccer and school athletics, and treats athletes across soccer, football, hockey, dance, track and field, gymnastics and more — sports that load the hip at end range.

Question 10

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Call the office at (513) 347-9999. New and returning hip patients are seen at 4700 East Galbraith Road, Suite 300, Cincinnati, OH 45236.

Frequently Asked Questions