Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip Osteoarthritis: Candidacy Assessment & Treatment in Palm Beach

Hip osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage within the hip joint, one of the most load-bearing joints in the body. It is a leading cause of pain and disability in adults over 50, and hip replacement surgery is among the most commonly performed joint procedures in the United States.

At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas applies strict candidacy criteria to hip OA, because the reality is that advanced hip arthritis, particularly in patients over 55, is often better served by hip replacement surgery. Honest candidacy assessment is a hallmark of our approach. Give us a call for an appointment today.

What Is Hip Osteoarthritis?

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the femur (thigh bone) sits within the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. As cartilage degenerates, the joint space narrows, bone spurs develop, and the friction between joint surfaces increases, causing pain with weight-bearing, walking, and transitional movements.

Signs and Symptoms

• Groin, thigh, or buttock pain, especially with walking or standing
• Pain that worsens with activity and may improve briefly with rest
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Reduced range of motion, including difficulty putting on shoes, crossing legs
• Limping or altered gait pattern
• Pain at night disrupting sleep

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Age-related degeneration of hip cartilage (primary OA)
• Prior hip injuries, fractures, or surgery
• Hip dysplasia or structural abnormalities
• Inflammatory arthritis affecting the hip
• Obesity placing excess mechanical load on the joint

How It Is Diagnosed

X-rays are the standard initial imaging tool for assessing hip joint space and the degree of arthritis. MRI provides additional detail on cartilage quality, labral integrity, and bone marrow changes.

Dr. Ghattas reviews your imaging carefully, with particular attention to the amount of remaining joint space, as this is a critical factor in determining candidacy for orthobiologic treatment.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Physical therapy and targeted exercise to improve hip mobility and surrounding muscle strength
• Weight management to reduce hip joint loading
• NSAIDs and pain medications for symptom control
• Steroid injections for temporary inflammation relief
• Hip replacement surgery: Highly effective for advanced-stage hip OA, providing more complete and predictable pain relief than non-surgical options in advanced cases

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

For carefully selected candidates, image-guided orthobiologic injection into the hip joint may help manage arthritis symptoms and delay or potentially avoid surgical intervention.

However, candidacy for this approach is more restricted in the hip than in any other joint we treat. Hip arthritis treatment with orthobiologics works best for patients who:

• Have mild to moderate arthritis with adequate remaining joint space on imaging
• Are generally under age 55 for cases of severe hip arthritis
• Do not have significant bone deformity, hip dysplasia, or near-complete joint destruction

For patients with advanced bone-on-bone hip arthritis, particularly those over 55, hip replacement surgery often provides significantly more complete and predictable pain relief. Dr. Ghattas will provide a straightforward, honest assessment of whether orthobiologic treatment is likely to benefit your specific situation, or whether a referral to an excellent orthopedic surgeon is the better path.

During your consultation, Dr. Ghattas will review your imaging, assess your candidacy, discuss realistic expectations if treatment is appropriate, and refer you to a trusted surgical colleague if surgery is the more appropriate option.

The BioMod Advantage: At Palm Beach Regenerative, treatment does not end with a single injection. Through our BioMod Lab, Dr. Ghattas may combine your orthobiologic procedure with MLS Robotic Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and support tissue recovery, alongside customized Xymogen supplement protocols designed to optimize your body's healing environment. This integrated, concierge approach is what sets Palm Beach Regenerative apart from a standard injection clinic.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.

Important: Advanced hip osteoarthritis, particularly in patients over 55 with severe disease, is generally not well-suited for orthobiologic treatment. Hip replacement surgery is often the more appropriate and reliable option for this patient group. Dr. Ghattas will conduct an honest candidacy assessment and will not recommend treatment that is unlikely to benefit you.