Hip and Knee Replacement with Dr. Tom Woods
Dr. Tom Woods, MD, FRCSC:
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Vital Orthopedics
Dr. Tom Woods, MD, FRCSC, is an orthopaedic surgeon at Vital Surgical Specialists and is based in the Comox Valley in Courtenay, British Columbia. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to patient care, Dr. Woods specializes in hip and knee replacement surgeries, providing comprehensive treatment options for those suffering from debilitating joint conditions.
Patients that choose to work with Dr. Woods for their hip replacement surgery will attend their pre and post-operative appointments on the island or over video conference. Surgery will take place in Montreal, Quebec.
Residents of British Columbia who either prefer not to wait or cannot wait for publicly insured surgery are required to travel out of province to access private hip replacement surgery. This is due to provincial regulatory restrictions that limit the availability of some private procedures provided locally. Traveling out-of-province allows you to receive timely and necessary care while staying within the Canadian healthcare system.
Choosing Dr. Woods for your hip or knee replacement means entrusting your care to a surgeon with a deep understanding of orthopaedic conditions and a proven track record of successful outcomes. His meticulous approach to surgery, coupled with his compassionate patient care, ensures that each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs. By opting for surgery with Dr. Woods, you are taking a significant step towards reclaiming your mobility and improving your overall quality of life.
For those experiencing the pain and limitations of hip osteoarthritis, Dr. Woods and Vital Surgical Specialists offers advanced surgical solutions that can significantly enhance mobility and reduce discomfort. By choosing Vital Surgical Specialists, you are opting for a skilled surgeon who is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and restore your active lifestyle.
What is Hip Osteoarthritis?
Hip osteoarthritis, often referred to as hip arthritis, is a condition that causes wear and tear in the hip joint. It’s the most common type of arthritis affecting the hip.
Imagine the hip joint like a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the top of the thigh bone (femur), and the socket is part of the pelvic bone (acetabulum). In a healthy hip joint, smooth cartilage covers the ends of the bones and allows them to glide smoothly against each other. In the case of hip osteoarthritis however, the cartilage gradually wears away, causing the bones to rub together. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the hip.
What Are My Options To Mitigate Hip Pain?
Although there is no cure for hip osteoarthritis, there are several treatments that can help to manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments can be broadly categorized into non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Surgical Treatment - Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial one, typically made of metal and plastic or ceramic or other modern composites. It's a major surgery performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon accesses the joint through an incision in the hip, removes the damaged parts of the femur (thigh bone) and acetabulum (socket), and implants the artificial components. The procedure usually takes about an hour and typically requires a hospital stay for 2 days followed by rehabilitation.
Hip replacement can significantly improve pain and mobility for individuals with severe hip osteoarthritis. However, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your family doctor as it's a major surgery with potential complications.
Non-Surgical Treatments
To effectively manage hip pain, lifestyle adjustments can be necessary. These can include weight management, regular exercise, and physiotherapy. Shedding excess weight reduces strain on the hips, while exercise routines enhance strength and flexibility. Physiotherapy provides personalized exercises to improve range of motion and lessen discomfort. Together, these measures offer a comprehensive approach to alleviate hip pain and enhance overall well-being.
Using canes, walkers, or braces can offer added support and stability, minimizing unnecessary pressure on the hip joint. Heat and cold therapy are also effective for pain relief and reducing inflammation when applied as directed.
For mild to moderate pain and inflammation, over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be helpful. If these aren’t adequate, stronger medications or corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor.
What Are the Hip OA Risk Factors?
Several risk factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Age is a significant factor, as osteoarthritis becomes more prevalent with advancing age. Additionally, obesity plays a role, as excess weight places increased stress on the hip joint.
Previous hip injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can also heighten the risk of osteoarthritis later in life. Moreover, a family history of hip osteoarthritis elevates your susceptibility to the condition, indicating a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Common Signs and Symptoms
People living with hip osteoarthritis often experience a variety of symptoms including:
Pain in the hip or groin, especially when walking, standing or getting up from a chair
Stiffness in the hip, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
Reduced range of motion in the hip, making it difficult to bend or lift the leg
Grating or popping sensation in the hip with movement
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life.
If you're experiencing hip or knee pain and believe you may benefit from the expertise of Dr. Tom Woods, don't wait any longer. Contact Vital Surgical Specialists today to schedule a consultation.
