Salem Health uses new technology to prevent hip replacements after labral tears
Ognjen Stevanovic, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic hip surgeries. This is an advanced, minimally invasive technique used at Salem Health Orthopedics that preserves the natural hip joint, helps prolong its lifespan and, in many cases, can delay or prevent the need for a hip replacement.
Candidates for arthroscopic hip surgery
“Instead of a large incision, we use small ones, about a centimeter each, and a small camera with long instruments,” said Dr. Stevanovic. “This is especially common for younger patients, who have a labral tear. Through those small incisions, I can visualize the joint and repair the torn labrum.”
The orthopedic surgeon said labral tears are very common in athletes who are often in a squatting position, including dancers, baseball catchers and hockey players.
“A hip is a ball and socket joint,” said Dr. Stevanovic. “The labrum is essentially a gasket seal around the edge of the cup. When the ball sits inside the socket, that seal provides stability. If the labrum tears, the suction seal is violated, the hip becomes unstable and that can manifest as pain.”
Dr. Stevanovic explained that the labrum can also tear because of hip dysplasia, when the hip socket is shallower than normal and doesn’t fully cover the ball, as well as from trauma or even prior hip surgeries. His goal is to restore the labrum’s seal and stability, something that arthroscopic techniques now allow him to do with far greater precision.
New, improved technology
“Over the last 10 to 15 years, arthroscopic hip surgery has become one of the newest emerging disciplines in sports orthopedics,” said Dr. Stevanovic. “Things are done very differently than even a decade years ago. It’s a rapidly evolving subspecialty.”
A major advancement in this field is the use of 3D imaging and planning tools. These technologies create a detailed three-dimensional model of a patient’s hip, allowing surgeons to precisely evaluate bone shape and areas of instability before ever entering the operating room. This level of preoperative planning helps tailor surgery to each patient’s exact anatomy and can improve accuracy, efficiency and long-term outcomes.
Dr. Stevanovic said this surgery can preserve the joint and prevent a hip replacement in the long term.
“A hip replacement is a huge surgery and the implants only last so long,” he said. “So, if someone has their hip replaced when they’re 30, they’ll likely need a revision. It’s in the patient’s best interest to preserve what they have for as long as possible.”
And arthroscopic surgery can do just that.
The orthopedic surgeon said recovery is typically six to nine months and includes dedicated physical therapy to rebuild strength and stability around the hip. Dr. Stevanovic and his care team work closely with each patient before surgery to ensure they understand the entire recovery journey.
“Communication is key,” said Dr. Stevanovic. “It’s important to be there for them.”
Orthopedic care
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