Board Certified Hip Surgeon & Hip Specialist Treating Patients in the Greater Santa Barbara Communities
As one of the body’s largest joints, the hip is a sophisticated structure composed of numerous ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones. The ball-and-socket joint is formed by the acetabulum (socket) and the femoral head (ball). The hip joint allows a great range of motion necessary for walking, running, jumping, squatting and other normal movements. When injury occurs, a hip specialist can diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan. As a hip surgeon, Dr. Jervis Yau has the training and experience to perform surgical repair in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area patients if non-surgical measures fail to alleviate symptoms.
Anatomy of the Hip
The hip is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the body. The socket portion is composed of the acetabulum (part of the large pelvis bone) and the ball portion is composed of the femoral head (upper end of the femur). The bones are covered by a slippery, smooth substance known as articular cartilage. Articular cartilage plays an important role in hip health by providing a smooth gliding surface for the bones as they move over each other during joint motion.
The hip joint is also composed of strong ligaments, tendons and muscles. The ligaments and tendons provide support to the joint, while the muscles allow the joint to bend, straighten and move.
The hip is in constant motion and under daily stress which predisposes the joint to trauma, overuse and degenerative conditions from aging. When any structure within the joint becomes injured, it is important to contact a hip specialist and board certified hip surgeon in order to properly diagnose and treat the injury or condition.
Hip Specialists can Alleviate Painful Symptoms Associated with a Hip Condition
Orthopedic hip specialists, such as Dr. Yau, are specially trained and experienced in treating various hip conditions and injuries that cause joint pain, instability, weakness and decreased range of motion. Dr. Yau specializes in numerous hip conditions, including:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Gluteus medius and minimus tears
- Loose bodies
- Proximal hamstring tears
- Psoas impingement
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Trochanteric bursitis
Board Certified Hip Surgeons Provide the Latest in Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a popular procedure performed by Dr. Yau and other hip surgeons around the world. This minimally invasive procedure allows a clear view of the joint’s interior structures which facilitates repair. Hip arthroscopy is commonly utilized by Dr. Yau in these procedures:
- Acetabuloplasty
- Femoroplasty
- Labral repairs
- Microfracture
- Psoas lengthening
- Proximal hamstring repairs
For more resources on the hip joint, or to determine the cause of your hip pain, contact the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area orthopedic office of Dr. Jervis Yau, board certified hip surgeon and hip specialist.