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What Does Grade 4 Chrondromalacia In The Back Of The Hip Mean?
Question: i have just had hip arthroscopy for a labral tear and during the surgery it was discovered i had grade 4 chrondromalacia in the back of the hip and grade 2 in another part of the hip. what does this mean and will i need a hip replacement. i am female aged 44
Brief Answer:
Not necessarily ma'am, but may be in the future
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
Chondromalacia is a condition that results from overuse, injury, etc. You are indeed young to be diagnosed with chondromalacia ma'am, but it depends on various factors like lifestyle, exercise, etc.
Treatment options can be divided into non-operative and operative.
Non-operative treatment options include supportive exercises, taping, supportive braces, ice, etc. Whereas, operative options include surgery to reduce tension on the knees, cartilage grafts, injections to improve cartilage health or provide artificial cushioning to the joints, etc.
I just wanted to provide you with that information so you know all the available options ma'am. Now coming to your query about hip replacement surgery, it is usually considered the final option and is an option which is usually considered with time, as the joint only deteriorates with time. So you might need it, but not necessarily right now. Some individuals have completely avoided it as well, just by making modifications to their lifestyle, specific exercises and so on; but honestly their quality of life has not been up to the required standards.
So in conclusion, hip replacement is completely your choice, and may have to be considered in time, but you can avoid it for now if thats what you wish for. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you further ma'am.
Best wishes.
Not necessarily ma'am, but may be in the future
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
Chondromalacia is a condition that results from overuse, injury, etc. You are indeed young to be diagnosed with chondromalacia ma'am, but it depends on various factors like lifestyle, exercise, etc.
Treatment options can be divided into non-operative and operative.
Non-operative treatment options include supportive exercises, taping, supportive braces, ice, etc. Whereas, operative options include surgery to reduce tension on the knees, cartilage grafts, injections to improve cartilage health or provide artificial cushioning to the joints, etc.
I just wanted to provide you with that information so you know all the available options ma'am. Now coming to your query about hip replacement surgery, it is usually considered the final option and is an option which is usually considered with time, as the joint only deteriorates with time. So you might need it, but not necessarily right now. Some individuals have completely avoided it as well, just by making modifications to their lifestyle, specific exercises and so on; but honestly their quality of life has not been up to the required standards.
So in conclusion, hip replacement is completely your choice, and may have to be considered in time, but you can avoid it for now if thats what you wish for. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you further ma'am.
Best wishes.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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