Hip Preservation Program

Choosing Children's National Hospital for Hip Preservation

Our program improves joint function and quality of life for children with hip disorders. We offer a full-service program with expertise in treating a broad range of hip conditions, including congenital and developmental disorders.

Highlights of our program include:

• Surgical expertise: Children’s National is the only pediatric program in Washington, D.C., with expertise in advanced surgical hip preservation techniques, such as the Ganz periacetabular osteotomy procedure and the surgical hip dislocation. In fact, our hip program is the only program performing Ganz procedures on older children (adolescents) and young adults.  
• Precise diagnosis: Our imaging capabilities include specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to examine blood flow and cartilage within the hip joint. Using all the latest pediatric-specific guidelines assures the highest levels of accuracy. Learn more about diagnostic imaging and radiology.   
• Non-surgical care: We help children maximize their current level of functioning with physical therapy and other nonoperative treatments. Our therapists have a special interest in working with children. Learn more about rehabilitation medicine.
• Comfort: We help your child stay as comfortable as possible before, during, and after surgical treatments with the help of our multi-specialty pain medicine program. Learn more about anesthesiology, sedation and perioperative medicine.

Hip Preservation Surgery at Children’s National

Hip preservation treatment at Children’s National can help relieve pain and restore functioning, hopefully extending the life of your child’s natural hip joint. Our sole focus is in delaying or preventing your child from needing hip replacement surgery. However, in some cases surgery may be needed to treat advanced hip disorders.

You can breathe a little easier knowing our program ranks among the country’s top pediatric orthopaedic programs. From the pre-surgical testing, through your child’s procedure and into recovery, we provide an experience that seamlessly blends our expertise with your child’s unique medical and emotional needs.

Surgical hip preservation treatments include:

• Arthroscopic hip interventions: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive approach. With the help of a small camera (arthroscope) and sophisticated tools, our team views the inside of the hip joint and makes minor repairs.
• Surgical hip dislocations: During a surgical hip dislocation we gently remove the hip’s ball (the top of the thigh bone) from its socket (rounded opening in the pelvis bone). This gives us the best access for examining the hip joint. We can also reshape bones and repair injuries if necessary.
• Femoral osteotomy: A femoral osteotomy is a procedure that cuts through and repositions the thighbone (femur) in order to create a better fit within the hip socket. We may use screws and metal plates to hold the new structure in place.
• Ganz procedure (Ganz periacetabular osteotomy): The Ganz procedure reshapes the hip socket using a series of controlled breaks. This creates a more natural and better functioning hip joint.

Using child-friendly language and a compassionate approach, we help your family mentally and emotionally prepare for your child’s surgery.