Gourineni’s method of diagnosis and treatment of hip pain

Tools to diagnose

1. History & Physical examination
   1. Hip impingement and abductor dysfunction are diagnosed clinically
2. Xrays, MRI, CT scan
   1. Hip dysplasia and cartilage problems are diagnosed radiographically
3. Local anesthetic injections
   1. Injections can block pain receptors and help localize the source of pain

Steps to diagnose

1. Confirm hip as the source of pain
2. Rule out non mechanical causes like primary tissue pathology
3. Potential causes of mechanical pain

Treatment options

1. Symptomatic with activity modification, medicines, therapy
2. Surgical correction
   1. Treat the most likely cause
   2. Comprehensive normalization of all elements of hip function

Value to the patient (Risk-benefit analysis)

1. Patient factors
   1. Symptoms & expectations
   2. Prognosis – activity, biology
2. Surgeon factors – training & experience
3. Facility factors – safety, equipment, back up support