Project Description

Total Hip Replacement

You Don’t Have to Live with Joint Pain

Your hip joints are involved in almost every activity you do. Simple movements such as walking, bending, and turning require the use of your hip and knee joints.

Normally, all parts of these joints work together and the joint moves easily without pain. But when the joint becomes diseased or injured, the resulting pain can severely limit your ability to move and work. Osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of degenerative joint disease, affects an estimated 43 million people in the United States.

Whether you are considering a total joint replacement, or are just beginning to explore available treatments, this website is for you. It will help you understand the causes of joint pain and treatment options. Most importantly, it will give you hope that you may be able to return to your favorite activities.

What is a Hip Joint?

Your hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, formed by the ball, or femoral head, at the upper end of the thighbone, and the rounded socket, or acetabulum, in the pelvis. The bone ends of a joint are covered with a smooth, tough material called cartilage.

Normal cartilage cushions the bones and allows nearly frictionless and pain-free movement. The rest of the surfaces of the joint are covered by a thin, smooth tissue lining called the synovium. The synovium produces fluid that acts as a lubricant to reduce friction and wear in the joint.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it is a “wearing out” condition involving the breakdown of cartilage and bones. When cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. OA usually occurs in people aged 50 years and older, and frequently in individuals with a family history of arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Causes the synovium to become thickened and inflamed. In turn, too much synovial fluid is produced within the joint space, which causes a chronic inflammation that damages the cartilage.
This results in cartilage loss, pain, and stiffness. RA affects women about 3 times more often than men, and may affect other organs of the body.

Post-traumatic Arthritis

May develop after an injury to the joint in which the bone and cartilage do not heal properly. The joint is no longer smooth and these irregularities lead to more wear on the joint.

Avascular Necrosis

Can result when bone is deprived of its normal blood supply. Without proper nutrition from the blood, the bone’s structure weakens and may collapse and damage the cartilage.

Paget’s Disease

A bone disease that often affects the hip. Bone formation is sped up, causing the density and shape of the bone to change. Joint pain can also be caused by deformity or direct injury to the joint. In some cases, joint pain is made worse by the fact that a person will avoid using a painful joint, weakening the muscles and making the joint even more difficult to move.

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Patient Testimonials

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Dr. David Halsey Discusses Arthritis

How To Decide About Surgery For Your Hip & Knee Problems

See What Our Patients & Their Families Have To Say…

Martha’s Vineyard Orthopaedics are dedicated to providing comprehensive Orthopedic Care in a compassionate and caring environment.

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation to a new member of the medical community here on the island. During the recent snowstorm, I took an unfortunate fall on some black ice and did some damage to my foot and ankle. The day staff in the ER — doctors, nurses, and residents — were great. What stood out for me was the unbelievable patient care that I received from our new orthopedist, Dr. David A. Halsey. From initial exam (which was incredibly painful due to nerve damage), to going above and beyond to make sure that I had a properly fitted boot, as well as a follow-up appointment at Mass. General with a foot trauma specialist, your doctor is the representation of how patient care should be. In today’s day and age, where most often in a health care setting you are not seen promptly, or attentively, it was a surprising breath of fresh air to encounter a physician with the attitude that your doctor demonstrated to me. He truly went above and beyond what has become “normal” patient care to be sure that I was diagnosed properly with appropriate follow-up. I hope the Island realizes what a gem your doctor is, and how unbelievably lucky the we are to have him practicing here. So please join me in saying, Welcome, your doctor!
ARIANA FELDBERG
During the recent storm, my adult daughter suffered a serious ankle injury from a fall on black ice. When your doctor was called in, not only did he accurately and thoroughly assess her injury, he went way above expectations to assure that she had a properly fitted walking boot. He then made an appointment at Mass. General for a follow-up consult with a foot and ankle specialist. Upon arrival at MGH, we were informed that no appointment existed, the doctor had a full schedule, and the supposed time was during his lunch hour! your doctor personally intervened with the appropriate people at MGH, and within 15 minutes, we were seen by the specialist with outstanding care, information, and follow-up. I hope the residents of the Vineyard realize and appreciate the gem that has landed on our shores. In my 40-plus years of treating patients, I have rarely seen such outstanding caring from a health care provider! Thank you, thank you, Martha’s Vineyard Orthopaedics.
DR. PHIL FELDBERG
I was recently diagnosed to have my hip replaced. So I had surgery. I want to thank your doctor and crew. I came out of surgery and was walking the same day. But not only do I want to thank the doctor and crew, but everyone else — the nurses, the woman who cleaned my room every day. The food was great. My thanks to the complete staff of angels working under the roof of M.V. Hospital. I am so grateful. Six weeks later, I feel great. I can’t imagine better care anywhere on the planet.
Ted Karalekas

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