A serious hip injury can dramatically affect your mobility and independence. For many older adults, a hip fracture can make it difficult or impossible to walk without pain. While some fractures can be repaired with screws or plates, others may require a procedure called a hip hemiarthroplasty. If you’ve been searching for a Hip Doctor in Greeley, Dr. Alex Nielsen at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help.
Dr. Alex Nielsen is a fellowship-trained Total Joint Reconstruction surgeon who specializes in advanced hip and knee procedures. He is experienced in evaluating patients with hip injuries and degenerative joint conditions, developing individualized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities.
What Is a Hip Hemiarthroplasty?
A hip hemiarthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces the ball portion of the hip joint while preserving the natural socket. Unlike a total hip replacement, which replaces both the ball and socket, a hemiarthroplasty replaces only the damaged femoral head.
This procedure is most commonly recommended for certain types of hip fractures, particularly fractures of the femoral neck that cannot be repaired successfully with other surgical techniques. In carefully selected patients, replacing the damaged portion of the joint can relieve pain and allow earlier mobility during recovery.
Patients who may require a hip hemiarthroplasty often experience:
- Severe hip pain after a fall or injury
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Limited range of motion
- A shortened or externally rotated leg following injury
A prompt evaluation by a Hip Doctor in Greeley is important because hip fractures typically require timely treatment to reduce complications and improve recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Alex Nielsen?
Dr. Alex Nielsen is a fellowship-trained Total Joint Reconstruction surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with advanced training in hip reconstruction and replacement procedures. His expertise allows him to evaluate each patient’s injury, overall health, and activity level to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
During your evaluation, Dr. Nielsen will review your medical history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, and evaluate diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or CT scans. These studies help identify the location and severity of the fracture while determining whether hip hemiarthroplasty or another surgical option is the best choice.
Patients looking for a trusted Hip Doctor in Greeley appreciate Dr. Nielsen’s commitment to patient-centered care. He believes patients and their families should understand the diagnosis, treatment options, expected recovery, and rehabilitation process before moving forward with surgery whenever possible.
When Is Hip Hemiarthroplasty Recommended?
Not every hip fracture requires a hemiarthroplasty. Treatment depends on several factors, including the location of the fracture, the patient’s age, bone quality, activity level, and overall health.
Some fractures can be treated with internal fixation using screws or plates. Others may be better treated with a total hip replacement. Hip hemiarthroplasty is typically considered when replacing only the femoral head is expected to provide the most appropriate outcome.
The goals of hip hemiarthroplasty include:
- Relieving pain caused by the fracture
- Restoring hip stability
- Allowing earlier movement after surgery
- Improving mobility and independence
- Reducing the risk of complications associated with prolonged immobility
Following surgery, rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Physical therapy helps patients regain strength, improve balance, restore walking ability, and safely return to daily activities. Dr. Nielsen works closely with patients throughout the recovery process and provides guidance on postoperative care and rehabilitation expectations.
When to See a Hip Specialist
Hip fractures should always be treated as medical emergencies. If you or a loved one experiences severe hip pain after a fall, is unable to bear weight, or notices significant swelling or deformity around the hip, seek immediate medical attention.
Even outside of emergency situations, persistent hip pain, reduced mobility, or worsening joint function should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. Early diagnosis often provides more treatment options and may improve long-term outcomes.
If you have experienced a hip fracture or have been told you may need a hip hemiarthroplasty, Dr. Alex Nielsen at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help. As a fellowship-trained Total Joint Reconstruction surgeon, he provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans for patients with hip injuries and joint conditions. If you’re searching for a Hip Doctor in Greeley, Dr. Nielsen and the team at Nadora Healthcare are committed to helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and return to an active, independent lifestyle.
