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Hip pain, stiffness or discomfort that persists day to day does not always mean that surgery is needed straight away. Where there is no indication or need for an operation, biologic therapies for the hip can be a modern, targeted way of reducing pain and improving the function of the joint. Biologic therapies are used in selected cases for: -early or moderate arthritis of the hip -irritation/inflammation of the joint -chondropathies -chronic pain with no indication for immediate arthroplasty Their aim is to improve symptoms, reduce inflammation and enhance the “quality of movement” of the joint. Dr Alexandros Tzaveas, Orthopaedic Surgeon in Thessaloniki with specialist expertise in hip surgery, assesses each case individually and proposes a complete plan of conservative treatment, where it is indicated, so that improvement is achieved without exaggeration and without promises of unrealistic results. WHAT PROBLEM DO BIOLOGIC THERAPIES FOR THE HIP SOLVE? In a good many cases the hip does not need an immediate surgical solution but a targeted conservative intervention, with the aim of: -controlling inflammation -reducing pain -improving mobility -slowing deterioration Biologic therapies for the hip can benefit patients who: -have pain when walking or sitting -struggle with stairs -feel “tightness” in the joint -have restricted movement -show early or moderate wear on imaging WHAT ARE BIOLOGIC THERAPIES? The term “biologic therapies” describes modern medical applications that aim to improve the biological and mechanical environment of the joint, through substances or agents put to therapeutic use. Their aim is: -to reduce inflammation -to relieve pain -to improve the function of the hip -to return to everyday activities This is not a joint replacement operation. It is a conservative treatment, applied when there are indications that it may help. WHICH BIOLOGIC THERAPIES ARE USED IN THE HIP? Depending on the case, the following may be used: ✅PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) The patient's own blood is used, from which plasma with a high concentration of platelets is isolated. The aim: -reduction of inflammation -relief of pain -functional improvement ✅ Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) It is injected into the joint, with the aim of: -better “lubrication” of the joint -less friction -improved movement ✅ Specialist intra-articular injections (depending on the case) In particular cases, individualised options may be discussed, always on the criteria of the indication for them and of their correct application. The choice of treatment is made only after clinical examination and imaging, so that it has a realistic chance of success. FOR WHICH PATIENTS ARE THEY INDICATED? Biologic therapies for the hip give the best results when: -the wear is early or moderate -there is no severe deformity of the joint -the patient has pain/discomfort that affects daily life -physiotherapy/strengthening can be carried out alongside WHEN ARE THEY NOT THE IDEAL SOLUTION? In the interests of honesty, it should be said that biologic therapies are not ideal when: -there is advanced arthritis -there is extensive, severe destruction of the articular cartilage -there is an indication for total arthroplasty In these cases intra-articular injections may give only temporary relief — not a solution. HOW IS THE TREATMENT GIVEN? The procedure is simple and quick: -it is carried out in the consulting rooms -in a few minutes -without an operation -with an immediate return home In a good many cases it is recommended that it be combined with: -gentle physiotherapy -a strengthening programme -advice on off-loading the joint WHEN WILL I SEE A RESULT? Biologic therapies are not an “instant painkiller”. Typically: -improvement appears gradually -within weeks -and how long the result lasts depends on the severity of the condition and on lifestyle WHY CHOOSE Dr Alexandros Tzaveas What matters most with biologic therapies is: -that they are used for the right indication -that no false expectations are created -that there is a complete treatment plan Dr Alexandros Tzaveas – Orthopaedic Surgeon in Thessaloniki, with specialist expertise in hip surgery (open & arthroscopic), assesses every case responsibly and recommends only the treatment that has a genuine chance of helping. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT – BIOLOGIC THERAPIES FOR THE HIP, THESSALONIKI If you have hip pain and would like to know whether biologic therapies can help you, you can book an appointment for a full assessment. The consultation will establish: -the diagnosis -the stage of the wear -whether or not there is an indication for biologic treatment -the method best suited to your own case IN CLOSING Biologic therapies for the hip are a modern, conservative option for patients seeking relief from pain and improvement in movement, without proceeding straight to surgery. With the right diagnosis, a well-founded indication and an individualised plan, they can offer real benefit in daily life. Dr Alexandros Tzaveas, Orthopaedic Surgeon in Thessaloniki, approaches every case with diligence and scientific rigour, so that the treatment is genuinely effective and matched to the needs of each individual patient.