Hip Arthroscopy
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Hip Joint Problems
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain conditions inside and around the hip joint. A small camera and specialized instruments are inserted through small incisions, allowing the surgeon to evaluate the joint and treat damaged tissue while minimizing disruption to surrounding structures.
Hip arthroscopy may be considered when hip pain, catching, stiffness, or limited motion continues despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy may be used to treat:
- Labral tears
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Cartilage injuries
- Loose bodies within the joint
- Certain hip instability problems
- Synovial inflammation
- Selected tendon or soft-tissue conditions
- Other mechanical problems within the hip joint
Not every hip condition requires surgery. Treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, imaging findings, activity level, and response to conservative care.
Symptoms That May Require Evaluation
You may benefit from an orthopaedic evaluation if you are experiencing:
- Persistent groin or hip pain
- Pain with sitting, squatting, or bending
- Clicking, catching, or locking
- Limited hip motion
- Pain with running or sports
- Stiffness
- Difficulty with daily activities
- Symptoms that continue despite rest, therapy, or other treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Treatment may begin with conservative options such as:
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Temporary modification of sports or work activities
If symptoms continue despite appropriate nonsurgical care, hip arthroscopy may be considered.
What Happens During Hip Arthroscopy?
During hip arthroscopy, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint through a small incision.
The camera provides a detailed view of the joint on a monitor. Additional small incisions allow specialized instruments to be used to treat the specific problem.
Depending on the condition, the procedure may involve:
- Repairing a torn labrum
- Treating femoroacetabular impingement
- Trimming excess bone when appropriate
- Treating damaged cartilage
- Removing loose cartilage or bone fragments
- Treating inflamed tissue
- Addressing selected soft-tissue abnormalities
The exact procedure depends on the patient's diagnosis and findings at surgery.
Recovery After Hip Arthroscopy
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed.
Some patients may need crutches for a period of time after surgery to protect the hip while healing. Activity restrictions may also be necessary depending on the type of repair performed.
Physical therapy may focus on:
- Restoring range of motion
- Improving hip strength
- Improving core and pelvic stability
- Restoring normal walking
- Reducing stiffness
- Gradually returning to work, exercise, and sports
Your postoperative plan will be individualized based on the procedure performed and your recovery goals.
Is Hip Arthroscopy Right for You?
Hip arthroscopy may be considered when hip pain, mechanical symptoms, or loss of function interfere with daily activities or sports and have not improved with appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
The decision to proceed with surgery is made after reviewing your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, treatment history, and personal goals.
Move with Less Hip Pain
Schedule an orthopaedic evaluation to determine the cause of your hip symptoms and discuss treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
