HIP ARTHROSCOPY
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Overview
A hip arthroscopy is a less-invasive procedure that enables orthopaedic surgeons to see a magnified view of your joint using a specialised scope. The scope consists of a flexible fibre optic tube with a small camera on the end that transfers images to a monitor for surgeons to view. The scope is used for minor hip surgery procedures.
A hip arthroscopy can be used as an alternative to major surgery to solve hip conditions and common injuries, including:
- Repair of a labral tear which is the cartilage surrounding the hip socket.
- Resolve femoro-acetabular hip impingement (CAM and PINCER) which limits movement and is a cause of osteoarthritis.
- Removal of painful bone spurs, removal of inflamed or diseased hip joint lining, or following an injury, removal of loose fragments of cartilage in the hip joint.
Less commonly, prior to a complex or revision hip surgery, the surgeon may request an arthroscopy first to make a more accurate diagnosis and determine the best surgical approach.
A hip arthroscopy is considered by most orthopaedic surgeons as a low risk surgery, it has some unique surgical risks relating to nerve damage around the groin, hip and thigh areas. While patients often enjoy immediate symptom relief, total pain relief may not always be achieved. Whilst rare, there is also a risk of infection or damage to nerves or blood vessels.
The procedure is done at Life Orthopaedic Hospital by our orthopaedic specialists and range from 30 minutes to a few hours. Symptom relief is often immediate and patients usually return home the next day. Full recovery may be achieved within a few weeks to a few months depending on the success of procedure. Read about getting prepared for your procedure.