What is hip arthroscopy surgery?

Arthroscopic hip surgery allows surgeons to diagnose and treat hip problems by inserting a small camera through a very small skin incision.

Why is hip arthroscopy surgery needed?

When non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, rest and medications aren’t effective, arthroscopic hip surgery can be a course of action which is advised by a surgeon.

Hip arthroscopy surgery is used to treat several orthopaedic conditions which sometimes lead to hip problems, such as femoroacetabular impingement, snapping hip syndromes, labral tear, synovitis, and loose bodies such as bone fragments which are moving about in the joint.

What does hip arthroscopy surgery involve?

Patients are given the opportunity to ask doctors any questions they wish before entering the operating room, and an anaesthetist will be present to discuss the mode of anaesthesia. The leg is put in traction once the procedure begins to make the insertion of surgical instruments easier.

After a small incision no larger than a buttonhole is made, visibility can be improved by fluid which is pumped in the joint. In terms of length, arthroscopic hip surgery can vary according to the nature of the work which needs to be undertaken.

There are a number of options which are open to surgeons after a condition has been examined, including removing inflamed synovial tissue, the repair or soothing of the labrum, and the trimming down of bone spurs which can cause femoroacetabular impingement.

Recovery time

The nature of arthroscopic hip surgery typically determines the length of recovery, but a typical recovery time after arthroscopic hip surgery is 4-6 weeks. Patients may require crutches to commence mobilization. Physical therapy can begin straight away following arthroscopic hip surgery, and the physiotherapist will advise patients the appropriate exercises during different phases of recovery.