Hip Arthroscopy

For many people, there is a need to have hip arthroscopy. This is not a condition, but rather a treatment option. It is a type of surgical procedure of the hip joints that helps to provide doctors with a better look at the inside of a joint in a minimally invasive way. In addition, new techniques and equipment allow surgeons to address many problems that were not possible just a few years ago. Doctors perform this type of treatment when imaging studies indicate a problem in the hip joint. It helps doctors to treat as well as diagnose various types of joint problems. A very small camera is used to see inside the joint. The camera will display the images on a monitor as the doctor maneuvers it. Additional equipment is often used to treat the damage that is seen, such as repair of a labrum or shaving of bone.

When Is Hip Arthroscopy Necessary?

Most commonly, doctors will use other methods of diagnoses of various joint and hip problems before attempting this procedure. Often, this includes a combination of examinations in the office, as well as, X-Rays and MRI exams. Hip arthroscopy is safe and has been used for many years. However, it is somewhat invasive, and as such, there are risks associated with it. That is why doctors usually only do it when it is necessary to diagnose and treat conditions such as:

• Femoroacetabular impingement: bone spurs that occur around the joint

• Loose bodies: fragments of bones that are moving around in the joint

• Hip joint infections

• Hip snapping syndromes: tendons that rub across the joint

• Labral tears: disruption of the soft tissue within the hip joint

• Muscle tears

• Chronic bursitis

What Should You Expect from Hip Arthroscopy?

The hip arthroscopy procedure will only occur once you are given a full understanding of the potential risks. In most cases, patients that are healthy do fine. The procedure is performed at a surgical center or in a hospital setting. The patient will have anesthesia to keep them from moving during the procedure. This may be general or regional anesthesia, depending on the individual and the overall circumstances. It is important for the surgeon to ensure you are safe enough to have the procedure before moving forward.

For those people who have hip arthroscopy, the good news is that it often provides the answers necessary. Most patients are able to recovery within a few hours after the procedure and will go home the same day. In many cases, this procedure is highly effective at treating the problem.