Dr. Alexander G. Athey
Hip, Knee
HIP ARTHROSCOPY
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Hip Arthroscopy
Reviewed by Dr. David Crawford
Our hips play a pivotal role in the way we carry out our daily routines. Thus, hip problems can greatly impact our ability to function. Whether you are just beginning to feel the twinges of pain or have been in pain for a while, there is a procedure that may provide the additional assistance needed to have less pain. This procedure is called hip arthroscopy.
Our surgeons at JIS Orthopedics have helped many find relief by means of this procedure. Schedule an appointment with us today at offices in New Albany or St. Clairsville to see if this procedure could be the next step in your recovery process.
What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat hip issues. This procedure is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can return home the same day as your treatment.
During this procedure, your surgeon can view your hip joint by making small incisions in the skin surrounding the joint. This surgical technique can also be used to diagnose a wide variety of hip conditions.
Hip arthroscopy can be performed under regional anesthesia or general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss these two options with you and then will choose the option that best suits your needs.
Would I Make a Good Candidate for Hip Arthroscopy?
You may be a good candidate for hip arthroscopy if you have the following hip conditions or injuries:
- Hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement) — this is a condition where your hip socket is abnormally shallow and is unable to support the upper end of your femur (femoral head).
- Hip dysplasia
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Loose bodies/ loose fragments
- Synovitis (inflammation of your joint lining)
- A torn labrum/labral tears
- Tendon tears
Hip arthroscopy may be recommended by your hip arthroscopy specialists if your hip pain does not resolve after the following non-surgical treatments:
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
Preparing for Hip Arthroscopy
Many hip arthroscopy patients find it helpful to follow the steps below before having their surgical procedures:
- Inform your doctor of any medications that you are taking. This is essential because you may be required to stop taking certain medications before your procedure.
- If you smoke, it is highly recommended that you quit.
- Reduce your alcohol intake.
- Your surgeon will inform you in advance if you need to fast before your procedure.
What Happens During a Hip Arthroscopy Procedure?
Hip arthroscopy procedures usually follow the same process. If you are having hip arthroscopy, you can expect:
- Your hip arthroscopy surgeon will make a few small incisions in the skin surrounding your hip joint.
- Once the incisions have been made, your surgeon inserts a small camera attached to a light called an arthroscope to look inside your hip joint.
- Your surgeon will then use these images to either diagnose your condition or as a guide when performing a procedure. If you are undergoing a procedure, small surgical tools will be used to make the necessary repairs to your damaged bones or connective tissues.
- Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will close the incision site.
- You will then be taken to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Then, you will be discharged.
Hip Arthroscopy Recovery
The length of your recovery will depend on the specific treatment that you receive. Your doctor will tailor your recovery plan to your specific needs. Keep in mind that you may still feel pain after surgery. This is normal, and most patients tend to notice their pain diminishes within three to six months.
It is very likely that you will need to use crutches for one to two weeks after your hip surgery. You may also need to wear a brace on your hip for a few weeks after your surgery. After your surgery, your doctor may also recommend that you begin physical therapy sessions to help you regain your strength, function, and range of motion.
To ensure your recovery process is a success, you may need to:
- Avoid putting pressure or weight on your hip joint
- Elevate the area
- Ice the area
- Make sure that you keep the surgical site clean
- Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage your pain
Risks and Complications Associated with Hip Arthroscopy
As is the case with all surgical procedures, there is a possibility of complications. However, with minimally invasive procedures, these complications are usually very minimal. The potential risks and complications associated with this procedure may include:
- Possible allergic reaction to the anesthesia
- Infections
- Tissue or nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Excessive swelling or bleeding
- Numbness/tingling felt in your groin, thigh, and/or foot.
Advantages of Hip Arthroscopy
There are many advantages to having hip arthroscopy, including:
- Less pain/ joint stiffness
- Shorter recovery time when compared with traditional hip surgery
- Reduced amounts of blood loss
- The potential to delay the beginnings of hip arthritis
- Potential to delay or even eliminate the need to have a hip replacement
- Minimal scarring
- Lower risks of complications
If you are experiencing severe hip pain, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our specialists at JIS Orthopedics. We have offices located in New Albany or St. Clairsville, OH for your convenience. Our caring doctors look forward to providing you with the relief you deserve!
MEET OUR HIP SPECIALISTS
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