Hip Arthroscopy
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy, also called keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a procedure in which a small instrument called an arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint. The arthroscope has a lens, light source, and camera, allowing the surgeon to see inside the joint and repair damage at the same time.
Advantages of Hip Arthroscopy
Compared to traditional open hip surgery, hip arthroscopy has several benefits:
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal trauma to surrounding ligaments, muscles, and tissues
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster recovery and earlier mobilization
- Lower infection risk
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stay
Indications for Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy can treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Labral tears or cartilage defects: Repair or remove damaged cartilage
- Loose bodies: Remove bone fragments or cartilage pieces that cause pain and immobility
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Arthroscopic femoroplasty or acetabuloplasty to remove extra bone growth on the femur (ball) or acetabulum (socket)
- Synovitis: Partial removal of inflamed synovium in cases of inflammatory arthritis
- Fractures or ligament tears: Repair torn ligaments or remove bone spurs caused by arthritis or injury
- Diagnostic purposes: Evaluate unexplained hip pain, swelling, or stiffness when conservative treatments fail
Description of Procedure
- The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
- Small “keyhole” incisions are made around the hip joint.
- The arthroscope is inserted, and the surgeon examines the joint to determine the extent of injury.
- Repairs or removals are performed as needed, depending on the source of pain and damage.
Postoperative Care
Recovery after hip arthroscopy involves:
- Taking prescribed pain medications
- Using crutches or limiting weight bearing on the operated hip
- Performing physical therapy exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and normal hip function
- Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking to promote healing
- Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercises for the first few weeks after surgery
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at or click here to request an appointment online. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.
