Hip Arthroscopy
Through small incisions and a camera, labral tears, hip impingement and some cartilage problems in the hip joint can be treated.
The hip is a deep joint surrounded by thick muscles and ligaments. Hip arthroscopy is keyhole surgery performed through a few small incisions with special long instruments and a camera. It is used mainly to treat problems inside the joint that cause groin pain in young and active adults.
When is hip arthroscopy performed?
- Hip impingement (FAI): Reshaping extra bone on the thigh bone or socket
- Labral tears: Stitching the cartilage ring at the edge of the socket
- Cartilage damage: Cleaning or repairing limited areas of damage
- Loose bodies inside the joint
- Synovial disease and some inflammatory conditions
- Ligamentum teres injuries
Arthroscopy is usually not helpful in advanced arthritis; other options are considered for these patients.
Symptoms
Deep groin pain, pain that increases when sitting for long or getting into a car, catching, locking and clicking in the hip, and symptoms that are worse after sport suggest problems that hip arthroscopy can treat.
Diagnosis
The examination checks whether pain appears in different hip positions. Special X-ray views show bone shape, and MRI or MR arthrography shows the labrum and cartilage. If an anaesthetic injection into the joint relieves the pain, this supports the joint itself as the source.
How is it done?
The operation is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia on a special table that applies controlled traction to the leg. This opens the joint space so instruments can enter safely. A camera and instruments are introduced through 2-3 small incisions at the groin and side of the hip. The labrum is repaired with anchors, extra bone is reshaped, and cartilage and other problems are treated.
Recovery
- Most patients go home the same day or the next day.
- Partial weight bearing with crutches is continued for the first few weeks.
- Hip-protecting movement exercises start early, with strengthening added in later weeks.
- Desk work can usually be resumed in a few weeks; sport usually takes a few months.
Preparing for surgery
Starting an exercise programme to strengthen the hip muscles before surgery makes recovery easier afterwards. Learning to walk with crutches in advance and placing frequently used items within easy reach at home make the first weeks more comfortable.
Expectations
After hip arthroscopy, pain usually starts to ease and movement becomes more comfortable within weeks, but full recovery takes a few months. The factor that most affects the result is the condition of the cartilage at the time of surgery, so in suitable patients with impingement, treatment should not be delayed.
Frequently asked questions
Who is not suitable for hip arthroscopy?
In advanced arthritis with a markedly narrowed joint space, the expected benefit of arthroscopy is limited.
How long will I use crutches?
Usually for a few weeks. The time depends on how much labral repair and bone reshaping was done.
Does arthroscopy prevent arthritis?
Removing the friction in impingement aims to protect the cartilage. The long-term effect depends on the condition of the cartilage at the time of surgery.
When can I drive after hip arthroscopy?
Earlier after left hip surgery in an automatic car; after right hip surgery, once crutches are no longer needed and leg control is adequate, with your surgeon's approval.
The information on this page is general and does not replace an examination. An examination is needed to decide which treatment suits you.