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What is a Hip Arthroscopy?

Candidates for Hip Arthroscopy

Benefits of a Hip Arthroscopy

Physical activities after the Arthroscopy

Possible Complications

Patient Education Page

 

What is a Hip Arthroscopy

Surgeons performing this procedure require a combination of knowledge and a certain level of technical expertise.

The hip joint is deeply seated and relatively inaccessible. Due to advances in surgical technique and through the use of special equipment a hip arthroscopy can be performed as a safe and reliable day-case operation.

A hip arthroscopy can be performed to remove loose bodies from the hip joint, evaluate and treat articular surface lesions, remove torn portions of the labrum, and shrinkage of the hip joint capsule.

Patients with advanced osteoarthritic changes in the hip joint generally do not benefit from athroscopic hip surgery.

 

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Candidates for Hip Arthroscopy

• Young, active individuals with a history of hip pain.
• Hip pain greater than six-months that have not improved with conservative treatment consisting of anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy.
• Sudden onset of pain due to a traumatic hip injury.

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Benefits of a Hip Arthroscopy

Smaller incision site- A variety of procedures can be performed within the hip joint without the patient needing a large incision. This also leads to a shorter recovery time.

Shorter stay in hospital- Can be performed as a day surgery case.

 

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Physical activities after the surgery

Patients are on crutches for the first few days to the first week following surgery.

Your physiotherapist will help you through an exercise programme which aims to:

• Minimise the amount of swelling
• Improve range of motion
• Strengthen the hip muscles

 

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Possible Complications

All surgical procedures carry a risk. Some specific risks are associated with hip arthroscopy due to the fact it is performed under traction.

Post Operative muscle and Tissue pain- Traction is used to pull open the hip joint so that the instruments used during the surgery can be inserted. Patients may experience post operative pain due to this.

Temporary numbness in the groin and thigh- This can be due to prolonged traction period.

 

Please talk to Mr Haddad before your operation if you have concerns about possible risks.

We hope the information provided has been of benefit to you. For further information please contact us on 0207 935 6083.

 

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