Hip Arthroscopy

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 Professor 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. All patients will need a full blood count on day 1 and again days 4 and 7 if still in Hospital for thrombocytopenia although the incidents of HIT with low dose prophylaxis seems to be much lower than initially feared.   

Physical activities after the Arthroscopy

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

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.

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

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 is a procedure where a camera is inserted into the hip joint, through small incisions.  It 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.