What is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe arthritis or significant damage to the hip joint. Alternatively, hip arthroscopy is often a preferred option for older patients with moderate hip pain. The choice between the two procedures depends on the extent of the damage to the hip.
To learn if arthroscopic hip surgery is the right treatment for you, consult with one of the board-certified hip surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
Who Needs Arthroscopic Hip Surgery?
When there are loose bodies in the hip that need to be removed, hip arthroscopy can be very useful. As degenerative arthritis progresses, the hip’s smooth ball-like surface of cartilage may become cracked, and fragments may break off to float unattached in the joint. Those fragments, called loose bodies, can cause “catching” in the joint, or they can scratch and damage the smooth areas of the joint.
Arthroscopy is used to correct this common condition. Another condition that may be resolved with hip arthroscopy is a torn or loose portion of the labrum, which surrounds the hip socket. Taking care of these problems early via arthroscopic hip surgery may help you avoid total hip replacement in the future.
The Hip Scope Procedure: What to Expect
During hip arthroscopy, the orthopedic surgeon inserts a pencil-sized optical device (arthroscope) into the hip joint. An image from the miniature camera attached to the arthroscope is then projected onto a large video monitor in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to examine the interior of the hip and determine the source of the problem. Saltwater is pumped into the joint in a process called lavage, allowing for a clear picture. During the hip scope surgery, the surgeon may also insert surgical instruments through other small incisions to remove or repair damaged tissues.
Hip Arthroscopy Recovery and Rehabilitation
When your arthroscopic hip surgery is completed, a member of HOI’s dedicated orthopedic physical therapy team will work with you to get the joint moving again. The exercises given to you by your physical therapist are a crucial part of your recovery process, so it is essential to continue with them as directed. You should feel significantly better within a week or two because the inflamed tissues and destructive fluids have been removed. Most people can return to work within two to three days and get back to physical activities after roughly three weeks.
