Hip Arthroscopy
What is a Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy, or a “hip scope,” is also referred to as keyhole surgery. Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into a joint. Hip arthroscopy is performed through 2-3 very small incisions to evaluate and treat a variety of hip conditions. These small incisions, or “portals", are used to insert the surgical instruments into the joint.
When is a Hip Arthroscopy Indicated
Hip arthroscopy may be indicated for the following reasons:
- Debridement of Loose Bodies: Bone chips or torn cartilage debris cause hip pain and decreased range of motion and can be removed with hip arthroscopy.
- Removal of Adhesions: Adhesions are areas of built up scar tissue that can limit movement and cause pain.
- Repair of Torn Labrum: The labrum lines the outer edge of the "socket" or acetabulum to ensure a good fit. Tears can occur in the labrum causing hip pain.
- Removal of Bone Spurs (Femoral-acetabular Impingement or FAI): Extra bone growth caused by injury or arthritis that damages the ends of the bones cause pain and limited joint mobility.
- Partial Synovectomy: Removal of portions of the inflamed synovium (joint lining) in patients with inflammatory arthritis can help to decrease the patient's pain.
- Debridement of Joint Surfaces: Conditions such as arthritis can cause the breakdown of tissue or bone in the joint.
- Repair After Trauma: Repair of fractures or torn ligaments caused by trauma.
- Evaluation and Diagnosis: Patients with unexplained pain, swelling, stiffness and instability in the hip that is unresponsive to conservative treatment may undergo hip arthroscopy for evaluation and diagnosis of their condition.
Who are Best Suited for Hip Arthroscopy
The benefits of arthroscopy include:
- Smaller incisions with little scarring
- Faster postoperative recovery
- Less pain and lower complication rates
- Easier progression toward regaining full hip movement
Patients who respond best to hip arthroscopy are active individuals with hip pain, where there exists an opportunity to preserve the amount of cartilage they still have.
The aim of a Hip arthroscopy is to get patients to return to their usual activities pain free and preserve their natural joint surfaces for as long as possible.
