Hip Arthroscopy
What is a hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopies, also known as “hip scopes”, are minimally invasive surgeries. This procedure requires a small incision and arthroscope (camera) to minimize muscle loss and damage. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The acetabulum (socket) is a part of the pelvis bone. Attached to that socket, is the femoral head (ball) from the femur (thigh bone). The acetabulum is also surrounded by cartilage (hip labrum) to improve joint congruity, motion and stability. The surgeon uses the camera to examine the hip joint for damage to bone and cartilage. After assessing the hip joint region, the surgeon may trim cartilage, bone spurs, and/or remove inflamed tissue. Hip arthroscopies may be used to treat a variety of congenital disorders, degenerative diseases, and acute or accumulated traumas including: femoroacetabular (hip) impingement, hip labral tears, hip dysplasia, and hip bursitis/synovitis.
Who needs a hip arthroscopy?
Younger patients experiencing pain in their hip joint are typical candidates for hip arthroscopies as a total hip replacement is often not required. These patients may experience pain and limited mobility from acute injuries to the hip joint (playing sports) or over time chronically (over use, improper movements and techniques). Those who participate in sports placing stress on the hips (dance, hockey, tennis, etc.) may also experience popping and/or snapping sensations as they perform repetitive hip adduction and internal rotation. Additionally, female patients are more predisposed to hip dysplasia because of anatomical differences creating a more shallow hip joint socket. Patients who have not responded favourably to conservative treatments (physical therapy, steroid injections, and rest) to manage their pain and restricted mobility may be candidates for a hip arthroscopy.
More about hip arthroscopies...
Untreated and further damage to the hip joint maybe predispose individuals to develop hip arthritis.
Life after hip arthroscopies...
80% to 90% of patients report satisfaction with the surgery, observing decreased pain and increased mobility in their hip joint. Patients should be cautious if desiring a return to sports. One should opt for lower-stress activities and cross train by cycling or swimming before making a full return to running, for example.