What Is the Hip Joint, and Why Does It Matter?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed where the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis. It is one of the most important joints for movement, balance, and weight-bearing activities.

Surrounding the joint are several important structures:

• Cartilage, which cushions and allows smooth movement

• The labrum, a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the joint

• Ligaments and tendons, which hold everything in place and support motion

When any of these structures are injured or degenerate, it can lead to pain, stiffness, clicking, or even joint instability.

Why Is the Hip Joint So Important for Daily Function?

Your hips are essential for:

• Walking, standing, sitting, and pivoting

• Maintaining your balance and posture

• Transmitting forces from the upper body to the legs

Hip problems can significantly affect your quality of life, making even simple activities uncomfortable or difficult.

How Is Hip Arthroscopy Performed?

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of joint issues. Small incisions are made to insert a camera (arthroscope) and specialized tools, allowing the surgeon to visualize, clean, or repair damaged tissue.

It’s commonly used to treat:

• Labral tears

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

• Cartilage damage

• Loose bodies or inflammation within the joint

Advanced Techniques and Technology We Use

We use the latest, most patient-friendly technologies to improve outcomes, reduce discomfort, and speed up recovery.

Postless Hip Arthroscopy (Formerly Known as “Pink Hip Kit”)

Traditional hip arthroscopy requires placing the patient in traction using a post between the legs. However, this can lead to nerve pressure, discomfort, and longer recovery.

We use a postless technique, which eliminates the need for this perineal post by using:

• Specialized table setups

• Vacuum stabilization or distraction devices

• Greater patient comfort and safety

• Reduced risk of complications like nerve compression or soft tissue damage

  

  This approach allows for equal or better surgical access while prioritizing your comfort and safety.

Q-Fix Knotless Anchors

When repairing the hip labrum, we use Q-Fix Knotless Anchors—small implants designed to re-anchor the labrum to the bone securely without traditional sutures and bulky knots.

Benefits include:

• Stronger fixation with less joint irritation

• Knotless design: reduces the risk of soft tissue impingement

1. Alex Rodriguez (MLB – New York Yankees)

• Procedure: Hip arthroscopy for a labral tear and impingement

• Outcome: Returned to professional play and hit a home run in his first game back

• Why It’s Notable: Underwent the procedure at the height of his career and returned to elite performance

2. Andy Murray (Professional Tennis Player)

• Procedure: Hip arthroscopy, followed later by hip resurfacing

• Outcome: Returned to competition and won titles post-surgery

• Why It’s Notable: His case brought international awareness to hip arthroscopy among elite athletes

3. Marcus Stroman (MLB – Chicago Cubs, formerly Toronto Blue Jays)

• Procedure: Hip labrum repair via arthroscopy

• Outcome: Returned to the mound with strong performances

• Why It’s Notable: A pitcher requiring rotational stability and force production, his recovery is particularly relevant to rotational-sport athletes