Hip Arthroscopy

Jun 13, 2023 | Hip, Procedures

What is Arthroscopy?

an illustration of a hip arthroscopy procedure

Arthroscopy, also referred to as keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into a joint to check for any damage and repair it simultaneously.

An arthroscope is a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects an image of the inside of the joint onto a large screen monitor allowing the surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury, and repair the problem.

Indications of Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed through very small incisions to diagnose and treat various hip conditions including:

  • Removal of torn cartilage or bone chips that cause hip pain and immobility
  • Repair a torn labrum (fibrous cartilage ring that lines the acetabular socket)
  • Removal of bone spurs or extra bone growths caused by arthritis or an injury.
  • Removal of part of the inflamed synovium (lining of the joint) in patients with inflammatory arthritis (partial synovectomy)
  • Repair of fractures or torn ligaments caused by trauma
  • Evaluation and diagnosis of conditions with unexplained pain, swelling, or stiffness in the hip that does not respond to conservative treatment

Hip Arthroscopy Procedure

Hip arthroscopy is performed under regional or general anesthesia depending on you and your surgeon’s preference.

Your surgeon will make 2 or 3 small incisions about 1/4 inch in length around the hip joint. Through one of the incisions an arthroscope is inserted. Along with it, a sterile solution is pumped into the joint to expand the joint area and create room for the surgeon to work.

The larger image on the television monitor allows the surgeon to visualize the joint directly to determine the extent of damage so that it can be surgically treated. Surgical instruments will be inserted through other tiny incisions to treat the problem. After the surgery, the incisions are closed and covered with a bandage.

Advantages of Hip Arthroscopy

The advantages of hip arthroscopy over the traditional open hip surgery include:

  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Lower infection rate
  • Less scarring
  • Smaller incisions
  • Minimal trauma to surrounding ligaments, muscles, and tissues
  • Early mobilization
  • Shorter hospital stay

Service Areas

Related Topics

Hip Bursitis

Hip Bursitis

What is Hip Bursitis? Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa in the hip. Bursae are fluid- filled sacs present in joints between bone and soft tissue to reduce friction and provide cushioning during movement. The bony prominence of the...

read more

Revision Hip Replacement

What is Revision Hip Replacement? Revision hip replacement is a complex surgical procedure in which all or part of a previously implanted hip-joint is replaced with a new artificial hip-joint. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain...

read more

Hip Resurfacing

The hip joint is also known as a ball and socket joint, where the ball (femoral head) of the thigh bone fits into the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvis bone. Damage to the hip bones can be treated by hip resurfacing, which is a surgical procedure in which the damaged...

read more

Total Hip Replacement

What is Arthritis? Arthritis is inflammation of the joints resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability. Common Types of Arthritis The three most common types of arthritis that affect...

read more

Treatment of the following Areas

Our individualized approach and treatment plans get our patients back to health as quickly as possible and remain the hallmark of our practice.

Contact Us