Hip Arthroscopy

Hip Arthroscopy Overview

Hip arthroscopy is a new minimally invasive treatment option that treats many hip injuries and conditions. Patients who experience hip pain are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedics and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) hip specialist to receive an official diagnosis and find out if this is an appropriate treatment option. Learn more about other orthopedic hip surgery procedures.

How is a Hip Arthroscopy Performed?

This is performed as an outpatient procedure. General or regional anesthesia is used so no pain or discomfort is felt. A CONA specialist:

1. Begins surgery. A small arthroscopic camera is carefully placed in the hip joint.
2. Repairs the hip. Damaged soft tissue, cartilage, and bone are repaired.
3. Ends surgery. Sterile dressings are placed on the hip.

The type and severity of the injury or condition determine total procedure time. Patients return home shortly after their procedure when their discomfort level is controlled.

What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?

After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hip specialist may recommend hip arthroscopy for:

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
• Hip dysplasia
• Hip joint infection
• Hip labrum tear
• Loose body removal
• Snapping hip syndrome
• Synovitis

A CONA specialist only recommends surgery when nonsurgical treatment options are not effective and/or a condition or injury is severe.

What Are The Advantages Hip Arthroscopy?

This treatment has several advantages over traditional open-incision surgery:

• Faster recovery
• Less postoperative pain
• Less surgical trauma
• No overnight hospital stay

More and more hip procedures are performed arthroscopically for these advantages.

What Can I Expect Throughout Recovery?

Hip arthroscopy recovery is much shorter than traditional open incision surgery. Strength loss is minimal because less surgical trauma is created. The type of procedure performed determines total recovery time. Some patients may be able to return to normal activities in as little as 2-3 weeks. Other may take 3-4 months