Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your orthopaedic surgeon to examine and repair problems involving your hip. The skilled team of practitioners at Texas Orthopaedic Associates in Dallas, Plano, Weatherford, Keller, and Fort Worth, Texas, perform hip arthroscopy to repair or remove injured or diseased tissue, relieving hip pain and restoring its function. Call the office nearest you today or request a hip arthroscopy consultation online.
HIP ARTHROSCOPY Q&A
What is hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine and treat conditions that affect the hip. During the procedure, your surgeon makes a small incision at your hip joint and inserts an arthroscope — a flexible tube with a light and camera.
They use the arthroscope to examine the inside of your hip joint, make a diagnosis, and repair the source of your hip problem.
When do I need hip arthroscopy?
The team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates determines if you need hip arthroscopy after an evaluation. Because it’s an invasive procedure, they may only recommend it if you continue to have hip pain after completing weeks or months of conservative care and the results of your imaging studies are inclusive.
They may also recommend hip arthroscopy to treat hip conditions like a hip impingement or a labral tear. The orthopaedic surgeons use hip arthroscopy to remove loose cartilage fragments, a diseased joint lining, or painful bone spurs.
What happens during hip arthroscopy?
Your orthopaedic surgeon customizes your hip arthroscopy procedure based on your diagnosis and symptoms. They review the details of your procedure at your presurgical visit, so you know what to expect.
Hip arthroscopy is usually done in the outpatient setting under general anesthesia, so you sleep during the procedure. Your surgeon makes an incision for the arthroscope and evaluates the hip joint.
If your surgeon can repair the damage, they make additional small incisions to insert the tools necessary to treat your hip condition. Your surgeon closes the incisions, sends you to the recovery room, and discharges you home once you’re stable.
What can I expect during recovery from hip arthroscopy?
Following your hip arthroscopy, you can expect some pain and swelling, but these side effects resolve quickly. You need to use crutches for a few weeks to help with mobility and limit load-bearing on the hip so it can heal.
The team also has you start physical therapy soon after the procedure to support the healing process.
Do you have ongoing hip pain? Call Texas Orthopaedic Associates or request an appointment online to learn more about hip arthroscopy.