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Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the hip joint. Using small incisions and specialized instruments enables orthopedic surgeons to address structural issues with greater precision and a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery. This technique is commonly recommended for patients experiencing persistent hip pain, limited mobility, or joint instability that has not responded to conservative treatment.
Structural Impingement, Joint Shape Abnormalities
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common condition treated with hip arthroscopy. It occurs when your hip bones don’t fit together correctly, leading to friction. This might be due to a misshapen ball (femoral head). Or, the socket (acetabulum) might cover the ball too much. Over time, this unusual contact damages the cartilage and labrum in your hip.
If you have FAI, you may notice a constant, dull ache in your hip. The pain also feels sharp or stabbing when you twist or squat. Many people also report a clicking or catching sensation in their joints. Hip scope surgery helps by allowing the surgeon to fix the problem, reshape the bones, and repair damaged tissue, restoring normal joint function and preventing further damage.
Labral Tears & Cartilage Damage
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, offering both stability and cushioning to the joint. Labral tears may result from injury, repetitive motion, or structural abnormalities such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). These tears often cause sharp pain, clicking sensations, and hip stiffness, which significantly impact daily activities and mobility.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that allows the surgeon to address multiple issues, like labral tears and cartilage damage, in one procedure. For labral tears, the surgeon will either repair the torn tissue or remove damaged sections, causing discomfort. Cartilage injuries are treated by smoothing rough areas or stimulating new cartilage growth to improve joint health. This approach not only restores hip function but also helps lower the risk of arthritis development over time.
Inflammatory & Soft Tissue Conditions
Synovitis, or inflammation of the hip lining, causes pain and swelling. It can develop from overuse, injury, or autoimmune disorders. Hip arthroscopy removes inflamed tissue. This provides relief from persistent discomfort and improves your mobility. The surgeon can also take a tissue biopsy. This helps diagnose the cause of inflammation.
Loose bodies can also be removed arthroscopically. These are small fragments of bone or cartilage. They float in the joint and can interfere with movement. This often causes catching, locking, and sudden pain. Another condition is trochanteric bursitis. It affects the bursa on the outside of your hip. Severe cases may benefit from this minimally invasive surgery.
Early-Stage Degenerative & Athletic Injuries
For younger patients with mild to moderate hip arthritis, arthroscopy can offer temporary relief. While it’s not a cure, this procedure cleans out debris from the joint. It also smooths rough cartilage surfaces. Addressing these issues delays the need for a total hip replacement. This allows you to maintain an active lifestyle with less pain.
Athletes often suffer hip injuries from sudden movements or repetitive stress. Hamstring tendon tears can be repaired arthroscopically. This procedure fixes the tendon where it attaches to the pelvis. Another common issue is snapping hip syndrome. This occurs when tendons catch on bony structures. Arthroscopy can resolve this by releasing the tight tendon. It helps active people return to sports faster than open surgery.
Schedule Your Hip Arthroscopy Consultation
Hip arthroscopy effectively treats many conditions that cause chronic hip pain and limited function. From structural abnormalities to soft-tissue injuries, this minimally invasive approach offers significant benefits, including shorter recovery times. If you’re experiencing persistent hip pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, schedule a consultation with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon near you for assessment and to discuss the hip scope surgery that is right for you.
