Blog

If you suffer from chronic hip pain, your doctor may recommend a hip arthroscopy. If you are unfamiliar with surgical procedure, here is what you can expect.

What is a hip arthroscopy?

A hip arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure used to give doctors an inside view of your hip joint. During the surgery, a small remote-controlled camera known as an arthroscope is inserted into the hip and controlled by the doctor. From there, the surgeon may use other specialized tools to shave, remove, or repair any damaged cartilage or bone that is causing your pain.

What can a hip arthroscopy help with?

If you suffer from chronic hip pain that has not subsided with the use of nonsurgical treatments (such as physical therapy), your doctor may order a hip arthroscopy. Some conditions that may be remediated from a hip arthroscopy include impingement, dysplasia, torn labrum, and more.

What are the benefits of a hip arthroscopy?

A hip arthroscopy helps you avoid a more open, extensive procedure on your hip. Advantages of this include:

• Smaller incision

• Shorter hospital stay

• Potential for faster recovery

What can I expect before my hip arthroscopy?

In the days and weeks leading up to your hip arthroscopy, you may have to alter your medication schedule. Bring a list of your current medications – including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements – to your doctor for clearance.

Since anesthesia will be used for the surgery, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything past midnight the night before you go in. The only exception would be a small sip of water needed to take any medication the morning of, if applicable.

What can I expect during my hip arthroscopy?

In most cases, general anesthesia will be used for a hip arthroscopy. You will be asleep for the duration of the procedure and will not remember anything. Every patient is different, but most surgeries last one to two hours.

What can I expect after my hip arthroscopy?

Many surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient will be permitted to leave the hospital immediately following their surgery. In some cases, an overnight stay may be required. You will be prescribed medication to help you deal with the pain and discomfort that results from your hip arthroscopy. Expect to be on crutches for up to four weeks following the surgery.

Physical therapy can start as early as the day after surgery with crutch training and gentle range-of-motion exercises. Most patients will require up to 12 weeks of therapy to regain full strength and range of motion in their hip.

If you are interested in learning more about hip arthroscopies, click here. As mentioned earlier, every patient and surgery is different. If you have questions specific to your circumstances, it is best to consult with your doctor.

Connecticut residents need to look no further than Orthopaedic Specialty Group for all of their arthroscopic needs. We are southern Connecticut’s largest and most experienced orthopedic practice, and our team of expert surgeons have executed countless successful hip arthroscopies. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at (203) 337-2600 to schedule an appointment with one of our certified hip specialists.