Hip Arthroscopy: Procedure, Benefits, Risks, and Recovery

What is Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive hip surgery. Doctors use a small camera and special tools to look inside your hip joint. Because the cuts are small, healing is often faster than with open surgery. Many people choose hip arthroscopy to treat hip pain or injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this procedure helps diagnose and treat many hip problems.

Common Reasons for Hip Arthroscopy

Doctors may suggest hip arthroscopy for several reasons. For example, it can help when:

You have hip pain that does not improve with rest or medicine.

There is a tear in the cartilage (labrum) inside your hip.

You have loose pieces of bone or cartilage in the joint.

There is swelling or infection in the hip.

Other treatments have not worked for your hip problem.

Because hip arthroscopy is less invasive, it is often used before considering bigger surgeries.

The Hip Arthroscopy Procedure

During hip arthroscopy, you will get anesthesia so you do not feel pain. Next, the surgeon makes two or three small cuts near your hip. Through one cut, a tiny camera called an arthroscope goes into the joint. Through the other cuts, the doctor inserts special tools to fix the problem.

For example, the surgeon may:

Trim or repair torn cartilage

Remove loose bone or tissue

Smooth rough bone surfaces

After the repairs, the tools are removed, and the cuts are closed. Most procedures last one to two hours. Because it is a minimally invasive hip surgery, you may go home the same day.

Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy offers many benefits compared to open surgery. For instance:

Smaller cuts mean less pain and scarring

Shorter hospital stays or same-day discharge

Faster return to daily activities

Lower risk of infection

Better view of the hip joint for the surgeon

Because of these benefits, many people recover more quickly and feel better sooner.

Risks and Potential Complications

Although hip arthroscopy is safe, every surgery has risks. Some possible hip arthroscopy risks include:

Infection at the surgery site

Blood clots in the leg

Nerve or blood vessel injury

Stiffness or swelling in the hip

Continued pain after surgery

However, most people do not have serious problems. According to peer-reviewed studies, complications are rare. Still, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice to lower your risk.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

After hip arthroscopy, recovery is usually faster than with open surgery. Even so, you will need to take care of your hip. Here are some tips for hip arthroscopy recovery:

Rest and keep weight off your hip as advised.

Use crutches or a walker if needed.

Take pain medicine as prescribed.

Apply ice to reduce swelling.

Start gentle exercises or physical therapy when your doctor says it is safe.

Keep the surgery area clean and dry.

Because everyone heals differently, your recovery time may vary. Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.

Prevention and Lifestyle Guidance

While not all hip problems can be prevented, you can lower your risk with healthy habits. For example:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your hips

Warm up before exercise and stretch after

Wear proper shoes for support

Stay active but avoid overuse of your hip joint

Listen to your body and rest if you feel pain

Because good habits protect your joints, they may help you avoid future hip injuries.

When to Consult an Orthopedic Surgeon

If you have hip pain that does not go away, it is time to see a doctor. For instance, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon if:

Pain limits your daily activities

You have swelling, redness, or warmth in your hip

Your hip feels unstable or locks up

Other treatments have not helped

Because early treatment can prevent more damage, do not wait to get help.

In summary, hip arthroscopy is a safe and effective way to treat many hip problems. However, only a doctor can decide if it is right for you. For personalized advice, consult Dr. Mudit Nemani today.