Arthroscopy is key-hole surgery of the hip joint using a pencil sized fibre-optic camera. Hip arthroscopy allows the surgeon to safely and accurately assess damage to the joint and to perform corrective procedures where required. Prior to the development of arthroscopic techniques, more extensive open procedures with larger incisions were required to access the hip joint. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which allows rapid post-operative recovery and is useful in the treatment of selected hip disorders.
Many patients with early damage to the hip joint experience symptoms such as pain or catching which can be significantly improved with hip arthroscopy. Arthroscopy can also be used to correct disorders of the hip joint which if left untreated may ultimately lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Hip arthroscopy is useful for the accurate diagnosis of hip pathology and the assessment of suitability for other joint preservation techniques.
Hip arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthetic (asleep) to ensure the muscles surrounding your joint are adequately relaxed to conduct the procedure. Once you are asleep, your foot will be placed into a stirrup and gentle traction is applied to separate the gap between the ball and socket of the hip joint. Between two and four incisions, each approximately 5mm in length, are made around the hip to place the camera and surgical instruments into the joint. Hip arthroscopy usually takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the operation.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort when they wake up after a hip arthroscopy. Your hip will have a bulky absorbent pad applied, which may become damp with the irrigation fluid used during the procedure. It is normal for the fluid to have a faint red tinge, and small amounts may continue to drain for 24-36 hours. Most patients will go home the next day.
Unless you are told otherwise, you can bear as much weight on your leg as comfort allows immediately after the surgery. Crutches may be used for comfort where necessary, and are usually required for 2-3 days. It is important not to over-exert too early after the procedure as this can increase the discomfort and swelling. Gradually reintroduce activities within your level of comfort. You can drive a car the next day. People with desk jobs can return to work as early as 1-2 weeks, while people in more heavy manual employment may require 6 weeks. Sport can often be reintroduced from 4-6 weeks. 80% of high level and elite athletes return to match fitness by 16 weeks. Some patients will continue to have mild discomfort 3-4 months after the procedure, depending on the degree of joint damage seen at arthroscopy.
Regular physiotherapy is essential during the recovery period to assist in rapid recovery of joint function and muscular control. Contact details of physiotherapists with experience in treating patients after hip arthroscopy can be provided. If required, your local physiotherapist can obtain a copy of our recommended rehabilitation protocols by contacting the office. Hydrotherapy may be started after your wounds have been assessed at your first post-operative clinic review.
Hip arthroscopy is a very safe procedure. The most common side effect of hip arthroscopy is temporary discomfort, slight bruising or numbness around the foot or groin related to the traction placed on the hip during the procedure. This is seen in about 5% of cases and usually lasts up to a few days. Serious complications such as infection, bone fracture or permanent nerve injury are extremely rare. I will discuss the operation with you in detail prior to the procedure.
This information has been written by Dr Patrick Weinrauch for the purposes of patient education. The details provided are of general nature only and do not substitute for professional recommendations based an individual clinical assessment.
