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Hip arthroscopy is a surgical technique that gives surgeons a clear view of the joint to help diagnose and to treat hip pain. The procedure involves insertion of a fiber-optic camera, known as an arthroscope, into the hip joint through a tiny incision. Through a second incision, the surgeon will insert surgical instruments, roughly the size of a pencil, to perform the procedure or diagnosis. The camera sends real-time imaging to a computer monitor in the operating room and helps guide the surgeon's instruments.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that may provide numerous potential benefits over traditional open surgery of the hip. Arthroscopic surgery is associated with shorter post-operative recovery time, minimized scarring, and reduced blood loss during surgery.
The hip is comprised of two bones, known as the femur and the pelvis. The head of the femur rests inside of a cavity located on the pelvis, known as the acetabulum. These bones are covered with a tissue called the articular cartilage, which allows the hip joint to move without friction. An additional ring of cartilage known as the labrum forms a ring around the acetabulum, providing additional support.
Hip arthroscopy can be an effective treatment option for patients experiencing damage to the labrum, the articular cartilage, or other components of the hip. These conditions can be caused by sports injuries, or through overuse of the hip joint. Painful conditions affecting the hip that can be treated arthroscopically include:
Riverside Orthopedic Clinic prefers to treat hip pain conservatively versus surgically, as it allows the components of the hip joint to heal naturally. Conservative treatments, which include activity modification, medications, and physical therapy, are considered the best course of action for minor musculoskeletal pains. These treatment options, however, do not always represent an adequate solution. Pain and limited range of motion may persist, or the patient may prefer treating the condition in a more immediate fashion.
In cases where conservative treatment cannot sufficiently mitigate pain and other symptoms, hip arthroscopy may represent a solution that will alleviate symptoms of hip injuries with benefits that potentially surpass traditional open surgery.
Because hip arthroscopy is minimally invasive in nature, the procedure tends to leave a much smaller scar. The patient experiences less blood loss during surgery, encouraging a quicker recovery and less post-operative pain. Patients are kept in the recovery room for one to two hours before being discharged home. The surgery usually requires a post-operative rehabilitation period of one to two months.
Potential benefits of hip arthroscopy include:
Drs. John Foote and Richard Davis are both board-certified orthopaedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Located in the Treasure Valley region of Ontario, OR, Riverside Orthopaedic Clinic offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatment for the people of Eastern Oregon and Southwestern Idaho.
Schedule an appointment at Riverside Orthopaedic Clinic's Treasure Valley office »
Ontario, OR 97914 Phone 541.889.3111 Fax
541.889.3999
