An Overview of Hip Arthroscopy Surgery

World Wide Web | An Overview of Hip Arthroscopy Surgery | Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that allows doctors to get an up close view of the inside of a joint by inserting a tiny camera through a small incision in the skin. During a hip arthroscopy surgery the surgeon inserts a very small camera into the joint area along with small surgical instruments that allows the surgical team to view and repair the damage.

Your physician may recommend hip arthroscopy if hip pain does not respond favorably to non-surgical techniques such as physical therapy, rest, medication and injections. The most common cause of pain in the hip is inflammation, which leads to pain, swelling and stiffness.

Hip arthroscopy surgery can relieve symptoms that cause damage to the hip and surrounding ligaments and tissues. Hip damage can be caused from acute injury, but it can also be caused by a variety of conditions such as:

• · Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a disorder where bone spurs (bone overgrowth) around the socket or the femoral head cause damage.
• · Dysplasia is a condition where the socket is abnormally shallow and makes the labrum more susceptible to tearing.
• · Snapping hip syndromes cause a tendon to rub across the outside of the joint. This type of snapping or    popping is often harmless and does not need treatment. In some cases, however, the tendon is damaged from the repeated rubbing.
• · Synovitis causes the tissues that surround the joint to become inflamed.
• · Loose bodies are fragments of bone or cartilage that become loose and move around within the joint.
• · Hip joint infection

Preparing for Hip Arthroscopy Surgery

The first step in preparation for surgery is to have an assessment completed by your healthcare provider. The physician will be able to identify issues that may prevent surgery from being successful.

If health risks are identified, you may need a further evaluation. If you are identified as generally healthy your surgeon will be able to carry out the surgery as needed.

The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. The leg will be put into traction giving the surgical team enough room to operate on the hip area. The camera will be inserted through a pin-hole sized incision. Other incisions will be made to allow surgical instruments to do their work to repair the hip.

Rehab varies depending on the patient and the underlying health issues. Many people need the use of crutches until they are able to walk without limping. Physical therapy is generally needed to achieve the best outcomes.