This procedure is designed to diagnose and treat hip joint problems, including the surrounding soft tissues. It is minimally invasive day surgery that can be performed under spinal, regional (awake but numb from the waist down) or general anaesthetic (fully asleep) and usually takes one to two hours depending on what is required.

Hip arthroscopy is a useful procedure to treat hip pain caused by hip conditions such as labral tears, loss of hip motion due to a collision occurring between the ball and socket of the hip joint, loose bodies and may slow the progression of early hip degenerative changes.

Investigations may include an MRI scan and a CT scan with three dimensional reconstruction.
Once diagnosed a hip arthroscopy might be indicated. We start by making several small incisions around your hip, where your hip becomes slightly distracted just far enough to see the entire joint. A small arthroscope (camera) is then inserted through one portal, while instruments can be inserted into others as required to treat or repair. Various conditions including impingements, labral tears, tendon damage, inflamed tissue (Synovitis), or the removal of loose bone or cartilage fragments inside the joint can be treated. An X-ray machine is used to guide the tools.

Hip arthroscopies can be useful for conditions that don’t respond to non-surgical treatment, but are much less intrusive than open surgical procedures, so you’ll experience less pain and scarring, have less risk of complications and infections, and have a shorter recovery time. You’ll most likely be able to walk immediately after surgery. Occasionally crutches are required and if physical therapy is required, it can usually start within a few days. Depending on your specific circumstances, we may also give you a set of simple exercises to help restore your range of motion, strength and mobility.