Hip joint arthroscopy is the surgical process in which a small cut is made to get to the joint and correct the issue. This process entails the application of a small camera referred to as an arthroscope that is inserted into the hip joint through a small incision. This allows the surgeon to be able to watch the inside of the joint on a screen and perform the required repair using instruments. Here’s an overview of hip arthroscopy, including indications, the procedure, recovery, and potential risks:Here is a brief on hip arthroscopy including when it is recommended, what happens during the surgery, rehabilitation and possible complications.

Indications

Hip arthroscopy is commonly performed to address conditions such as:Some of the procedures that are carried out through hip arthroscopy include:

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): A condition in which there is a new formation of bon along one or both bones which form the hip joint against which the two bones move.

Labral Tears: These can be tears in the labrum which is the ring of cartilage that are situated at the edge of the socket of your hip joint.

Hip Dysplasia: A situation where the acetabulum, which is the socket of the hip joint is not deep enough to cover the head of the femur fully.

Snapping Hip Syndrome: A condition that is characterized by a snapping feeling in the hip which is commonly because a tendon or muscle rubs against a bone.

Loose Bodies: These are fragments of bones, or cartilages that are not firmly fixed within the joint cavity.

Synovitis: Synovitis means inflammation of synovial membrane which is the membrane that is located on the joint.

Procedure

The steps involved in hip arthroscopy typically include:Some of the common procedures that are done in the hip arthroscopy are;

Anesthesia: The patient may be given general or regional anaesthesia depending on the severity and nature of the procedure to be performed on the patient.

Incisions: The procedure requires the doctor to make a number of incisions on the skin part that is near the hip joint.

Arthroscope Insertion: The arthroscope is then introduced to one of the cuts then made on the skin and the surgeon is then able to view the inside of the joint.

Repairs: Thus, with the assistance of other small incisions, the surgeon can apply certain instruments to cut, stitch or even take out the affected tissue.

Closure: The cuts made are then closed using either a thread or surgical tape.

Recovery

Recovery from hip arthroscopy involves several stages:The period of rehabilitation after arthroscopy for hip conditions is as follows:

Immediate Post-Op: The patients usually get discharged on the same day. Thus, pain and discomfort are managed by medications.

Rehabilitation: It is critical in restorative development of muscle strength and flexibility amongst the patient. Generally, a patient is adviced to start with light exercises and then progress with the level of activity.

Full Recovery: The patient can take several months to fully recover. It varies with the complexity of the repair and the current state of health of the person in question.

Potential Risks

While hip arthroscopy is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications, including:Hip arthroscopy is considered relatively safe, but, as with any surgery, there are risks and complications that may occur such as:

Infection: Though not very frequent, one may develop an infection at the area of the incision.

Nerve Damage: A disadvantage is that the patient may suffer from nerve damage which may result in numbness or weakness.

Blood Clots: It may also lead to a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in the legs or pulmonary embolism which is the formation of blood clots in the lungs.

Joint Stiffness: There may also be some cases of soreness or limitation of the movement of the hip joint in some of the patients.

Persistent Pain: Some people still experience the pain even after the surgical measures have been taken.

Conclusion

Arthroscopy of hip joint is an efficient minimally invasive procedure that allows for establishing the diagnosis and/or treating various diseases of the hip joint. Such outcomes depend on the right patient indications, the surgeon’s techniques, and the adherence to the recommended physiotherapy. Doctor, you should make an appointment with your orthopedic doctor to discuss about the risk and benefit of hip arthroscopy before you make a decision.