Hip Arthroscopy and What It Entails
If you have an injury or pain issues related to your hips, an orthopaedic surgeon may need to perform a hip arthroscopy to examine your hip joints.
It’s a minimally invasive procedure and it is commonly used to treat inflammation and pain caused by a variety of issues. The procedure was refined in the early 1990s and has since allowed orthopaedic surgeons to treat a range of conditions without the need for complex and invasive surgical procedures.
Let’s take a closer look at what hip arthroscopy surgery is, how it works, and what the benefits are.
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
During hip arthroscopy surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon inserts a small camera into the hip joint through a small incision. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to see inside the joint and perform various surgical procedures to treat a range of hip problems.
The procedure is typically used to treat conditions such as labral tears, hip impingements, loose bodies in the hip joint, and cartilage damage. It is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, with a relatively short recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
Surgeons typically use this procedure to examine the condition of the cartilage in the hip that covers both the head of the hip ball and the inside of the socket. It allows them to see the condition of ligaments and whether there are any loose cartilage fragments or signs of inflammation present.
However, like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of arthroscopy surgery with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
The Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy
Compared to traditional hip surgery, hip arthroscopy surgery has many benefits:
- Minimal scarring and pain with very little joint trauma
- It is typically done as an outpatient procedure
- May help to prevent hip arthritis
- It has a relatively short recovery period
- May be able to eliminate the need for a hip replacement
The surgery has a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery, and it has the potential to improve mobility in the hip joint and allow patients to regain their range of motion to perform daily activities with ease.
One of the biggest benefits is that the procedure, especially if used to address problems early on, can help prevent further damage to the hip joint and avoid or delay hip replacement surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Although some conditions can be treated non-surgically and without the need for hip arthroscopy, it may be required in patients who need reparative surgery.
Orthopaedic surgeons are often recommended in younger patients to treat pain in the hip without requiring a hip replacement. This is because their pain is often related to sports injuries, overuse, or abnormalities where soft tissue damage repair can correct the issue.
Conclusion
When it comes to hip and joint pain, it’s always recommended that your physician properly examine your injuries or pain to determine the best way forward.
Dr Jan de Vos is a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in a range of orthopaedic procedures. Contact Pretoria’s Life Wilgers Hospital today to arrange a consultation.
