Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a new and cutting edge area of orthopaedic surgery. The development of highly specialized procedures in hip arthroscopy over the last few years has created new options for patients with hip pain, hip injuries and early arthritis of the hip. These procedures bring athletes back to their sport, allow workers to return to work and often prevent or delay the need for joint replacement.
Hip injuries are extremely common in people of all ages. Young patients with hip injuries may go undiagnosed for years, while others may be misdiagnosed with problems such as groin strains, sciatica, bursitis or hernias. In cases where patients have hip pain, that is not clearly defined, many have been told they have "early arthritis", or that they may eventually need a hip replacement.
Fortunately, many people with hip problems may be candidates for hip arthroscopy, a far less invasive procedure which may allow them to preserve their own hip. These patients may now choose arthroscopic repair, an outpatient procedure with minimal pain and risk.
Surgical Procedure
Arthroscopic surgery of the hip is performed through tiny incisions using a camera inside the joint to visualize the damaged structures. A variety of instruments are used to repair torn tissue, remove bone spurs, re-shape abnormal bones and treat injured cartilage.
Recovery
Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure which allows patients to return home the same day. Patients begin physical therapy the day after surgery and are immediately placed on a stationary bicycle. Most patients will take pain medicine for only a few days after surgery, and will return to normal walking within two weeks. Athletes may return to competitive sports in approximately three months.
Who is a Candidate?
Athletes such as Alex Rodriguez and Kurt Warner have recently had arthroscopic hip surgery and successfully returned to professional sports. Although hip injuries are common in competitive athletes, they may happen in people of all ages and activity levels. If you have hip pain or a hip injury and do not have severe hip arthritis, you may be a candidate for hip arthroscopy.
Hip injuries which can be treated arthroscopically include:
- Sports Hip Injuries
- Labral Tear
- Femoro-Acetabular Impingement
- Pincer Impingement
- Cam Impingement
- Loose Bodies
- Iliopsoas Impingement
- Snapping Hip
- Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Gluteus Medius Tears
- Hip Instability
- Dysplasia
Hip Arthroscopy Articles and Links
- "Hip and Pelvic Problems in Athletes" by Domb, Shindle, Kelly
- "Clinical Examination of the Hip Joint in Athletes" by Domb, Brooks, Byrd
- Watch arthroscopic repair of a torn labrum by Dr. Domb
- Watch arthroscopic osteoplasty by Dr. Domb
- Watch arthroscopic acetabular rim trimming by Dr. Domb
