HIP ARTHROSCOPY

WHAT IS ARTHROSCOPY?

Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows your orthopaedic surgeon to look at and repair problems inside a joint using a fibre-optic camera. The procedure can be used to diagnose joint problems, perform surgery or monitor disease. The procedure is often used to treat knee, hip, wrist, ankle and shoulder injuries.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

During arthroscopy, your doctor will insert a small camera into your joint. Images will then be displayed on screens for your orthopaedic surgeon to see as he works with small surgical tools. The surgical equipment used in arthroscopy is particularly small, which means that the incisions made in the body will be small, less painful, and will heal much quicker than those made in traditional open surgery.

WHEN DO YOU NEED HIP ARTHROSCOPY?

New technology has now made the practice of arthroscopy possible on the hip. During arthroscopic hip surgery, orthopaedic surgeons can view the acetabulofemoral joint, and various conditions can be treated and repaired with a minimally invasive approach.

The following conditions can be treated with hip arthroscopy:

• Femoroacetabular impingement
  Bone spurs cause damage around the socket or femoral head. Femoroacetabular impingement arises from the growth of bone spurs that transverse the hip joint.

• Dysplasia
  The socket is too shallow and can cause the labrum to tear. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket cannot fit into the ball that makes up the upper thigh bone.
• Snapping hip syndrome
  Snapping hip syndrome, known as Coxa Saltans, causes tendons to rub on the outside of the joint, causing tendon injuries. A snapping sound when moving your hips is a sign of this condition.
• Synovitis
  This condition is caused by inflammation of joints. Synovitis is irritation of the synovium, connective tissue within the joint capsule.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR HIP ARTHROSCOPY?

Your orthopaedic surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination, order x-rays and most probably an MRI scan before considering surgery. During arthroscopic hip surgery, your leg will be placed in traction so that your hip is pulled far enough away from the socket for your surgeon to insert the relevant instruments and perform the procedure.

HOW LONG WILL RECOVERY TAKE?

Recovery will depend on the severity of your injury, as well as your personal condition. Speak to your orthopaedic surgeon about rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any lifestyle changes that might be required.