How Hip Arthroscopy Can Restore Function without Major Surgery

Nobody likes the idea of surgery, but when pain and stiffness persist, sometimes it is the best option.

Fortunately, modern medicine has made accessing the hip joint and surrounding tissues easy with tiny incisions. Dr. Thomas Kane III was the first specialist to perform this procedure in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1995.

If your symptoms are severe, yet you dread long recovery timelines, hip arthroscopy could be the answer you are looking for. Read on to learn more about how this less invasive procedure compares to open surgery, its benefits, and who is a good candidate for it.

Understanding hip arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to visualize and treat problems within the hip joint using small instruments equipped with a camera. Typically, only two small incisions are needed for the surgeon to see inside the hip.

The procedure is most commonly used to address labral tears, which are tears that appear on the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that acts like a shock absorber and enables smooth movement. It functions much like the meniscus does in the knee.  During the procedure, Dr. Kane may trim or repair a torn labrum.

Other uses for hip arthroscopy include removing loose bone or cartilage fragments and smoothing out bone growths.

When hip arthroscopy is recommended

Hip arthroscopy is generally recommended for patients experiencing persistent hip pain or mobility issues that don't respond to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections.

To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, you may undergo a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and a specialized MRI.

Benefits of hip arthroscopy

So, why would you consider this novel approach to resolving your hip issues?
Here are just a few of the benefits of arthroscopic surgery:

• Less scarring and pain due to smaller incisions
• Reduced risk of infection and blood loss
• Done on an outpatient basis
• Faster recovery

Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, less harm is done to the surrounding tissues. The procedure is performed with great precision, as small cameras allow for a close look at the tissues.

What to expect after hip arthroscopy

Following the procedure, most patients require crutches for a few days and a short course of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Most can drive the day after surgery.  Physical therapy aims to restore range of motion, improve muscle strength, and facilitate healing.

The recovery from arthroscopic surgery can take only 1 to 3 months to fully recover, while recovery from traditional open surgery can take up to a year.

If you're experiencing hip pain and mobility issues that don’t respond to conservative treatments, contact us to schedule an appointment. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Kane will recommend the best action to help you feel better.