What is Hip Arthroscopy and When is It Needed?

Hip arthroscopy is a novel and minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat several hip problems. Our expert at Kane Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Thomas Kane III, was the first orthopedic surgeon to perform a hip arthroscopy in Honolulu, Hawaii, in the 1990s.

With the help of an arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera attached to it, Dr. Kane can view inside your hip using a monitor and perform the entire surgery with much smaller instruments and only two small incisions.

If your hip has been bothering you for a while now, read on as we ask Dr. Kane to explain the benefits of hip arthroscopy and when it is used to reduce pain and improve mobility in the hip.

Understanding hip arthroscopy

When possible, hip arthroscopy is preferred by surgeons because the incisions are small yet there’s no compromise in the quality of the results. The surgeon uses a camera, a monitor and specialized instruments that allow him to see the tissues very clearly and treat the underlying problems despite the small incisions.

Smaller incisions have several benefits, including reduced recovery times, pain and scarring, and lower infection rates. Hip arthroscopy is usually done on an outpatient basis and requires a short course of physical therapy afterwards.  Recovery is very rapid.

When is a hip arthroscopy needed?

Hip arthroscopy is needed when rest, medications, and exercises are not enough to mitigate pain or improve your quality of life.  The diagnosis is made by assessing the patients symptoms, performing a thorough physical exam, followed by a “contrast MRI”.  Dr. Kane may use hip arthroscopy for the following:

• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
• Labral Tears
• Loose Bodies
• Synovitis

Femoroacetabular impingement refers to having extra bone in either the ball or the socket of the joint, causing pain each time you move your hip.

Labral tears refer to rips in the ring of rubbery tissue around the socket called the labrum. The labrum is located inside your hip joint and enables your hip to move smoothly. Tears in this rubbery ring can cause pain with movement, much like a meniscus tear does in the knee.

Loose bodies describe tiny pieces of bone and cartilage that break off and float inside the hip joint. Imagine having pebbles stuck in your shoe, causing pain and discomfort each time you take a step. These loose bodies cause similar discomfort in your hip.

Synovitis indicates inflammation in the hip joint. When the tissue gets inflamed and swollen, it causes pain and stiffness in the joint.

Finally, cartilage damage refers to the smooth, shiny material that cushions the ends of the bones and allows smooth movements. When the cartilage is damaged, the joint surfaces no longer move smoothly against each other; bone rubs against bone, causing pain.

Find out if you are a good candidate for hip arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy can resolve your pain and mobility issues with less pain, less scarring, and a shorter recovery time. Not everyone is a good candidate for it; patients suffering from advanced arthritis, joint infections, and poor bone quality may require other types of surgical interventions. However, the best way to find out what could be the solution to improving your quality of life is by calling us to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Kane has decades of experience as an orthopedic surgeon and performs both traditional and minimally invasive surgeries. Under his care, you’ll receive guidance on the best treatment course for your health goals.