Exploring the Benefits

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hip joint. This procedure can be used to confirm the diagnosis of various imaging procedures, such as X-rays and MRIs, as it provides your doctor with a three-dimensional, real-time image of the affected area, allowing for the most accurate diagnostic results. When damage or abnormalities are identified during the diagnostic procedure, repairs are often performed during the same process with minimally invasive techniques that offer significant advantages over traditional hip surgery.

What is hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a highly specialized, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of hip conditions. This advanced technique involves making small incisions around the hip and inserting a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, into the joint.

The camera displays images on a screen, allowing the surgeon to view the hip joint in great detail. Through additional small incisions, specialized instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue.

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What can hip arthroscopy treat?

The procedure typically results in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a faster return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery. It is a testament to the evolution of orthopaedic medicine, offering patients a less disruptive option for hip rehabilitation and care. Hip arthroscopy can be performed on patients with several different hip conditions, including:

  • Labral tears: Repair or reattachment of torn cartilage around the hip socket.
  • Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Trimming bony overgrowths to prevent abnormal contact between hip bones.
  • Loose bodies: Removal of small pieces of bone or cartilage that have broken off and are moving within the joint.
  • Synovitis: Addressing inflammation of the synovial tissue surrounding the hip joint.
  • Hip joint infections: Cleaning the hip joint to treat infections.
  • Hip dysplasia: Minor corrections for hip joint misalignments.
  • Snapping hip syndrome: Treating tendons that are catching on the hip joint.
  • Articular cartilage injuries: Repairing damage to the smooth cartilage on the ball of the femur.
  • Hip bursitis: Relieves inflammation in the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. Cartilage damage
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Who is a candidate for hip arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is considered an ideal treatment option for many different conditions affecting the hip, as it offers smaller incisions, shorter recovery times, and less scarring. Patients can often return home the same day as their procedure and return to their regular activities in just a few weeks while enjoying less pain, full range of motion, and restored joint function.

While arthroscopy offers many advantages over conventional hip surgery, it is not right for all patients, especially those with conditions affecting hard-to-visualize areas. Conventional surgery may be more appropriate for these patients. Your doctor will decide which procedure is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition and overall health.

What is the procedure?

During the hip arthroscopy procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision near the affected area of the hip and insert an arthroscope, a long flexible tube with a camera on the end that displays images of the inside of the hip joint on a video monitor for the surgeon to view in real-time.

During this diagnostic part of the procedure, your hip will be examined for any signs of tearing, damage, or degeneration to the ligaments, cartilage, and other internal structures.

If damage is detected, it can often be repaired through the same procedure by creating a few more small incisions through which tiny surgical instruments are inserted. These instruments allow the surgeon to replace damaged cartilage, join together torn ends, remove loose bodies, or realign the joint to minimize pain and inflammation. Once the repair has been performed, the tools and arthroscope are removed, and the incisions are sutured closed. A dressing will be applied to the area, which will later be replaced with smaller bandages while the incisions heal.

How long is the recovery after hip arthroscopy?

After the hip arthroscopy procedure, patients may experience pain, swelling, and bruising at the incision sites for several days. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication if needed in order to manage this pain. Applying ice can also help relieve pain and help the area heal properly. Most patients will need to use crutches for seven to ten days. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon and as often as you feel comfortable. In order to restore function and strength to the hip joint, patients will need to undergo a physical rehabilitation program customized for their condition after surgery. Physical rehabilitation may include weight-bearing exercises, hip mobilization techniques, flexibility exercises, and other activities that target the quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings, abductors, and adductors. The length of the rehabilitation program may vary depending on your unique condition. Most patients can return to work within a week after their procedure and can begin light physical activity after just a few weeks. A full recovery may take up to 12 weeks or longer.

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Why choose New York Sports & Joints?

Our team of board-certified specialists were each trained at world-renowned institutions and have a wealth of knowledge and skill.

We excel in performing hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique that offers faster recovery, reduced pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional surgery. Our approach is patient-centric, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

With a track record of successful procedures, we are committed to restoring your mobility and quality of life. Our state-of-the-art facilities and adoption of the latest medical advancements reflect our dedication to providing cutting-edge care. At our practice, you’re not just receiving medical treatment; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your long-term health and well-being. To learn more about this procedure and to find out whether or not it is right for you, please call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced doctors.

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