Most of us will experience hip pain, and many of us will require medical care for pain that won’t go away. Most hip pain occurs for treatable reasons, and your doctor can help determine the cause and possible treatments.
Occasionally, hip replacement is necessary, however, most pain is the result of factors that do not require a replacement. In those cases, a range of treatments may help, including physical therapy, injections, or medication. For others, hip arthroscopy can provide great relief.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure in which a camera (called an “arthroscope”) is inserted into the joint through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to see the joint while instruments are inserted through other small incisions. Surgeons can perform repairs without fully opening the joint up in a traditional surgery. The smaller incision and reduced disruption help patients have a quicker recovery from the surgery.
When arthroscopy can help
So, you’re experiencing hip pain “could arthroscopy work for you? The following three conditions are perfect candidates for this procedure:
- Bone spurs “Sometimes painful bone spurs form around the hip joint. With arthroscopy, the surgeon can shave off the bone spurs, allowing the hip to move more freely and with reduced pain.
- Labral tears “Labral tears, or tears in the cartilage lining the inside of the hip joint, can be repaired during hip arthroscopy using stitches or by removing a small portion of the cartilage.
- Inflamed tissue “Some tissue around the hip joint may become inflamed, causing the joint to become irritated. The inflamed pieces of tissue can be shaved away during arthroscopy, no longer irritating the joint and reducing your pain.
What should I expect from hip arthroscopy?
Many hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, but some patients will need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on their circumstances.
Expect to be on crutches or use a walker for a brief period, and physical therapy will likely be prescribed. Most people return to a full and active lifestyle a couple of months after hip arthroscopy. Your doctor can provide specific recommendations to you and discuss any lifestyle changes that may be needed to protect your repaired hip.
