Hip arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions within and around the hip joint, most commonly femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears. It allows the surgeon to reshape bone and repair soft tissues through small incisions.
The leg is placed in traction on a special operating table to create space in the hip joint. Two or three small incisions are made around the hip. A camera (arthroscope) is inserted to view the joint. Depending on the findings, the surgeon may reshape the bone to treat impingement (osteoplasty), repair or trim a torn labrum, treat cartilage damage, or remove loose bodies. The operation typically takes one to two hours.
Hip arthroscopy is considered for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) causing groin pain and limited movement, labral tears, removal of loose bodies, and assessment of early cartilage damage. It is usually recommended after physiotherapy and other non-operative measures have been tried.
Structured physiotherapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection into the hip. Many patients with FAI symptoms improve with physiotherapy alone.
Standard pre-assessment. This is usually a day-case or overnight procedure. Crutches will be needed for several weeks. Plan for limited mobility in the initial recovery.
The aim is to reduce pain, improve movement, and allow return to sport and activity. Success rates are highest in younger patients with well-defined impingement and preserved joint cartilage. If significant arthritis is present, the results are less predictable.
Numbness or tingling in the genital area or foot from traction during surgery. Usually temporary, resolving within days.
Bruising and soreness around the hip and groin area.
Symptoms may not fully resolve, particularly if cartilage damage is present.
Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation causing thigh numbness. Usually temporary.
Very rare risk of damage to blood supply of the femoral head.
Joint infection in approximately 0.5% of cases.
Rare fracture of the femoral neck, more common with aggressive bone reshaping.
Unwanted bone formation. Preventive medication may be given.
Performed under general anaesthesia. Muscle relaxation is important to allow adequate traction.
Crutches are used for two to six weeks depending on the procedure. Physiotherapy begins within the first week and continues for three to six months. Return to office work at one to two weeks. Return to sport at three to six months, depending on the procedure and individual progress. Full recovery may take six to twelve months.
Wound check at two weeks. Surgeon review at six weeks and three months. Physiotherapy is a critical component.
Most patients return to their sporting activities. The success depends on the degree of cartilage preservation and the procedure performed.
Hip arthroscopy is less successful when significant arthritis is present. In these cases, hip replacement may be a more reliable option.
Typically two to six weeks, depending on the procedure performed.