General Procedure Information
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments to assess and treat selected problems inside or around the hip. Suitability depends on the cause, degree of arthritis, imaging, symptoms and individual activity goals.
What Is It?
Hip arthroscopy enters the hip through small incisions. It may assess and, when appropriate, treat selected labral or cartilage injury, femoroacetabular impingement, loose bodies, and some problems requiring synovial treatment or tissue sampling. After assessment, some symptomatic snapping hips may also have an operative option. Hip pain has many causes, and not all hip pain, labral imaging changes or hip arthritis is suitable for this operation.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Hip or groin pain, reduced movement, catching or symptoms with specific movement that fit examination and imaging findings
- Symptoms with hip flexion, turning, running, jumping or prolonged sitting may, after assessment, relate to impingement or a labral problem
- Symptoms continue to materially affect activity after appropriate non-operative care
- Specialist assessment suggests the joint structure and soft tissues may benefit from arthroscopic treatment
What Are the Alternatives?
- Depending on diagnosis: activity modification, physiotherapy, medication, injection treatment or observation
- Snapping-hip or bursa-related symptoms are commonly first managed with rest, activity adjustment and physiotherapy
- If arthritis is advanced, femoral-head osteonecrosis is later stage, the joint is fused or the main problem is not inside the joint, another treatment approach may be more suitable
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
Assessment commonly includes history, examination and, where needed, X-ray, CT, MRI or MR arthrography. Surgery is usually performed under anaesthesia and may require controlled joint traction to place the camera and instruments safely. The exact treatment, including whether the labrum is repaired or bony shape is addressed, depends on diagnosis and operative findings.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Temporary or persistent numbness, soft-tissue discomfort or nerve irritation related to traction or surgical positioning
- Pain, function or sports performance may not fully improve; further treatment or surgery may still be needed
General Recovery Approach
Weight bearing, walking aids, hip movement and exercise restrictions depend on what was done. Physiotherapy commonly focuses on gait, movement, hip and core strength, and gradual functional recovery; return to impact activity or sport should be guided by the treating team.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Hip Arthroscopy patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.