Hip Arthroscopy

Home » Treatments » Hip Arthroscopy

What is hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a highly effective, and minimally-invasive, procedure that provides a clear view of your hip joint for treatment and diagnosis. It involves the introduction into the joint of a very small fibre-optic arthroscope, equipped with a camera, which allows the surgeon to visualise the internal architecture of the hip.

Indications and contraindications for hip arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is employed for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of painful symptoms in the hip, and can be used for:

Debridement: the removal of torn cartilage, bone fragments, or the treatment of joint surfaces.

Adhesion removal: involves the removal of scar tissue from within the joint.

Synovial biopsy: involves sampling the tissue which lines the hip.

Bone spur removal: removing extraneous bone growth which can damage the components of the joint.

Repair: including tears of the labrum (the tissue lining the outer edge of the hip socket) and ligaments and fractures of the bones of the hip.

Partial synovectomy: involves the partial removal of segments of the synovium.

Contraindications for hip arthroscopy include:

Advanced hip arthritis.

Acetabular protrusion.

Hip ankylosis.

Skin lesions at portal sites.

Benefits and complications of hip arthroscopy

Benefits

Allows precision assessment and treatment formulation for conditions which can’t be reliably diagnosed radiographically.
Less painful than an open procedure.
Faster recovery compared to an open procedure.

Known complications

Permanent damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (~ 2% of patients).
Cartilage damage.
Superficial or deep infection (< 1% of patients).
Vascular injury and bleeding.
Pain.

The surgery

Prof. Al Muderis has pioneered the use of a technique which avoids the need for traction, simplifying the procedure and reducing the risk of complications.

Preparation prior to surgery

You will receive a thorough health assessment: including medical history. You may be advised to modify certain lifestyle factors and you may be referred to another specialist. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications as your surgery date approaches. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be used to evaluate your condition and plan your surgery.
Skin and bowel preparation: On the evening before your surgery, you will be asked to wash your leg using the sponge provided at your pre-admission clinic. A skin test may be administered if an iodine allergy is suspected. You will also be provided medicine to help you evacuate your bowels prior to surgery.
Patient education: if neccessary, you may speak with a physiotherapist who can advise you on post-operative mobility.

On the day of the surgery

You will be asked to complete your surgical paperwork and will meet with the anaesthetist.
The surgical site will be prepared.
You will be administered general or spinal anaesthesia.
A small incision will be made through which the arthroscope will be inserted.
Fluid will be pumped into the joint through the arthroscope to maintain a clear field of view and control bleeding.
Steps will be taken to repair or remove components of the hip as required, e.g. trimming bone spurs or removing inflamed tissue.
Local anaesthetic will be administered to the wound site.
The wound will be sutured and dressed.

After your surgery

Wound care: your incisions will be closed with absorbable cosmetic sutures and covered by a waterproof dressing. These will remain intact for 7-10 days. You may clean the wound gently with warm water and soap, being careful to dry it thoroughly.
Pain and swelling: you may experience mild to moderate pain in the hip and groin. You will be prescribed painkillers to manage these symptoms. Immediately following surgery, you may experience some numbness, although this will resolve without intervention. Inflammation can be controlled by icing (15 minutes per hour maximum) during the first week.
Mobilising: this will be guided by the degree of surgical intervention. Crutches may be used initially and some limping is expected for the first few weeks of recovery. Hydrotherapy may begin following confirmation of wound status and non-impact exercises with a physiotherapist can commence after 7-10 days. You should avoid deep flexion and high-impact activity (e.g., running) for at least six weeks.

Concerns

If you are concerned about your pain level, or develop significant bleeding, fever or redness around the surgical site, please contact us immediately. For after-hours support, contact the hospital at which your surgery was completed. They will contact Prof. Al Muderis on your behalf.

Norwest Private Hospital: (02) 8882 8882

Macquarie University Hospital: (02) 9812 3000

This treatment could be eligible for our No 'Out-of-Pocket' Expenses Program

For further information, click here or to check your eligibility, please contact our team.