What is a hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy, also referred to as keyhole surgery, a hip scope, or a minimally invasive procedure all refer to a method of surgery that examines the inside of the hip joint with a small surgical camera called an arthroscope. Hip arthroscopy uses a small surgical camera that is inserted through a small incision in the hip. The camera projects the image within the hip to a screen, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to see inside the hip joint. Small, specialized instruments are then inserted through additional small incisions to operate within the joint. Hip arthroscopy can be used for a wide variety of hip conditions and is the preferred method of hip surgery for our physicians at BICMD. Hip arthroscopy offers patients quicker healing time, less pain and less chance of infection.
What hip conditions can be treated with hip arthroscopy?
The orthopedic surgeons at BICMD are extremely skilled at diagnosing hip conditions. Their expert second opinions can offer you treatment options and a plan for the best recovery possible and can be done via orthopedic telemedicine. A wide number of conditions can be treated with this minimally invasive technique including:
- FAI – Femoroacetabular Impingement
- Hip labrum tear
- Hip abductor tear – Trochanteric pain syndrome
- Hamstring repair
- Gluteus repair
What is a hip labrum tear?
The hip labrum is a is a ring of fibrocartilage that sits on the outside rim of the hip socket (called the acetabulum). The hip labrum is responsible for holding the ball of the femur (thigh bone) securely within the hip joint while allowing full range of motion. The hip labrum can become damaged from repetitive pivoting or twisting motions that cause wear on the labrum. Hockey, golf, soccer, ballet and football all involve motions that can tear or fray the labrum. Hip abnormalities, such as a hip impingement can also cause a hip labrum to tear or fray. A hip labrum tear occurs when the labrum is pulled from the attachment site on the acetabulum.
What is a hip labral repair?
A torn hip labrum that requires surgery, can be repaired arthroscopically. The goal of an arthroscopic hip labral repair is to reattach the labrum to the acetabulum. This specialized surgery will improve hip stability and function, improve diminished range-of-motion and decrease hip pain. A properly repaired hip labrum will also help prevent additional damage to the hip joint and surrounding soft tissue.
How is an arthroscopic hip labral repair done?
The hip labrum has a limited blood supply and cannot heal itself once it is torn from the bone. Surgical intervention is needed to restore the torn labrum and to stabilize the hip joint. The type of labral repair surgery will vary, depending on the type and severity of the tear. During a hip labral repair, our surgeons may do one or more of the following:
- Labral tear repair – The surgeon reattaches the labrum to the acetabulum using small surgical anchors and surgical thread called sutures.
- Debridement – If the hip labrum is frayed it can cause pain and additional damage. During debridement, the surgeon trims away or smooths out the damaged portion of labrum.
- Impingement treatment – If the torn labrum was caused by hip impingement, the surgeon will correct any bone abnormalities using a special tool to resurface the area causing impingement
- Hip labrum reconstruction – Sometimes the labrum is too damaged, and the surgeon is unable to complete a repair. A hip labrum reconstruction uses a graft to reconstruct the labrum. The graft is secured to the bone with sutures and restores the function of the original labrum.
How long is the recovery after arthroscopic hip surgery?
Arthroscopic hip surgery offers patients a quicker healing time and many procedures can be done out-patient. The time for recovery will vary, depending upon the procedure needed to correct your hip problem. In general, a full recovery after hip labrum repair or reconstruction can take up to twelve months. Once your condition is diagnosed, your orthopedic specialist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of recovery time.
For more information hip arthroscopy, hip labral repair or to be evaluated for your hip pain, or to receive a second opinion from one of our orthopedic telemedicine experts, please click on “Get Started” to reach one of our Best in Class physicians.
