If you play sports, overuse your hips, or take a hard fall, you may experience hip pain that requires medical attention. If the discomfort increases over time, contact an experienced medical professional at NJ Spine & Orthopedic immediately to find a proper solution for you. One of the potential treatments for hip problems is a hip arthroscopy, a minimally-invasive procedure in which our highly-skilled surgeons make small incisions in the hip area and insert a camera to examine the joint closely.
This procedure allows us to identify and diagnose hip conditions and treat them by smooth cartilage, repairing tears, and trimming spurs. We understand this can be intimidating, so we support you every step of the way and ensure you fully understand the scope of your condition and the details of the procedure. Our state-of-the-art technology and comfortable offices help you feel safe and relaxed. We strive to give you a stress-free experience with a swift and smooth recovery, so you can return to your life and the activities you enjoy.
What Is the Hip Arthroscopy Process?
If you need a hip arthroscopy, you may worry about the procedure and feeling any pain. Fortunately, the surgery is minimally-invasive and only involves some small incisions. While every patient is different, the general hip arthroscopy process includes the following steps:
- Your surgeon makes one or multiple small incisions to allow insertion of the camera, also called an arthroscope, and other surgical instruments.
- The hip joint gets injected with fluid to keep it open and accessible during the procedure.
- A wire and tube get inserted so the arthroscope can go through them and not cause damage to any tissue.
- As the arthroscope goes in, we view the joint and surrounding tissue on a monitor.
- We identify any issues and insert tools to start treating them.
- Once we complete the treatment, we close the incisions with stitches or tape.
Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient surgery, which means you can go home the same day as the procedure. In the weeks after the surgery, you can expect to walk on crutches, see a physical therapist, and work on stretching and exercising your hip.
Who May Be a Candidate for a Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy may be ideal for patients whose condition does not require a hip replacement. Those with injuries from sports, overuse, or abnormalities can typically get this procedure because it can help repair the soft tissue and correct the shape and fit of the hip’s ball-and-socket joint. However, those with more serious hip problems like arthritis may need different treatment.
Those with the following conditions may be eligible for hip arthroscopy:
- Hip impingement: This occurs when the hip joint bones get pinched due to abnormal bone shape. Arthroscopy may help reshape these bones so they fit together correctly.
- Bone spurs: These are bumps that form on the edges of bones and prevent the joint from moving smoothly. We may perform an arthroscopy to trim these spurs.
- Hip labral tear: This is a tear in the cartilage that rims your hip socket. Arthroscopy can help clean and repair the issue.
- Loose cartilage fragments: If you fall on your hip, you may have loose cartilage, causing inflammation. We can remove these fragments with an arthroscopy.
- Synovitis: This condition involves inflammation of the hip joint lining. We may perform an arthroscopy to remove the affected tissue and address other underlying concerns.
We leave no stone unturned when determining the best solution for your hip issues. We consider surgery a last resort option and do everything we can to fix the problem before performing a procedure. If non-surgical options do not effectively resolve your hip issue, we may perform hip arthroscopy.
Seek Guidance From a Knowledgeable Professional at NJ Spine & Orthopedic
Dealing with hip pain can make simple activities, like sitting and standing, painful and difficult. If this is the case for you, you deserve a doctor who will find the best solution for you and make you feel safe and comfortable. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our compassionate specialists are here to evaluate your condition and develop a customized plan to meet your needs.
We have provided our patients with top-notch services and care for years, so you can trust us to handle your condition with the utmost attention. Our attentive team strives to reduce your pain and allow you to return to the activities you enjoy as soon as possible. If you need surgery like hip arthroscopy, we have the knowledge to answer all your questions and ease your worries. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our contact form or call (866) 553-0612.