Procedure Overview
What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the hip joint. It is performed using a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions around the hip.
Hip arthroscopy is commonly used to treat conditions such as labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), cartilage damage, and loose bodies. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, improve hip function, and help patients return to daily activities and sport.
Why Might Hip Arthroscopy Be Recommended?
Hip arthroscopy may be recommended if you have:
- Persistent hip or groin pain that has not improved with physiotherapy, activity modification, or injections
- Mechanical symptoms such as catching, clicking, or locking
- Limited hip motion affecting daily activities or sport
- Imaging findings consistent with treatable hip conditions
Common conditions treated include:
- Labral tears
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI – cam or pincer type)
- Cartilage damage
- Loose bodies within the joint
- Hip instability in selected cases
Long-Term Outcomes
Many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved function after hip arthroscopy. Outcomes depend on the underlying condition, degree of cartilage damage, and adherence to rehabilitation. Hip arthroscopy does not prevent arthritis in all cases, but it may slow progression in selected patients.
Clinical Outcomes & Patient Safety
Key Benefits
- Minimally invasive surgery with small incisions
- Less disruption to surrounding muscles
- Reduced pain compared with open surgery
- Faster early recovery in many patients
- Improved hip function and symptom relief
Risks & Considerations
- Infection
- Blood clots (rare)
- Nerve irritation or numbness (often temporary)
- Ongoing pain or stiffness
- Incomplete symptom relief
- Cartilage damage
- Need for further surgery, including hip replacement in the future
Preparing for Surgery
Being prepared before your surgery can help improve recovery and reduce complications. Your health care team will guide you, but some general recommendations include:
Medical Preparation
- Attending a preoperative assessment clinic to review your overall health, if required.
- Reviewing medications with your healthcare provider, as some may need to be stopped before surgery.
- Inform your team of any medical conditions or allergies, and managing existing conditions (such as diabetes, anemia, high blood pressure, or heart disease) as well as possible
Lifestyle Preparation
- Stop smoking, ideally several weeks before surgery, as smoking can delay healing and increase risk of complications
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healing
- If advised, try to lose excess weight to reduce stress on the new joint
- Continue physiotherapy exercises as advised to strengthen hip and leg muscles and improve flexibility, and maintain overall fitness
Plan Ahead
- Arrange time off work and discuss return-to-work plans with your healthcare provider
- Organize help at home for the first few weeks after surgery
- Plan transportation to and from the hospital on the day of surgery and for follow-up appointments. You will not be able to drive initially.
- Prepare questions and concerns to discuss with your surgical team
Return to Work, Driving & Sports
Return to Work
- Desk-based work: often 1–3 weeks
- Physically demanding work: May require 6–12 weeks or longer, and should be discussed with your surgeon.
Driving
- You are no longer taking narcotic pain medication
- You can safely control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop
- Your surgeon confirms it is safe
Sports
- Low-impact activities are introduced first
- Return to running or pivoting sports may take 3–6 months