Hip Arthroscopy: What is it?

Hip arthroscopy is a relatively new surgical technique. In fact, it has only recently become possible, thanks to major developments in technology. This revolutionary procedure allows orthopedic surgeons to view the inside of the hip joint through a piece of equipment called an arthroscope, and to conduct a variety of treatments, depending on the nature of the condition.

The technique is preferable to open hip surgery, as it is far less invasive. The incisions made are very small, and in general, recovery times are much swifter.

What Conditions Can be Treated?

A number of conditions can be treated successfully using hip arthroscopy. These include:

• Cartilage Damage: Cartilage damage is a fairly common condition, often suffered by sports players. If a section of cartilage breaks away from the bone, hip arthroscopy can be used to remove the floating piece of cartilage.
• Labral Tear: The term ‘labrum’ refers to the tissue that surrounds the socket of the hip. It serves an important purpose, because it helps to support the joint. If tearing occurs, this can cause significant pain, which can be rectified by surgery.
• Arthritis (early stages): In the early stages of the condition, hip arthroscopy can be used to remove spurs that have formed on the bone, which helps alleviate pain.
• Snapping Hip Syndrome: Snapping hip syndrome is an exceptionally uncomfortable condition, and patients often complain of a ‘catching’ sensation in the hip itself. Surgery can be used to relive this, and also to release the psoas tendon, if necessary.

What to Expect from the Procedure

The surgery itself is only minimally invasive, so it is generally an outpatient procedure. General anesthesia is used, so you’ll need someone to be able to take you home after the surgery is complete.

One of the major advantages of this type of procedure is the improved recovery time. It’s likely that you’ll be able to put weight on the hip straight away, though in some cases, your surgeon may advise you to limit weight bearing activities for a certain period of time.

For keen sports players, hip arthroscopy offers significant benefits, as most patients are able to return to sport fairly quickly afterwards. Certainly light activity, such as walking and swimming, can be enjoyed after only a few weeks.

Dr Bennett: Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Sarasota

Dr Bennett specializes in orthopedic surgery and understands how important it is for sports players to return to enjoying what they do best, as quickly as possible. He has extensive experience in hip arthroscopy and many of his clients can testify as to the success of his treatment.

A Case Study:
Dr Bennett recently performed this surgical technique on the Patron of the Polo Team, Zacara. The patient in question required extensive labral reconstruction, cartilage regeneration, stem cells and microfracture and was worried about his ability to return the sport that he loved. However, after being treated by Dr Bennett, he went on to win the British Open, win the US Open twice, and the Queen’s Cup twice too.

If you want to find out more about hip arthroscopy, simply call Bennett Orthopedics and Sportsmedicine at (941) 953-5509.