Hip arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that consists of diagnosing and treating injuries to the hip joint, introducing a tiny camera through small incisions in the skin, along with surgical instruments.

Introduction

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that consists of diagnosing and treating injuries to the hip joint, introducing a tiny camera through small incisions in the skin, along with surgical instruments.

This technique allows surgeons to visualize the inside of the joint and perform precise surgical procedures without the need for open surgery. It is considered as a Hip Preserving Surgery. Its intention is to treat hip injuries early, before they produce noticeable joint wear, thus avoiding or postponing the need for a hip replacement.

Regarding open hip surgery, arthroscopy has the advantages of being much less aggressive, which allows better results with fewer complications.

Indications for hip arthroscopy

Diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement

Diagnosis and treatment of labral lesions

Diagnosis and treatment of other joint deformities

Arthroscopic treatment of cartilage injuries

Septic Arthritis Treatment

Hip arthroscopy procedure

Hip arthroscopy is usually performed under epidural or general anesthesia, and lasts approximately 90 minutes, although the duration will depend on the type of injury and the treatment applied.

During the procedure, a leg traction is performed so that the joint space is maximally stretched to facilitate the procedure. The surgeon will make a small 1 centimeter incision to insert the arthroscope; and other small incisions to introduce the surgical instruments.

After hip arthroscopy, the patient in recovery after the intervention is maintained with analgesia, and is usually discharged the next day, 24 hours after surgery.

The arthroscopic procedure generally produces little postoperative pain, and is usually well controlled after discharge with oral medications.

The subsequent recovery time and the rehabilitation program often depend on the type of arthroscopic surgery performed.

In selected hip arthroscopies, the patient can go home in hours and start support in 24 hours.

Hip arthroscopy results

Hip Arthroscopy has proven to be as effective as traditional open surgery in the treatment of Femoroacetabular Shock or also called hip clamp. However, patients treated with hip arthroscopy have a significantly better quality of life than patients treated with traditional hip surgery.

In general, in the indications for hip arthroscopy, there is scientific evidence of varying degrees that indicates that this technique is effective, produces fewer complications, less post-operative pain and earlier recovery.

The success of arthroscopic hip surgery is clearly related to the surgeon's experience in performing the procedure.