Hip Arthroscopy

A hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure whereby a thin tube with a camera on the end (an arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision to enable your surgeon to look inside your hip joint. Miniature surgical instruments are passed through other small incisions to repair the joint or remove damaged tissue. Fluid (saline) will be pumped into the area around the joint to expand the area and give greater visibility.  Arthroscopic surgery is commonly known as ‘keyhole’ surgery.

An arthroscopy may be the chosen procedure to treat an already diagnosed problem, or it may be performed for diagnostic purposes. During a diagnostic arthroscopy your surgeon may be able to immediately treat the cause of your hip pain.

Hip arthroscopy procedures can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and you will usually be able to return home on the day of your procedure. You will be provided with physiotherapy exercises designed to get you back to full strength as quickly as possible.

Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive than open surgery that requires larger incisions, so pain and stiffness is often less and recovery faster. However, you will still need a period of rest and rehabilitation, including the required time off work. 

One Hatfield provides fast access to hip arthroscopy at our leading private hospital in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Hip Arthroscopy Procedures

Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of hip problems. Commonly:

Femoroacetabular Impingement (also known as Hip Impingement Syndrome) 

A condition arising in the hips of younger adults whereby bony spurs form on the head of the thigh bone (femur) cause abnormal contact with the rim of the socket (acetabulum).  This leads to damage to the labrum cartilage on the rim of the hip joint, causing pain. An arthroscopy can be used to reshape the femoral head and socket to prevent this abnormal contact.

Labral Tear 

Repair to the labrum cartilage on the rim of the hip joint. The labrum can be damaged or torn causing acute pain that can feel like groin pain, and a feeling of your hip giving way.  Depending on the extent of the tear, your surgeon can remove or repair the torn tissue.

Loose Bodies 

Small pieces of bone or cartilage, caused by injury or wear and tear, can get caught within the joint and cause pain. An arthroscopy allows your surgeon to remove these pieces.

Synovial Removal 

Synovitis of the hip causes the lining of the joint (synovium) to become inflamed, painful, and swollen. During a hip arthroscopy the inflamed synovium can be removed by shaving tissue with special tools. 

Articular Cartilage Injury 

The Articular cartilage covers the joint surfaces of the head of the thigh bone (femur) and inside the socket, allowing for smooth movement. Injury or wear and tears can damage the cartilage. Damaged cartilage is repaired or removed.

How long will it take to recover?

The procedure can take 1 – 3 hours depending on how much work needs to be done. The anaesthetic wears off rapidly and you will be awake very soon after the operation although you may feel drowsy for an hour or two. You will usually be able to go home the next day.

A physiotherapist will want to see that you can bear some weight, and will give you advice on how to exercise your hip before you leave. Post-operative rehabilitation with a physiotherapist is key to ensure muscles are strengthened and to minimise the post-operative stiffness.

For the first 2 weeks after surgery will be able to bear some weight but you may need crutches. You will feel some pain and tenderness in your hip after surgery. Anti-inflammatory pain killers, an ice pack and rest will help provide some relief. 

A week or so after the operation your consultant will see you again to review your progress and will advise when you can return to work and driving.  As a guide, you can drive once you are fully weight bearing and it is comfortable to do so.  If the pain in your hip has settled and your job is not physically demanding you should be able to return to work after 2 weeks. If you have a physically demanding job you may need to take 6 – 8 weeks off. A full recovery and return to sport is expected after a 6 months.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic knee surgeon for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours. Hip Arthroscopy is available at One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire, making us ideally located to see patients from Hatfield, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Welwyn, Hemel Hempstead, Cheshunt, Barnet, Enfield, and all surrounding areas of Hertfordshire and North London.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Hip Arthroscopy treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• 0% and low finance options**
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Barnet, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.