Hip Arthroscopy

Hip Conditions We Treat

• Labral tears
• Hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement)
• Snapping hip syndrome
• Cartilage injuries
• Loose bodies within the joint

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions within the hip joint. Using small incisions and specialized instruments, your physician can repair damage, relieve pain, and restore function, often allowing for a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Hip arthroscopy is commonly recommended when symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or injections.

Conditions Treated

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) and Labral Tears

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion while remaining highly stable. Smooth cartilage covers both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum), allowing the joint to move with minimal friction. A ring of cartilage called the labrum lines the socket and functions like a gasket to create stability and a suction seal.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when there is a shape mismatch between the ball and socket. This abnormal contact places stress on the joint, leading to damage of the labrum and cartilage.

There are two primary types of FAI:

• Cam impingement (more common in males): caused by a bony bump or irregular shape of the femoral head
• Pincer impingement (more common in females): caused by a deeper or abnormally angled socket

Many patients experience a combination of both.

Common symptoms include:

• Groin or lateral hip pain
• Pain with sitting, standing, or hip flexion
• Discomfort during exercise or getting in and out of a vehicle
• Clicking, catching, or snapping sensations
• Sharp pain with underlying dull or aching discomfort

Treatment for FAI and Labral Tears: Treatment depends on symptom severity and response to conservative care. Non-surgical options may include:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy focused on strength and balance

If symptoms persist and significantly affect quality of life, hip arthroscopy may be recommended to repair the labral tear and reshape the bone to correct cam and/or pincer deformities.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the socket is too shallow, providing less coverage of the femoral head. This can lead to instability and increased stress on the labrum, often resulting in labral tears.

Symptoms may be similar to FAI and include pain, instability, or mechanical symptoms.

Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy focused on strengthening stabilizing muscles
• Activity modification and pain management

Hip arthroscopy may help address labral damage in mild cases, but it does not correct the underlying shallow socket.

Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, involves the breakdown of cartilage within the joint. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that typically progresses over time.

Symptoms may include:

• Gradual increase in hip pain
• Stiffness and limited motion
• Pain that worsens with activity

Non-surgical treatment may include activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections. When symptoms become severe, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. For more information, visit our Hip & Knee Replacement page.

What to Expect with Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and usually takes one to two hours.

Key benefits may include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery compared to open surgery

Recovery timeline:

• Crutches for approximately 3 to 6 weeks
• Return to work or school in 2 to 3 weeks (depending on activity level)
• Full recovery typically takes 3 to 4 months with physical therapy

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