Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions within the hip joint. As a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, Australia, Dr Yas Edirisinghe from Ortho Precision is committed to providing comprehensive care for patients with hip issues. This guide will delve into the key aspects of hip arthroscopy, including its benefits, suitability, risks, procedural details, and recovery process.

What is Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy, also known as a hip scope, is a procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of the hip joint using a small camera, called an arthroscope. This camera is inserted through a small incision, and it transmits images to a monitor, enabling the surgeon to diagnose and treat various hip joint problems without making large incisions.

Common Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroscopy

Labral Tears: Tears in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of the hip joint socket.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): A condition where extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint.
Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone.
Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines the joint.
Loose Bodies: Fragments of bone or cartilage that have broken off and are floating within the joint.

Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, making it a preferred choice for many patients and surgeons.

Minimally Invasive

The procedure requires only small incisions, which means less trauma to the surrounding tissues compared to open surgery. This typically results in less postoperative pain and faster recovery.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic

Hip arthroscopy not only allows for a detailed examination of the hip joint but also enables the surgeon to treat identified issues during the same procedure. This dual capability can save time and reduce the need for multiple surgeries.

Shorter Hospital Stay

Due to its minimally invasive nature, patients often experience a shorter hospital stay and can frequently return home the same day or within 24 hours of the procedure.

Faster Recovery

Patients generally enjoy a quicker recovery period, enabling them to return to their normal activities sooner than they would after open surgery. This is particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals who lead active lifestyles.

Reduced Scarring

The small incisions used in hip arthroscopy lead to minimal scarring, which is aesthetically favourable and reduces the risk of complications associated with larger wounds.

Is Hip Arthroscopy Right for You?

Deciding whether hip arthroscopy is the right procedure involves a thorough evaluation by a skilled orthopaedic surgeon like Dr Yas Edirisinghe. Several factors come into play when determining candidacy for this procedure.

Suitable Candidates

Persistent Hip Pain: Patients experiencing chronic hip pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Specific Diagnoses: Conditions such as labral tears, FAI, hip dysplasia, and synovitis can be effectively treated with arthroscopy.
Active Lifestyle: Individuals who need a quicker recovery to return to their daily activities or sports.

Preoperative Evaluation

A detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are essential to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical approach. Dr. Edirisinghe will assess these factors to determine if hip arthroscopy is the most appropriate intervention.

What are the Risks?

While hip arthroscopy is generally safe, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

Common Risks

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. This is minimised by adhering to strict sterile techniques and postoperative care.
Nerve or Vessel Damage: The proximity of nerves and blood vessels to the hip joint means there is a risk, albeit small, of injury during the procedure.
Bleeding: Minimal bleeding is expected, but significant bleeding is rare.
Blood Clots: Though uncommon, blood clots can form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Specific Complications

Hip Stiffness: Postoperative stiffness can occur but is often temporary and can be managed with physical therapy.
Continued Pain: In some cases, patients may continue to experience hip pain after the procedure.
Incomplete Symptom Relief: The procedure may not completely alleviate symptoms, especially if there are additional underlying issues not addressed during surgery.

Explain the Procedure

Understanding the step-by-step process of hip arthroscopy can help alleviate anxiety and prepare patients for what to expect.

Preoperative Preparation

Before the surgery, patients will undergo a series of evaluations, including blood tests and imaging studies. It is essential to follow preoperative instructions, such as fasting and adjusting medications, as advised by Dr Edirisinghe.

Anaesthesia

The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring the patient is asleep and pain-free. In some cases, regional anaesthesia may be used to numb the lower body.

Surgical Steps

Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions (portals) around the hip area.
Insertion of Arthroscope: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (arthroscope) is inserted through one of the portals. The camera provides a clear view of the hip joint on a monitor.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Additional instruments are inserted through other portals to perform the necessary repairs, such as trimming bone spurs, repairing torn labrum, or removing loose bodies.
Closure: Once the procedure is complete, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape. A sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1-to-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition being treated.

Recovery Process

The recovery process is a critical component of a successful hip arthroscopy, and it involves several stages.

Immediate Postoperative Care

Observation: After the procedure, patients are taken to the recovery room for monitoring as the anaesthesia wears off.
Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are managed with medications prescribed by Dr Edirisinghe.

Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program is initiated to restore hip function and strength. This may begin with gentle range-of-motion exercises and gradually progress to more strenuous activities.
Weight Bearing: Initially, patients may need crutches or a walker to limit weight-bearing on the operated hip. Dr Edirisinghe will provide specific instructions based on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s condition.

Home Care

Wound Care: Keeping the incision sites clean and dry is essential to prevent infection. Follow any wound care instructions provided.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid high-impact activities and follow guidelines on activity restrictions to ensure proper healing.

Long-term Recovery

Full recovery from hip arthroscopy can take several months, with significant improvement typically seen within 3 to 6 months. Adhering to the prescribed rehabilitation plan is crucial for optimal recovery and return to normal activities.

Hip arthroscopy, performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr Yas Edirisinghe, offers a minimally invasive solution to various hip joint problems, providing benefits such as reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.

Determining if the procedure is right for you involves a thorough evaluation and understanding of the potential risks and benefits. By following a structured recovery plan, patients can look forward to significant improvements in hip function and overall quality of life.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your specific condition, the chat feature on the Ortho Precision website allows direct communication with Dr Edirisinghe and his team for personalised guidance and support.

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