Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a recently available procedure for the treatment of certain abnormalities of the hip. Due to the powerful muscles that cross the hip, entry into the joint requires the use of a distraction system. For cases of hip arthroscopy, the leg is usually distracted using a leg holder. The traction allows the entry of instruments into the hip joint for direct examination of the articular cartilage and evaluation of the soft tissue rim around the hip socket known as the labrum. One of the common sources of hip pain in young patients is damage to the labrum from overuse or from an accident. Hip arthroscopy allows the surgeon to evaluate and treat such tears of the labrum. Additionally, hip arthroscopy can be used to treat hip impingement, particularly in cases of cam impingement due to an aspherical femoral head. It has also been applied to the treatment of snapping of the hip due to the iliopsoas tendon rubbing on the edge of pelvic brim. The surgery takes approximately 1 to 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Usually, a total of 2-4 skin incisions are used and these are located on the outer aspect of the hip. Most patients can go home the same day. Crutches are usually required for about 2 to 3 weeks.

This procedure provides significant advantage to open procedures of the hip due to the relatively expedient recovery and the substantially decreased blood loss and muscle dissection.