Arthroscopy of the Hip

In some cases, pain from the hip joint requires us to look inside the joint via keyhole surgery, known as arthroscopy. Common symptoms that suggest there may be a problem inside the hip are pain in the groin, clicking, locking and stiffness in the joint. An injury such as a groin strain or early arthritis can cause damage to the hip which arthroscopy can improve.

What happens at surgery?

The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and usually as a day case. Three small (5mm) keyholes are made on the outside of the thigh just above the bony prominence of the hip. During the operation we look at the inside of the joint and can introduce instruments to smooth off rough surfaces and remove loose pieces of cartilage that may be causing a problem. We have to pull hard on the leg in order to be able to see inside the hip, and this stretching can also help to relieve some of the stiffness.

After a hip arthroscopy

After the procedure expect the hip area to be a little sore but there should be no severe pain. You will need to use crutches for a day or two and shouldn't drive for a fortnight or so. There will be exercises to do with the physiotherapist but any impact exercises are not advised for a month. Because we need to pull hard on the leg during the operation, there may rarely be some numbness in the groin or thigh that should resolve within a few days or weeks.

Outcome

Most patients will benefit from hip arthroscopy, but there may be some conditions such as early arthritis, after which the improvement is only short-term and further surgery is then required.

The best results are when there is a loose body in the hip, such as a small piece of cartilage, which can be removed during the surgery.

Clare Park Hospital | Crondall Lane | Crondall | Farnham | Surrey | GU10 5XX

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