HIP ARTHROSCOPY

Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure using a camera and light inserted via flexible tools into the hip through small incisions. Hip arthroscopy involves opening up the joint space by use of a special table to improve access to the damage within the joint. Although arthroscopic surgery has been used for years in knees and shoulders, the technology is very new with treating the hip and much more difficult.

Conditions treated through hip arthroscopy (hipscope) include FAI, Femoroacetabular Impingement where there is friction between the hip socket and femur due to bone abnormality, labral cartiledge tear repair, loose body removal, microfracture and treatment of inflammation.

Arthroscopic surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the amount of damage that must be addressed. Hipscope is also used for diagnosing tears and impingements. For more involved procedures such as microfracture, an overnight stay in the hospital and 8 or more weeks of crutches may be necessary. Most arthroscopic procedures can be done outpatient and require only a few short weeks of cruthes and physiotherapy.

Risks include infection, bleeding and complications of anethesia as with any surgery. Because of the traction placed on the hip, damage to the sciatic nerve could occur as well as damage to other nerves, blood vessels, and cartlidge. Blood clots, calcification of normal tissues, dead hip bone and fractures are also possible risks associated with hip arthroscopy.

Here's a great Q&A for Arthroscopic Patients:
http://nemsi.uchc.edu/clinical_services/orthopaedic/sportsmedicine/faqs/faqs_hiparth.html