Hip Arthroscopy

Autor: RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
Consultation MACIEJ PAWLAK
Date added 11.12.2024
Date of last revision 11.12.2024

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Hip pain is an increasingly common reason for patients to visit orthopedic specialists, who use arthroscopy as a therapeutic tool. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that safely relieves hip pain and addresses other issues within the hip joint. It allows for quicker post-operative recovery.

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Indications for Hip Arthroscopy

The most common indications for hip arthroscopy include femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears. Other indications include loose bodies and treatment of articular cartilage damage. This does not apply to cartilage damage in the form of osteoarthritis (degeneration) but rather to focal damage caused by trauma, where fragments of articular cartilage detach.

It is important to note that, in cases of femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears and articular cartilage damage often occur simultaneously. Isolated labral tears are rare.

Other, less common indications for hip arthroscopy include snapping hip syndrome or gluteal muscle injuries.

Pre-Arthroscopy Diagnosis

When femoroacetabular impingement is suspected, standard pre-arthroscopy diagnostic procedures include X-rays in two projections. If X-rays confirm FAI, additional imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed, depending on the orthopedic surgeon’s preference. CT provides a 3D image for precise localization of the impingement, which is particularly helpful for surgical planning. For evaluating articular cartilage and labral injuries, contrast-enhanced MRI is the most effective imaging modality.

Hip Arthroscopy Procedure

For the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement, hip arthroscopy typically lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed under spinal anesthesia, and involves small skin incisions (usually 2 to 4) through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted.

Rehabilitation begins almost immediately after surgery. On the day following the procedure, a physiotherapist visits the patient to demonstrate basic exercises. In-patient rehabilitation starts two weeks after surgery, once the stitches are removed. Depending on the specifics of the arthroscopy, patients may begin walking with crutches and gradually increase their range of motion while avoiding rotational movements initially. Full recovery and return to normal function typically take approximately six months, depending on the nature of the surgical intervention.

Return to Sports

Hip arthroscopy is considered a sports medicine procedure aimed at restoring full functionality and enabling a return to sports activities.

Dr. Tomasz Piontek, an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and specialist at Rehasport, is one of the few in Poland performing hip arthroscopy. His extensive experience and expertise ensure that this technically challenging procedure is carried out with the utmost precision, using the latest surgical techniques. While this type of surgery has been performed for over a decade in the United States and Western Europe, it is only recently gaining popularity in Poland.

Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy

Opting for hip arthroscopy helps preserve the hip joint, relieving pain and improving mobility. It allows patients to quickly regain full physical fitness and resume their favorite sports activities.

Related Articles:
Explore other potential causes of hip pain.

Bibliography:

Autor
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI

Specjalista do spraw content marketingu, dziennikarz sportowy i medyczny. Redaktor naczelny magazynu „Poradnik Zdrowie i Sport”, członek Dziennikarskiego Klubu Promocji Zdrowia, współtwórca wielu artykułów medycznych z zakresu ortopedii i urazowości w sporcie.

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Konsultacja merytoryczna
MACIEJ PAWLAK
MACIEJ PAWLAK

Lekarz w klinice Rehasport, specjalizuje się w ortopedii i traumatologii narządu ruchu z ukierunkowaniem na staw kolanowy, biodrowy i barkowy. Międzynarodowy trener chirurgii barku i kolana prowadzący praktyczne kursy dla ortopedów zarówno w Polsce, jak i za granicą.

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