What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the hip joint through one or two incisions of less than one centimetre. The camera transmits a magnified image to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to inspect and treat the joint with precision using fine instruments passed through additional small portals.
Because there is no large incision, damage to surrounding soft tissues is minimised, blood loss is reduced, and recovery is generally faster than with traditional open surgery. Many hip arthroscopy procedures are performed as day surgery or with a single overnight stay.
Conditions Treated
Hip arthroscopy is used both diagnostically — to directly visualise joint structures that may not be fully characterised on imaging — and therapeutically to address a range of conditions.
- Labral tears — the labrum can be repaired (reattached) or, where irreparable, debrided to relieve pain and mechanical symptoms
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) — reshaping of the femoral head (cam lesion) or acetabular rim (pincer lesion) to eliminate abnormal contact
- Articular cartilage damage — debridement, microfracture, or cartilage restoration techniques
- Loose bodies — removal of bone or cartilage fragments causing pain and locking
- Iliopsoas tendinopathy — lengthening of the iliopsoas tendon for snapping hip syndrome
- Synovitis — removal of inflamed synovial tissue
The Procedure & Recovery
Hip arthroscopy is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. The hip joint requires gentle traction to create space for the instruments, and the procedure typically takes between one and two hours depending on the findings and treatments required.
Anaesthesia & Positioning
The patient is positioned on a traction table and gentle traction applied to the leg. The hip is carefully prepared and draped in a sterile field.
Joint Entry & Assessment
Two or three small portals are made and the arthroscope introduced. The joint is systematically examined and any pathology identified.
Treatment
Surgical correction is performed under direct visualisation — labral repair, bone reshaping, cartilage treatment, or removal of loose bodies as required.
Recovery
Crutches are typically required for two to six weeks to protect the joint while healing occurs. Physiotherapy is essential and begins early. Most patients return to light activities within six to eight weeks, with return to sport at three to six months.
Individual recovery timelines vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the extent of any cartilage involvement. Dr. Pirpiris will outline a detailed rehabilitation programme tailored to your procedure.
Discuss Hip Arthroscopy
For a personalised assessment and treatment plan, contact Dr. Pirpiris’s rooms at Cabrini Medical Centre, Malvern.
📞 Call 03 9508 9600