There are over 200 bones in the body working together to provide the framework for the muscles and a variety of other tissues. Bones also protect the body against injury and make it possible to move. As time passes, certain conditions affecting the ball and socket of the hip make walking or moving very painful, causing a person to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment if needed. When researching conditions and treatments related to hip arthroscopy, state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and effective technological procedures are available at our office. We offer our patients accurate diagnoses by starting with a complete physical exam, patient history, and any necessary diagnostics to diagnose your condition.
When is Hip Arthroscopy Recommended?
A physician might recommend hip arthroscopy when there is a persistent and painful condition that hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatment such as exercise, physical therapy, rest, and medications (oral or injected) that reduce inflammation. Hip arthroscopy is a procedure that can successfully relieve severe symptoms relating to conditions of the labrum, joint cartilage, or any of the soft tissues that surround the joint.
Sometimes, damage to this area can result from trauma along with orthopedic conditions such as:
- Bone spurs which damage soft tissues around the hip during movement
- Dysplasia determined by an abnormally shallow hip socket
- Snapping hip syndrome indicated by a tendon that rubs across and irritates the surface of a joint
- Synovitis that creates inflammation of the tissues that surround a joint
- Bone fragments or cartilage which becomes loose and moves around within the joint
- Infection of the hip joint
What Can I Expect During Hip Arthroscopy?
The Hip
The anatomy of the human hip comprises a ball and socket joint featuring the femur and the pelvis. The ball portion is located at the top of the leg and is referred to as the femoral head. The acetabulum refers to the part of the pelvis known as the socket. The labrum of the hip describes the cartilage that covers the socket’s rim.
Finding the Problem
Once the patient is anesthetized, the doctor uses specialized techniques that allow for distraction of the hip joint with little additional traction needed. The next step requires using x-ray for guidance into the hip joint. The surgeon usually looks for the ball to move out of the socket around 1 centimeter so they can successfully access the hip joint, traumatizing none of the joint’s surfaces. At this point during the procedure, many surgeons inject fluid into the joint, ensuring an adequate amount of space between the ball and socket for access without injury.
Fixing the Issue
The surgeon can gain multiple entry points and now view the interior of the hip joint using the arthroscope. Once the surgeon has completed the desired procedure between the ball and socket, he will release the traction, allowing the ball of the hip to regain its natural position.
Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy usually experience complete resolution of their hip issues with this surgery. Less than 10% of the people who have had hip arthroscopy experience complications from the surgical treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Hip Arthroscopy?
If you have hip pain that doesn’t respond to traditional therapy or meds, you may be a candidate. It’s important to talk with dedicated professionals who are expertly trained and licensed for the diagnostic procedures your condition requires. Look no further than our team at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates, with offices located in Plymouth, Duxbury and Sandwich. Contact us today to book an appointment.