Hip arthroscopy, also known as keyhole surgery for hip, is a minimally invasive surgery. This is because it only requires very small incisions for doctors performing keyhole surgery for hip here in Utah County to evaluate and treat a wide range of hip conditions.
During the procedure, an arthroscope, a small instrument with lens and a lighting system, is inserted into the incision which helps illuminate and magnify the inner structures of the body. It then transmits the images to a monitor where it is attached.
Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy may be performed to:
- Remove bone chips or torn cartilage that are causing immobility and hip pain.
- Remove extra bone growths or bone spurs caused by an injury or arthritis.
- Repair torn ligaments or fractures caused by trauma.
- Remove a part of the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium) in individuals with inflammatory arthritis.
- Repair a torn labrum, the fibrous cartilage ring lining the acetabular socket.
- Evaluate and diagnose conditions with unexplained swelling, stiffness, or pain in the hip area, which does not respond to conservative treatment.
Advantages
Some of the advantages of keyhole surgery over the conventional open hip surgery are:
-
- Minimally invasive.
- Smaller incisions.
- Less pain.
- Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time.
- Reduced infection rate.
- Minimal trauma to surrounding muscles, ligaments and tissues.Less scarring and earlier mobilization.
Possible Risks and Complications
Although hip arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it is still a type of surgery that requires an incision. And just like with any operation, several possible risks and complications may arise during or after the procedure.
These include infection in the joint space or at the site of the surgical incision, excessive bleeding and nerve damage, which can cause tingling, numbness, weakness and pain. It may also cause blood clots to develop inside the legs’ deep veins that can travel to the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolism.
Is Keyhole Surgery a Better Option than Physiotherapy for Hip Impingement?
Hip impingement is a condition where there is abnormal wearing contact between the hip joint’s ball and socket, causing increased friction during hip movements. It primarily affects younger people who live an active lifestyle.
Both physiotherapy and arthroscopy have been used to treat this condition and both resulted in improvements. However, when scored on a 100-point hip score during a 12-month period, arthroscopy scored an additional 6.8 points improvement than physiotherapy, which is a clinically significant difference.
Further follow-up is required to show any sustainable effect, but this is a good proof of its effectiveness nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
For faster recovery and to prevent complications, make sure to follow all the aftercare instructions given to you by your doctor. Take pain medications as prescribed – no more, no less. Use crutches if that will help put less pressure on the operated hip.
Physical therapy exercises will be good for you, as these can help improve your strength and flexibility, as well as restore your normal hip function. However, do avoid any strenuous activities or exercises that may put pressure on your hip during your recovery period.
And lastly, don’t forget to eat a healthy, balanced diet, as well as follow a healthy lifestyle. That means no smoking.
