Hip Arthroscopy

What Is Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the hip joint through tiny incisions. This camera displays images on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to precisely guide small instruments to repair or remove damaged tissues inside the joint.

Common conditions treated with hip arthroscopy include:

• Labral tears (damage to the cartilage rim around the hip socket)

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – a bone overgrowth that causes friction in the joint

• Hip dysplasia – shallow hip sockets that lead to instability

• Loose bodies – fragments of bone or cartilage in the joint

• Snapping hip syndrome – a condition where tendons snap over the hip bones

• Synovitis – inflammation of the joint lining

Signs You May Need Hip Arthroscopy

Patients typically seek evaluation if they experience:

• Ongoing hip pain that doesn’t improve with physical therapy

• Pain that worsens with sitting, squatting, or twisting

• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip

• Reduced hip flexibility and range of motion

• Pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks

Hip arthroscopy may be the next step if conservative treatments like rest, medication, or injections have not worked.

What to Expect: Procedure & Recovery

Hip arthroscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take 1–2 hours. Patients often go home the same day.

Post-operative recovery includes:

• Crutches or a walker for the first few days to weeks

• Physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility

• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress

Most patients return to daily activities within 6–8 weeks, with full recovery possible in 3–6 months, depending on the severity of the condition and the procedure performed.

Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy

• Minimally invasive

• Faster healing and less pain

• Smaller scars

• Precise treatment of intra-articular hip problems

• Delays or eliminates the need for hip replacement surgery

Is Hip Arthroscopy Right for You?

A consultation with an orthopedic hip specialist is the best way to determine if you’re a candidate for hip arthroscopy. At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our team offers expert evaluation, advanced imaging, and individualized treatment plans to help you move without pain.