It is a “closed” operation performed through an arthroscope, which allows us to observe, diagnose and probably repair the damage that is affecting the hip joint.
Arthroscopic techniques require only 2 to 3 incisions of less than 1 cm to introduce the surgical instruments; For this reason, hip arthroscopy is currently considered one of the least invasive and most effective procedures for treating problems of the coxofemoral joint.
In arthroscopic hip surgery, general anesthesia is used to prevent the patient from feeling pain, but also to prevent any spontaneous movement that may affect the course of the operation.
During the intervention, the surgeon makes small strategic cuts on the hip that will function as portals to insert the arthroscope; This tubular device has a camera that magnifies the internal view of the cavity, thus facilitating the location of the injured area.
With the same arthroscopic method, the doctor can introduce different special instruments that will serve to repair or treat the necessary problems, for example: removing parts of a loose bone in the intra-articular area, fixing a labral rupture, correcting femoroacetabular impingement, treating synovitis, among others.
At pre-surgery visits, talk to your doctor about the medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbs you take regularly. If any of these drugs have anticoagulant properties, it is very likely that the doctor will order you to stop using them for some time.
Reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as these can have a negative influence and delay the time of your recovery.
For the day of surgery it is advisable to: Stop eating 8 hours before the operation, go to the health center on time, take the suggested medications and follow the instructions of the medical staff.
Below, we clarify some of the most common doubts about hip arthroscopy…
The recovery time may become variable according to the structures that have been intervened during the operation; however, we can mention that it is usual for the patient to start walking using crutches the day after surgery.
The support of crutches should be maintained for a period of time between 2 and 6 weeks; taking special care during the first week, not to exert any additional weight on the operated side.
Follow the instructions given by your treating doctor thoroughly, he is the only person trained to tell you when you will be able to bear weight with your leg and when you will be able to return to your work activities.
Referral to physiotherapy is essential for the patient to regain mobility, strength and stability of the joint, through therapies and exercises designed for this purpose.
After undergoing hip arthroscopy, the patient may experience some discomfort in the coxofemoral area that is very typical of any surgery:
As it is a minimally invasive surgery, the work of visualization and direct repair by arthroscopy usually does not take more than 90 minutes; However, there may be slightly more complex (or simpler) cases in which this time can increase or decrease.
When you go home after surgery, be sure to:
The risks that revolve around arthroscopic surgery of the hip are:
The Panama Clinic, Tower B, 23rd Floor, Office 2315
