Conservative and non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of defense against hip pain. However, you may need hip arthroscopy when these methods fail to provide relief, especially if your condition is severe.
Surgery may sound intimidating, but hip arthroscopy can provide significant pain relief and help you get back to your regular activities. Here are this surgical procedure’s advantages:
It Is Minimally Invasive
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Your surgeon will make tiny incisions about the size of a button around the joint.
Your surgeon will insert a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, into the hip through one of the incisions. The camera will project images from the arthroscope onto a screen in the operating room. This will allow your surgeon to see what’s going on inside your hip.
They will make another small incision to insert miniature surgical instruments into the hip joint. Your surgeon will use these instruments to repair any damage.
It Is Less Invasive Than Traditional Hip Surgery
Hip arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional hip surgery, such as a hip replacement. That is because the incisions are smaller, and there is no need to detach or move any muscles or tendons. This saves nearby healthy tissues from collateral damage.
As a result, you will have a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, less pain, and less scarring.
It Provides A Faster Recovery
Another advantage of hip arthroscopy is that it provides a faster recovery than traditional hip surgery. The incisions are smaller, and there is less damage to the surrounding tissues.
You may be able to go home the same day as your surgery or the day after. You will likely need crutches or a walker for a few weeks, but overall, you will be able to move a lot faster than with traditional surgery.
Depending on your recovery and physical therapy, you may return to your regular activities in about six weeks.
It Helps Relieve Pain
Hip arthroscopy can help relieve pain caused by several conditions, including:
- Arthritis – a degenerative condition that causes joint cartilage to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – occurs when the bones around the hip joint are not aligned properly, causing the bones to rub against each other
- Labral tears – tears in the cartilage surrounding the hip, causing pain and instability
- Snapping hip syndrome – causes a popping sensation in the hip, resulting from a tear in the hip capsule or a piece of cartilage caught in the joint
After the procedure, you may notice a significant decrease in your pain level.
It Helps You Avoid Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip arthroscopy can also help you avoid hip replacement surgery, a more invasive surgical procedure. Hip replacement or arthroplasty entails removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant.
It requires larger incisions, which means more pain, and a longer recovery.
It Helps Restore Range Of Motion
Hip arthroscopy can also help restore your range of motion. Your surgeon can remove debris or blockages preventing your hip joint from moving smoothly.
The procedure can help you return to your daily life and do what you love.
It Has A Low Risk Of Complications
Hip arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure with a low risk of complications. The most common complications are infection, bleeding, and blood clots.
These complications are usually minor, and your provider can treat them with antibiotics, other medications, and other preparations. Serious complications are rare.
Hip Arthroscopy In Little Rock, AR
If you are experiencing hip pain, talk to your doctor about hip arthroscopy. It can provide significant pain relief and help you get back to normal activities. Your orthopedic surgeon can help you decide if hip arthroscopy is the best treatment option for you.
You can trust Bowen Hefley Orthopedics with your hip arthroscopy in Little Rock. Dr. William Hefley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon dedicated to serving patients like you. You may call our friendly staff at (800) 336-2412 to learn about our practice and services. You may also use our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation with the best orthopedic surgeon near you.
We look forward to serving you!
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