Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the hip joint and surrounding soft tissues. Hip arthroscopy is same-day surgery and is generally performed under general anesthesia. Hip arthroscopy usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, although the length of time can vary depending on the type of procedure being performed.

Procedure

After anesthesia, your leg will be put in traction. Your hip will be pulled away from the socket enough for your surgeon to insert instruments, see the entire joint, and perform the needed procedures.
Two to five small incisions (each less than 1 cm long) are made around the hip to insert the arthroscopy camera and necessary instruments. An x-ray machine is used to guide the tools into the hip joint. Fluid (sterile saline water) irrigates and fills the joint space for better viewing.

Your surgeon will evaluate the joint before beginning any specific treatments.
Once the problem is clearly identified, your surgeon will insert other small instruments through separate incisions to repair it.