Hip Arthroscopy Surgery
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed as an outpatient in a hospital or surrey center setting. It uses a video camera attached to longer instruments to see into and fix many common problems that are inside the ball and socket joint of the hip. The surgery requires a general anesthetic, as it is necessary to partway distract ,or pull apart, the ball from the socket in order to work inside the hip joint.
When is Hip Arthroscopy Appropriate?
The procedure is considered when conclusive evidence of a fixable problem in the joint is found, usually by reviewing plain X-rays, MRI’s, and/or a diagnostic injection of an anesthetic or steroid that relieves the pain. These injections tell both the doctor and the patient that the hip is the source of the pain.
As the procedure is technically demanding, albeit from distracting the joint for safe access to utilizing an intra-operative X-ray to confirm the placement of instruments and for removal of bone spurs, etc. Most surgeons performing hip arthroscopy have specialized training in this area. It is worth the patient’s time to do their due diligence when considering this operation.
When is Hip Arthroscopy not Recommended?
Finally, there are times when a hip arthroscopy is not a good choice, especially when moderate to advanced arthritis is present, or a shallow hip socket (hip dysplasia) is present from birth.
John S. Urse, DO, FAOAO
Dr Urse has been performing hip arthroscopy since 1991, and is an Associate Master Instructor for the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), for the past 15 years. This involves teaching other physicians from around the world hip arthroscopy skills, using cadaver labs and workshops. Dr Urse also has extensive research and special interest in gluteus medius tendon repairs, the so-called “rotator cuff tear of the hip”. This is an outside the hip muscle that lifts the leg and a frequent problem that can also be repaired using hip arthroscopy techniques.
New Treatments - New Technology
An initial consultation can explore individualized treatment plans, which may help avoid surgery or be used as an adjunct to a planned procedure. A determination can be made if the procedure is to be done in an office or in a hospital setting. Procedure costs will vary based upon your insurance, co-pays, deductibles, whether one or two body areas are chosen, and where your particular procedure is performed. To schedule a consultation, call 937-415-9100. Appointments can generally be scheduled within one or two days.
