Name of the Procedure:

Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), abrasion arthroplasty, and/or resection of labrum.

Summary

Arthroscopy of the hip is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to view and treat problems inside the hip joint. It involves cleaning or smoothing damaged cartilage, shaving the bone, or removing parts of the damaged labrum.

Purpose

The procedure addresses conditions related to hip pain and dysfunction, such as labral tears, cartilage damage, and hip impingement. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage.

Indications

• Persistent hip pain
• Limited range of motion
• Labral tears
• Articular cartilage damage
• Hip impingement syndrome
• Symptoms not relieved by conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medication)

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-12 hours before the procedure.
• Adjusting or stopping certain medications as advised by the doctor.
• Pre-operative imaging studies, like X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of hip damage.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is given general anesthesia or regional anesthesia.
2. Small incisions are made around the hip.
3. An arthroscope (a small camera) is inserted to view the inside of the joint.
4. Surgical instruments are introduced through other small incisions to debride or shave damaged cartilage, perform abrasion arthroplasty, and/or resect the labrum.
5. The surgeon may also smooth out rough bone surfaces.
6. Incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical technologist

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve or vessel damage
• Hip stiffness
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Persistent pain or symptoms

Benefits

• Relief from hip pain
• Improved hip function and mobility
• Reduced risk of further joint damage
• Minimally invasive with quicker recovery times compared to open surgery

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes rest, ice application, and pain management.
• Weight-bearing restrictions and use of crutches may be necessary.
• Physical therapy may begin shortly after surgery.
• Full recovery can take several weeks to a few months, with a gradual return to normal activities.

Alternatives

• Conservative treatments: physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
• Open hip surgery: more invasive, with a longer recovery time.
• Hip replacement surgery, if there is extensive joint damage.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain. Post-surgery, there may be discomfort, swelling, and bruising at the incision sites. Pain is usually managed with medication, and patients may initially experience some stiffness and limited mobility that improves with rehabilitation.