According to studies, hip pain affects roughly 19% of Americans. When such conditions become severe, doctors recommend medical evaluation and possible surgery.
Fortunately, modern innovations made it possible to treat hip conditions in a safer, more effective, but less invasive way. Orthopedic specialists can now do this through arthroscopic surgery of the hip.
Arthroscopic surgery uses fiber optic cameras and small surgical equipment to view and repair the abnormality in the affected area. Previously, arthroscopic procedures were only used in the treatment of knee joint injuries and conditions. Nowadays, however, arthroscopic surgery is used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of other pathology, including hip injuries.
Orthopedic doctors recommend arthroscopic surgery for various hip conditions. The most common one being hip impingement or femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears.
Read on below to know more about hip arthroscopy in Miami and how it can help to improve your painful hip.
Anatomy of the Hip Joint
Before we discuss what hip or femoral/acetabular impingement is, we need to understand the anatomy of the hip joint first.
The hip joint is a ball and socket type joint. The ball refers to the head of the femur, also called the thigh bone, whereas the socket is the acetabulum, a special grooved part of the bone within the pelvis. The femoral head fits neatly into the socket.
A ball and socket joint allows forward and backward movement plus side to side. It also allows internal and external rotation. Alongside these two bones are cartilages which help stabilize and facilitate hip movement. This cartilage is split into two types;
- Articular cartilage lines the femoral head and the acetabulum (the cup). This cartilage is a solid and slippery material that allows the two surfaces to glide against each other during movement.
- Labrum cartilage is around the outside edge of the acetabulum. This cartilage acts as a cushion and acts like a rubber seal to keep the femoral head in place.
So, by understanding hip anatomy, we can now look at how hip impingement occurs and the effect it can cause.
What Is Hip Impingement?
Doctors talk of two main types, plus a combination of the two. The first one is cam impingement. This occurs when the femoral head (the ball) is not smooth and perfectly round. This interferes with the femoral head’s ability to move smoothly within the socket.
Secondly, we have pincer impingement. This is where there is excessive coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. This means that during hip flexion, the neck of the femur bone bumps and catches on the socket rim. This will result in cartilage and labral damage.
As mentioned, both conditions can be present at the same time. This is referred to as combined impingement.
What Are Its Causes and Symptoms?
A common cause is osteoarthritis, whereby the joint suffers “wear and tear.” Also known as degenerative joint disease, it is estimated to affect over 32.5 million people in the USA (statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
Other people at risk of impingement syndrome are athletes who are involved in high-level sport. Also, those who have a history of sports-related trauma to the hip.
Initially, many people may not notice any symptoms, but as the joint deteriorates over time, then problems can occur. The most common being painful sensations in the two bones starting to grind against each other. This may be a sharp or dull pain, sometimes felt in the back or groin. Clicking and locking of the joint may also occur.
What Are the Treatment Options?
- Non-surgical – the first course of action should always be conservative. This may be an anti-inflammatory medication. It may also be a modification of your activity level. Physical therapy may help some too.
- Surgical – if the damage to the joint is severe, then surgical intervention may be necessary. You may need to look at what surgery will be beneficial to you. One option is arthroscopic surgery for femoral/acetabular impingement, aka hip arthroscopy.
How Can Hip Arthroscopy in Miami Treat Hip Impingement?
Hip arthroscopy refers to a type of minimally invasive surgery. Here, the surgeon uses an arthroscope, which has a camera lens and light at its end. This allows good visualization within the joint using only a tiny ¼ inch incision.
Once they can see the damaged area, they can use other fine instrumentation via a 2nd and 3rd portal. They can then trim away or smooth down where necessary. This surgery is minimally invasive as it’s done through small incisions, leaving very little damage to muscle and tissues.
Your orthopedic doctor may recommend hip arthroscopy to relieve painful hip conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment options. A great example is an impinged hip or labral tear.
Your doctor can perform hip impingement surgery in Miami using arthroscopic techniques. Specific procedures that may be done will depend on the problem causing your impingement. For example, your surgeon may trim the bone spurs in your hip, remove damaged tissues in the area or repair your labrum.
What Are the Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy?
Both patients and doctors have widely embraced hip arthroscopic surgery because of its advantages compared to open surgeries. Some of its notable benefits are:
- Less invasive – hip arthroscopy only requires a few tiny incisions to repair the damaged structures in the hip. On the contrary, the traditional operation requires an open and more invasive surgical procedure.
- Faster operation and recovery time – since it only requires tiny incisions, it only frequently takes less time than an open procedure. After the surgery, patients usually recover and go home after a few hours. There’s also less scarring, pain, and swelling in the affected area after the operation.
- Fewer risks and complications – arthroscopic hip impingement surgery in Miami poses minimal health risks and complications because of its less invasive nature. Unlike open surgeries, hip arthroscopy has a lower risk of infection, blood loss, and significant pain during and after the procedure.
Moreover, arthroscopy is an effective diagnostic tool for many hip problems. Through a small incision, your doctor will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms and address it early on.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Most arthroscopic hip surgery happens on an outpatient basis. The procedure only takes a few hours, depending on the severity of your condition. Here’s a play-by-play on what happens during hip arthroscopy.
Preparation
- Before the surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia.
- Your leg will then be put in traction, creating a space between your hip joints so arthroscopic instruments can access its entirety.
- Surgeons usually mark the incision sites and identify specific anatomical structures by drawing on the hip’s skin.
Surgical Procedure
- Your surgeon will make a portal for the arthroscope. This device allows your doctor to get a clear image of the inside of the hips, which is projected onto a large video screen. This will enable them to identify the damages inside and know what specific procedures to perform.
- The arthroscope device also emits a water-based solution to maintain a clear view of the hip joints and control bleeding.
- Once assessed, your surgeon will make a few necessary incisions (about half an inch) that will serve as portals for other surgical instruments needed. These specialized devices will be used for suturing, cutting, shaving, trimming, and grasping.
Post-Operation
The amount of time spent on a single procedure will depend on the hip condition and procedures to be done. Once finished, the arthroscopic instruments will be withdrawn. Your incisions will be stitched together or covered with skin tapes. A dressing will also be applied to protect the fresh scar and facilitate healing.
After the surgery, you will be given a prescription for pain medications and crutches so you can walk immediately after the procedure.
What is the Average Recovery Time for Hip Arthroscopic Surgery?
You will expect to go home the same day after your hip impingement surgery in a Miami clinic. You will also be given advice on pain relief and walking on crutches post-operatively. Furthermore, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to facilitate recovery and mobility improvement.
Additionally, it may be necessary to look at your work and sports activities lifestyle. The success of the post-operative movement and pain relief is high, with the results much improved over recent years.
Generally, patients are expected to walk on crutches with partial weight bearing for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, patients take at least six weeks of physical therapy rehabilitation to restore normal mobility and strength. Your therapist may also provide at-home exercises to augment recovery and healing.
On average, it will take you at least 3 to 6 months before you achieve full recovery, wherein the pain is no longer evident after physical activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Arthroscopy in Miami
How Painful is Arthroscopic Hip Surgery?
You won’t feel any pain during the procedure as you will be put under general anesthesia. After it wears off, you will experience postoperative pain as the tissues heal themselves.
Additionally, you may experience mild to moderate pain as you recover, especially during or after physical activity. However, this type of pain is significantly minimal than the one experienced during open surgeries.
Can You Walk After Hip Arthroscopy?
Yes. However, you will be prescribed to walk with the help of crutches or braces for one to two weeks. A doctor, nurse, or physical therapist will instruct you on proper crutch use to avoid accidentally damaging or dislocating the hip while walking.
When Should You Start Physical Therapy?
Doctors often recommend physical therapy to start within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Apart from your therapy sessions, your physical therapist will also teach you some exercises you can do at home.
However, it’s important to remember that these activities should be performed without experiencing any pain. If you do, contact your doctor or therapist immediately.
What Can You Do or Not Do After Your Hip Arthroscopy?
Here are some of the most important activity reminders you need to adhere to after a hip impingement surgery in Miami:
- Take as much rest as you can during the first 24 hours after the surgery. Additionally, you must have assistance when moving during the first day.
- Restrict specific hip motions for at least two weeks. This includes hip bending, leg crossing, hip extension, and external rotation.
- Avoid prolonged walking or standing for four weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid squatting and lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid sleeping on the side of the healing hip.
- Do not perform exercises without the guidance or instructions of your doctor or therapist.
- Do not continue movement when there’s pain or discomfort.
What Are the Risks Involved with Hip Arthroscopy?
Like any other medical procedure, hip arthroscopy also presents certain risks associated with anesthesia (e.g., heart attack, stroke). According to studies, complications with this minimally invasive procedure rarely happen. If they do, these small risks are as follows:
- Traction-related nerve injuries
- Deep vein thrombosis – blood clots in the legs
- Heterotopic ossification – bone or bone fragments in the soft tissues
Hip Arthroscopy in Miami – South Florida International Orthopaedics
If you or someone you know is suffering from hip pain, get it investigated. It may be impingement or a labral tear. Seek consultation and get a diagnosis at our South Florida orthopedics center.
Depending on where you live, and if surgery is required, then you would want to find an expert hip specialist in Miami.
At South Florida International Orthopaedics, we specialize not only in hip arthroscopy and impingement surgery in Miami but also in general orthopedic services, such as:
- Hip labral tear treatment in Miami
- ACL tears treatment
- Joint replacements
- Regenerative medicine
- Sports medicine
- Fracture treatment
- Podiatry
We have a group of highly-rated orthopedic surgeons specializing in minimally invasive surgery and the latest innovative non-surgical treatments.
Our goal is to provide you with high-level care that is individually fitted to your needs and lifestyle. We offer various surgical, non-surgical, and regenerative treatment options for our patients. For your convenience, our orthopedic doctors are available at two clinic locations:
Miami Office: 9165 S.W. 87th Avenue; phone# (305) 233-0011;
Homestead Office: 925 NE 30th Terrace, Suite 102; phone# (305) 247-1701
To learn more about our services, including hip impingement surgery in Miami, please contact us or visit our website sfiortho.com
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
