Hip pain has been a common problem for both aging seniors and young adults. If you’re a sports athlete or a construction worker, then you’re probably all too familiar with it. Fortunately, minor hip problems easily go away with at-home treatments, such as ice packs and warm compress.
But when pain and other symptoms persist, then that definitely requires medical attention. Some of the most common causes of hip problems include the following diseases:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis (inflamed joints)
- Tendonitis
- Hip labral tear
- Hip fractures and dislocations
- Injury in the hip area
- Hip joint infection
- Too much stress on the hip joints
Historically, moderate to severe hip conditions and injuries required open surgeries. But thanks to modern science, orthopedic specialists can now treat hip problems in a less painful and less invasive way一and that’s through arthroscopic surgery.
Below, our South Florida orthopedics will discuss arthroscopic surgery and its use as a treatment option for hip pain.
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy refers to a minimally invasive procedure doctors use to view, diagnose, and treat joint problems. Unlike open surgeries, arthroscopy uses a tiny incision, which is about half an inch in size. This is used to view the joints in the shoulders, knees, or hip.
The surgeon will then use special instruments that are small enough to fit through the 5mm incision. One of the instruments includes a flexible, fiber-optic video camera that will allow doctors to assess the affected area in a magnified view.
Hip arthroscopy has been performed by specialists for many years now. It has also significantly contributed to treating several hip conditions.
Why Should You Consider Hip Arthroscopy for Your Hip Problems?
If you or someone you know experiences hip pain, then here are some reasons why it’s worth considering an arthroscopic procedure.
1. Arthroscopic Surgery Can Effectively Eliminate Hip Pain
One of the major benefits of hip arthroscopy is its effectiveness in treating hip pain and inflammation. Studies suggest that arthroscopic procedures yielded superior clinical benefits than hands-on conservative care.
Furthermore, research revealed that hip arthroscopy effectively treats patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Plus, it has a huge positive benefit to one’s quality of life by relieving persistent symptoms.
2. It Is Less Invasive
Traditional open surgeries require long hours in the operating room to facilitate large incisions and lengthy procedures. But for arthroscopy, there’s no need for that.
This minimally invasive procedure only lasts for an hour or two and makes use of 2 to 5 tiny incisions. Your doctor will insert a miniature camera in the small cut so they can get a clear view of the main problem. Once identified, they will then use special instruments to treat the affected area. For instance, your surgeon can:
- Stitch torn ligaments
- Repair and smooth out torn cartilages
- Trim or shave off bone spurs caused by FAI
- Remove damaged tissues
After that, they’ll stitch up the cuts and let you recover for about an hour or more, and then you can get home. Since it’s only minimally invasive, expect little scarring, which can disappear after two weeks.
3. It Facilitates Faster Recovery
A minimally invasive surgery also means faster recovery since there are only a few tissues that need healing. It’s normal to feel a slight swelling and soreness in the puncture site, but nothing that a pack of ice and pain medication cannot solve.
Typically, swelling will start to disappear after a week and sutures will dissolve in seven to ten days. Additionally, some patients may be prescribed to use crutches to avoid putting weight into their healing hip joint.
Full recovery still depends on the severity of the disease and the type of surgery performed. But, in most cases, you can go back to your work after a few days and go back to normal activities after a few months.
4. It Poses Less Health Risks and Complications
Like any other surgical operation, hip arthroscopy carries some (low) level of risk associated with the use of anesthesia. But with the procedure itself, complications are rare. Moreover, arthroscopy only uses small cuts, which results in specific health advantages, such as:
- Reduced risk for infection
- Low risk for blood loss
- Less pain during and after the procedure
- Less scarring
Furthermore, there’s also little risk for blood clots and nerve damage compared to open surgeries.
5. It Is An Efficient Diagnostic Tool
Besides providing treatment, hip arthroscopy can also become a great diagnostic tool for most hip conditions. Doctors use it to get a clear view of the hip area and pinpoint the exact cause of your pain with fewer health risks.
Thus, it allows specialists to address the problem early on, which reduces your chances of developing arthritis or cartilage degeneration. Additionally, it can reveal labral tears that a CT scan or MRI may not catch.
Learn More About Hip Arthroscopy from South Florida International Orthopaedics
Hip arthroscopy helps with early diagnosis and can also serve as a treatment option for various hip problems. So, if you’re tired of enduring your hip pain, then we can definitely help you!
At South Florida International Orthopaedics, we specialize in bringing high-quality orthopedic care and services to our patients. Our team of multispecialty doctors provides high-end hip arthroscopy in Miami and other types of treatment for hip conditions, such as:
- Hip labral tear treatment in Miami
- ACL tear treatment
- Arthritis care
- Fracture treatment
- Joint replacements
And more!
Contact us now at (305) 233-0011 to learn more about the surgical and non-surgical treatments we offer. You can also request an appointment so you can get a proper in-person consultation.
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.
