The surgery is often performed on young athletes who injure their hips playing sports. It can also be used to help older, active adults with chronic hip pain from prior injuries, as long as there is no associated arthritis.
“Very often, addressing hip injuries early with a hip arthroscopy can return the patient back to sports reliably, as well as minimize the risk of hip arthritis developing in the future,” says William Rossy, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon on the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “This option represents a minimally invasive approach to hip injuries that allows a less painful recovery than other surgical procedures and a reliable return to sports and activity.”
A physical examination and MRI will determine if you are a candidate for a hip scope procedure, which is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies depending on the actual condition being treated, and often includes limited or no weight bearing on the hip for a short period of time, as well as physical therapy.
“Physical therapy greatly reduces the chance of scar tissue developing and causing mobility issues in the future,” says Dr. Rossy, who is fellowship trained in sports medicine with specialty training in hip arthroscopy. “In fact, a course of regimented physical therapy following surgery has been shown to dramatically improve patient outcomes from hip arthroscopy.”
The procedure is covered by most insurance.
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A hip scope can be used to treat:
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