Hip Arthroscopy
Advanced Keyhole Surgery for Hip Preservation
Hip pain can significantly affect your mobility, sports performance and quality of life. Many hip problems that were once thought to require open surgery can now be treated using Hip Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure that allows accurate diagnosis and treatment while preserving the natural hip joint.
At the Hip Centre, Dr. Anand Jadhav offers advanced arthroscopic management for selected hip conditions, with the goal of relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients return to an active lifestyle.
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed through two or three small incisions using a high-definition camera (arthroscope) and specialised instruments.
The procedure enables the surgeon to visualise the inside of the hip joint, diagnose problems accurately and treat many conditions without the need for large incisions.
Compared with traditional open surgery, hip arthroscopy generally results in less tissue damage, reduced postoperative pain and faster rehabilitation.
Who Can Benefit from Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is most beneficial for young and active individuals experiencing hip pain due to structural abnormalities or sports injuries. It is commonly recommended for patients with:
- Femoro-acetabular Impingement (FAI)
- Labral Tears
- Loose Bodies within the Hip Joint
- Cartilage Injuries
- Ligamentum Teres Injuries
- Hip Synovitis
- Snapping Hip Syndrome
- Early Hip Arthritis (selected cases)
- Sports-Related Hip Injuries
Careful patient selection is essential for achieving the best outcomes.
Common Symptoms in Hip Disorders
Patients with hip disorders may experience:
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Pain during sports or prolonged walking
- Clicking, locking or catching sensations
- Hip stiffness
- Difficulty squatting or sitting cross-legged
- Pain while climbing stairs
- Reduced sporting performance
Persistent symptoms should be evaluated early, as untreated hip pathology can lead to progressive cartilage damage.
Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroscopy
Femoro-acetabular Impingement (FAI)
One of the most common reasons for hip arthroscopy. Abnormal bone shape around the hip causes repetitive pinching between the femur and the socket, leading to labral tears and cartilage damage. Arthroscopy reshapes the bone and restores smooth hip movement.
Labral Tears
The acetabular labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the hip socket and contributes to joint stability. Whenever possible, the torn labrum is repaired rather than removed, preserving normal hip biomechanics and improving long-term outcomes.
Cartilage Injuries
Focal cartilage defects may be treated arthroscopically using joint-preserving techniques such as:
- Chondroplasty
- Microfracture (in selected patients)
- Removal of unstable cartilage
- Cartilage preservation procedures
Loose Bodies
Fragments of cartilage or bone floating within the joint can cause pain, locking and restricted movement. Hip arthroscopy allows safe removal of these loose bodies.
Ligamentum Teres Injuries
Injury to the ligamentum teres may contribute to pain and hip instability. Depending on the extent of injury, arthroscopic debridement or reconstruction may be considered in selected patients.
Diagnosis of Hip Problems
A detailed evaluation includes:
- Clinical Examination
- Digital X-rays
- MRI or MR Arthrogram
- CT Scan (when required)
- Dynamic assessment of hip movement
Accurate diagnosis helps identify the underlying cause of hip pain and allows an individualised treatment plan.
Advanced Arthroscopic Treatment
Every patient receives a personalised surgical plan based on their diagnosis and lifestyle. Treatment may include:
- Arthroscopic Labral Repair
- FAI Correction (Cam and Pincer Osteoplasty)
- Cartilage Preservation Procedures
- Microfracture
- Loose Body Removal
- Synovectomy
- Ligamentum Teres Debridement
- Capsular Repair or Plication
Whenever possible, every effort is made to preserve the patient's natural hip joint.
Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy
Compared with conventional open surgery, hip arthroscopy offers several advantages:
- Small keyhole incisions
- Minimal soft tissue disruption
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster rehabilitation
- Earlier return to work and sports
- Improved hip function
- Joint preservation
Rehabilitation
Successful recovery depends on a structured rehabilitation programme. Rehabilitation focuses on:
- Pain and swelling control
- Restoration of hip movement
- Muscle strengthening
- Core stability
- Balance and proprioception
- Progressive return to daily activities
- Sport-specific rehabilitation
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and the patient's activity level.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Ignoring persistent hip pain may result in:
- Progressive labral damage
- Cartilage deterioration
- Reduced hip movement
- Early osteoarthritis
- Increased likelihood of requiring hip replacement later in life
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can preserve the natural hip and maintain an active lifestyle.
Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?
With over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and 12 years of practice in the NHS, United Kingdom, Dr. Anand Jadhav has extensive expertise in Hip Preservation Surgery, Hip Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine.
His areas of expertise include:
- Hip Arthroscopy
- Femoro-acetabular Impingement (FAI)
- Labral Repair
- Cartilage Preservation
- Sports Hip Injuries
- Hip Preservation Surgery
- Robotic Hip Replacement
Every patient receives an individualised treatment plan aimed at relieving pain, preserving the natural hip joint and restoring an active lifestyle.
Preserve the Hip • Restore Movement • Return to an Active Life
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Hip Arthroscopy suitable for everyone?
No. Hip arthroscopy is most effective for carefully selected patients with specific conditions such as FAI, labral tears and focal cartilage injuries. Advanced arthritis is usually better treated with hip replacement surgery.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients begin walking with support soon after surgery. Full recovery varies depending on the procedure performed but typically takes 3 to 6 months, with return to high-level sports often taking 6 to 9 months.
Will I need Hip Replacement later?
Many patients treated early with hip arthroscopy can preserve their natural hip joint for years. However, the outcome depends on factors such as cartilage health, age, activity level and the underlying condition.