Hip arthroscopy may help some active adults when hip impingement or a labral tear causes ongoing groin pain, catching, stiffness, or limited motion. It isn’t the right treatment for every hip problem, so the decision depends on your diagnosis, imaging, joint health, symptoms, and activity goals.
What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy lets a doctor look inside the hip joint without making a large incision. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that surgeons use a small camera and thin instruments to diagnose and treat certain hip problems.
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, hip arthroscopy may be used for conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement, hip labral tears, cartilage injury, torn ligaments, loose bodies, or snapping hip syndrome. The goal is to understand what’s happening inside the joint and treat the specific problem when surgery is appropriate.
How Hip Impingement and Labral Tears Affect Movement
Hip impingement, also called femoroacetabular impingement or FAI, happens when extra bone or an abnormal joint shape causes the hip bones to rub in a way they shouldn’t. Over time, that friction may irritate the joint and damage the labrum, which is the ring of cartilage that helps support the hip socket.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says many FAI problems can be treated arthroscopically. During arthroscopy, a surgeon may repair or clean out labrum or cartilage damage and trim extra bone when needed.
For active adults in Atlanta and North Atlanta, these hip problems may show up during ordinary movement, not just sports. You might notice groin pain, catching, clicking, stiffness, or pain during workouts, running, recreational sports, squats, stairs, long drives, or getting in and out of the car.
When Is Hip Arthroscopy Considered?
Hip arthroscopy is usually considered after a careful evaluation, not just because your hip hurts. Your provider may look at your symptoms, physical exam, imaging, past treatments, activity level, and overall joint health before recommending a treatment plan.
Some patients may start with non-surgical care, such as physical therapy, activity changes, medications, or injections. Surgery may be discussed when symptoms keep interfering with movement and the exam or imaging points to a structural hip problem that arthroscopy may address.
What Hip Arthroscopy Cannot Promise
Hip arthroscopy can be useful for certain hip conditions, but it cannot promise a pain-free recovery, a guaranteed return to sports, or prevention of future arthritis. It also may not be the right option if pain is mainly coming from advanced arthritis, another joint, the lower back, or a different source.
That’s why diagnosis matters. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we focus on careful evaluation before treatment recommendations, so your care plan starts with a clearer understanding of what’s causing your hip pain.
FAQs
Does hip arthroscopy replace physical therapy?
No. Physical therapy or other non-surgical care may be part of your treatment plan before or after surgery, depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals.
Can hip arthroscopy prevent hip replacement?
Hip arthroscopy treats certain structural hip problems, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll avoid hip replacement later. Your long-term outlook depends on your diagnosis, cartilage health, arthritis level, and other individual factors.
Talk With Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians About Hip Arthroscopy
If hip or groin pain keeps limiting how you move, Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians can help you understand whether hip impingement, a labral tear, or another issue may be involved. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and talk through your treatment options.
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