Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat certain hip conditions. Through small incisions around the hip, a surgeon introduces an arthroscope, a flexible tube with a tiny camera that’s connected to a monitor, and specialized surgical tools to access the hip joint.
The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket joint, with the acetabulum (part of the pelvis) forming the socket and the femoral head (thighbone) forming the ball. Both the femoral head and acetabulum are covered by a smooth, durable tissue called articular cartilage, which minimizes friction and supports effortless movement. Surrounding the acetabulum is the labrum, a tough fibrocartilage ring.
The labrum not only deepens the socket to securely hold the femoral head but also acts as a seal to maintain joint stability. The joint capsule, formed by strong ligaments, encloses the hip. Inside this capsule lies the synovium, a thin membrane that produces synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joint, reduces wear on the cartilage, and aids in maintaining joint health over time. The hip arthroscopy procedure is used to treat labral tears, cartilage damage, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and even chronic pain caused by loose bodies or inflammation.
Hip arthroscopy procedure can remove loose or damaged tissues, repair torn structures like the labrum, and reshape bones to improve joint alignment and function. The procedure is mostly preferred due to its ability to minimize tissue damage, reduce postoperative pain, and speed up recovery, allowing patients to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.