What conditions can be treated with hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy can treat labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), cartilage damage, ligamentum teres tears, loose bodies, snapping hip, and hip synovitis.

How long does recovery take after hip arthroscopy?

Most patients use crutches for 1–2 weeks, return to desk work within 1–2 weeks, manual work in 6–8 weeks, and sport between 3–6 months depending on the surgery performed.

Is hip arthroscopy painful?

Hip arthroscopy is performed under anaesthetic and is usually less painful post-operatively than open hip surgery. Pain is managed with medication and physiotherapy, and most patients report steady improvement over weeks to months.

What are the risks of hip arthroscopy?

Risks include infection, hip stiffness, temporary nerve numbness, blood clots, or persistent pain in cases of advanced arthritis.

Hip Arthroscopy:
Keyhole Surgery for Hip Pain & Injuries

Hip arthroscopy, also known as keyhole hip surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat painful hip conditions. Using a tiny camera and specialised instruments, surgeons can repair damaged tissue, reshape bone, and restore function — often with less pain and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.

What Is Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy allows surgeons to look inside the hip joint through small incisions (usually 2–3 less than 1 cm long). A camera (arthroscope) displays the inside of the joint on a monitor while instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue. This procedure has become an important treatment for young and active patients with hip pain not relieved by non-surgical care.

Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroscopy

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – reshaping cam or pincer bone spurs
Labral tears – repair or removal of torn cartilage around the hip socket
Cartilage injuries or early arthritis
Ligamentum teres tears
Loose bodies (cartilage or bone fragments inside the joint)
Snapping hip syndrome (tendon release if conservative treatment fails)
Hip synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)

Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy

Smaller incisions and less scarring
Reduced post-operative pain
Faster recovery compared with open hip surgery
Early return to work, sport, and daily activity
Preservation of the native hip joint and delay of arthritis progression

How the Procedure Is Performed

Hip arthroscopy is performed under general anaesthetic. The steps usually include:

The hip is gently distracted to create space inside the joint
Small incisions are made around the hip
The arthroscope is inserted and the joint examined
Specialised instruments repair or reshape tissue as required
The incisions are closed with sutures or small dressings

The procedure usually takes 60–120 minutes depending on complexity.

Recovery After Hip Arthroscopy

Recovery varies depending on the condition treated. General guidelines include:

Walking: Crutches for 1–2 weeks (sometimes longer after labral or cartilage repair)
Physiotherapy: Begins within the first week to restore movement and strength
Return to desk work: 1–2 weeks
Return to manual work: 6–8 weeks
Return to sport: 3–6 months depending on repair type and sport

A tailored rehabilitation program is essential for the best outcome.

Risks and Complications

Hip arthroscopy is safe and effective, but risks include:

Infection
Nerve injury (temporary numbness around thigh or groin)
Hip stiffness
Persistent pain if arthritis is already advanced
Blood clots (rare)
Failure to fully relieve symptoms in some patients

When to See a Hip Specialist

If you have hip pain that limits activity, affects sleep, or does not improve with physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or injections, it may be time to discuss hip arthroscopy with a specialist. Early treatment can improve outcomes and preserve long-term hip health.