.png)
Capsular plication is an arthroscopic procedure that tightens the capsule of the hip joint to treat hip microinstability. The joint capsule is a soft tissue structure that surrounds the hip and helps keep the ball-and-socket joint secure. In some patients, the capsule becomes too loose—either from injury, surgery, or natural hypermobility—causing pain, clicking, or a feeling of the hip giving way.
By folding and suturing the capsule, capsular plication restores tension, enhances stability, and helps prevent further joint damage.
When Is Capsular Plication Needed?
Capsular plication may be recommended if you experience:
Symptoms of hip instability, such as slipping, catching, or joint laxity
A diagnosis of hip microinstability on imaging or clinical exam
Prior labral repair or arthroscopy that did not address capsular laxity
Generalized hypermobility (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
Structural issues like hip dysplasia that contribute to instability
➡️ Read more about hip microinstability
How Does the Procedure Work?
Capsular plication is performed arthroscopically, meaning small incisions are used along with a camera and surgical tools. The surgeon:
Inspects the joint and confirms instability
Folds sections of the capsule to reduce its size
Uses sutures to secure the tightened tissue
May also perform labral repair or address other damage
This approach preserves the patient’s native hip joint while improving its function and reducing instability.
Capsular Plication vs. Labral Repair
While labral repair treats cartilage damage inside the joint, capsular plication addresses the soft tissue envelope that holds the joint together. In many cases, both are performed during the same procedure to fully stabilize the hip.
➡️ Learn more about hip arthroscopy
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery after capsular plication includes:
Protected weight-bearing with crutches for 2–6 weeks
Physical therapy focusing on core, glute, and hip strength
Range of motion precautions to avoid stretching the healing capsule
Return to low-impact activity by 3 months; full return to sport at 4–6 months
➡️ Explore post-op rehab recommendations
Are There Risks?
As with any surgery, there are risks. For capsular plication, these may include:
Over-tightening of the capsule, leading to stiffness
Incomplete symptom relief if the root cause is unaddressed
Re-injury if return to activity is too fast
Potential need for future surgery (e.g., PAO if dysplasia is the primary issue)
However, when performed in the right patient population, capsular plication is a safe and effective option to restore hip stability and function.
Final Thoughts
Capsular plication is an essential tool in the treatment of hip microinstability, particularly for patients with capsular laxity or persistent instability after other interventions. It reinforces the hip joint without the need for open surgery and can significantly improve quality of life when conservative care has failed.
If you're struggling with hip instability symptoms or are recovering from a prior arthroscopy, talk to a hip preservation specialist about whether capsular plication is right for you.
