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Persistent hip pain can make everyday activities like walking, sitting, or exercising uncomfortable or even impossible. If conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections haven’t worked, hip arthroscopy may offer a minimally invasive solution to both diagnose and treat the root cause of your pain.
This guide covers what hip arthroscopy is, how it works, who it benefits, and what to expect during recovery.
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to see inside the hip joint and treat various conditions through small incisions. Using a tool called an arthroscope (a thin, flexible camera), the surgeon can guide instruments with precision to repair damaged tissues—all while preserving healthy structures.
This procedure is commonly used to address:
Cartilage damage
Loose bone or cartilage fragments
Tendon inflammation or tears
➡️ Learn more about hip joint conditions
When is Hip Arthroscopy Recommended?
Hip arthroscopy is typically recommended for patients who:
Have persistent hip or groin pain despite non-surgical treatments
Experience clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip
Have reduced hip mobility or stiffness
Have structural conditions like FAI or labral tears
Are active or athletic and want to preserve the natural hip joint
Unlike total hip replacement, which replaces the joint, arthroscopy focuses on joint preservation and is often preferred for younger, active patients.
What to Expect During Hip Arthroscopy
A typical hip arthroscopy lasts 1–2 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. Here's what the process looks like:
1. Anesthesia
You’ll receive either general anesthesia (asleep) or regional anesthesia (numbing from the waist down).
2. Small Incisions
Tiny incisions—usually less than ½ inch—are made to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments.
3. Joint Inspection and Repair
Saline is injected to expand the joint space. The surgeon examines structures such as the labrum, cartilage, and femoral head, then:
Repairs labral tears
Removes inflamed tissue or bone spurs
Smooths cartilage or removes loose fragments
4. Closure and Discharge
Incisions are closed with sutures or tape, and you are discharged the same day with aftercare instructions.
Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy
✅ Minimally Invasive
Small incisions mean less scarring and reduced trauma to soft tissue.
Preserves muscles and tendons, enabling quicker recovery.
✅ Faster Recovery
Most patients resume light activity within a few weeks.
Return to full function typically occurs within 6–12 weeks.
✅ Outpatient Convenience
No overnight hospital stay required.
Regional anesthesia allows for quicker discharge.
✅ Joint Preservation
Treating hip impingement or labral tears early can prevent long-term joint damage and delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement.
Hip Arthroscopy Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies based on your condition and procedure, but generally follows this timeline:
Weeks 1–2: Initial Recovery
Use crutches to limit weight-bearing.
Begin physical therapy to control swelling and maintain mobility.
Weeks 3–6: Strength Building
Gradually increase weight-bearing activities.
Start guided strengthening exercises.
Weeks 6–12: Functional Recovery
Resume light daily activities.
Return to low-impact sports or workouts once cleared by your surgeon.
➡️ See our rehabilitation guide for hip arthroscopy
Are There Any Risks?
Hip arthroscopy is considered safe, especially when performed by experienced surgeons. However, like any surgery, potential risks include:
Reaction to anesthesia
Blood clots (DVT)
Infection at the incision site
Temporary numbness or nerve irritation
Incomplete symptom relief
Your surgeon will discuss your specific risk profile prior to the procedure.
Is Hip Arthroscopy Right for You?
Hip arthroscopy is ideal for individuals with mechanical hip issues such as labral tears, FAI, or cartilage damage that haven’t responded to non-operative care. It's especially effective for active patients seeking to preserve their natural joint and avoid early arthritis or joint replacement.
A comprehensive evaluation—including a physical exam and imaging—can help determine if you’re a good candidate.
Key Takeaways
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat hip pain caused by labral tears, impingement, or cartilage damage.
It’s a joint-preserving option, often recommended after non-surgical treatments fail.
Benefits include smaller incisions, faster recovery, and outpatient convenience.
Most patients return to daily activities within 6–12 weeks.
Talk to a hip preservation specialist to see if hip arthroscopy is right for your condition.
