Hip Arthroscopy Specialist
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Joshua D. Harris, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery located in Houston, TX
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to correct hip pain due to labral tears (cartilage) hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement). If you experience hip pain, see orthopedic hip specialist, Joshua D. Harris, MD, in Houston. As one of the only hip specialists in the Houston area, Dr. Harris has extensive training and experience in hip conditions and treatments. To learn about your options, schedule a visit online or by phone today.
Hip Arthroscopy Q & A
What is hip arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to identify, diagnose, and treat conditions of the hip joint. During an arthroscopy, Dr. Harris makes small incisions (less than ¼ inch length) on the front and side of your hip joint in order to insert a thin, fiber-optic camera called an arthroscope.
Using the arthroscope connected to a video monitor, the camera produces a live video feed to help Dr. Harris identify and treat issues in the hip. Compared to open hip surgeries, arthroscopy has the following benefits:
- Fewer, smaller incisions
- Lower risk of infection
- Less bleeding
- Less injury to surrounding soft tissues
- Decreased need for pain medications
- Faster recovery
Dr. Harris performs a thorough consultation, exam, and imaging — including X-rays, MRI, or CT — to determine if arthroscopy is the right procedure for your needs.
When is hip arthroscopy necessary?
Hip arthroscopy may be recommended if you haven’t had success with conservative treatments — including medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes — and still experience pain and disability in your hip joint. Common reasons to have a hip arthroscopy include:
- Hip impingement (FAI; femoroacetabular impingement)
- Labral tears
- Hamstring tears
- Gluteus medius and/or minimus tears
- Ischiofemoral impingement
Hip arthroscopy may also be used for removal of loose fragments of cartilage or bone from the hip joint due to trauma or arthritis.
Dr. Harris may recommend a course of physical therapy before and after your arthroscopy in order to strengthen the muscles surrounding your hip and improve your range of motion after the procedure.
What happens during hip arthroscopy?
During your hip arthroscopy, you’re under general anesthesia for the length of the surgery, which generally lasts an hour and a half to two hours. Dr. Harris places three incisions in your skin and places the arthroscope through the openings into your hip joint.
After assessing your hip thoroughly, Dr. Harris begins surgery to correct the cause of your hip pain. This may involve using tiny surgical tools to clean the surface of the hip joint, repair damaged cartilage, repair or reconstruct a torn labrum, and correct impingement. Once the corrective procedure is complete, Dr. Harris removes the tools and arthroscope from your hip and closes the incisions sites with a single stitch in each incision.
Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, generally coming in and going home on the same day. In uncommon situations, recovery may include an overnight stay in the hospital before returning home. Dr. Harris provides at-home care instructions to help you recover properly. Outpatient physical therapy usually begins within the first day or two following surgery.
Postless Hip Arthroscopy
Dr. Harris performs "postless" hip arthroscopy, which eliminates the risk of perineal pain, pudendal nerve injury, and a variety of other traction-related complications that are not uncommon during and after hip arthroscopy.
Dr. Harris performs over 300 arthroscopic hip surgeries per year and has performed over 1,500 in his career.
Determine if you’re a candidate for hip arthroscopy by scheduling a consultation online or by phone with Joshua D. Harris, MD.
