Does an orthopaedic surgeon perform hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure. The surgeon places a small camera through an opening near the hip and uses specialised instruments through other openings. This allows inspection of the cartilage, labrum, joint surface and surrounding structures. Treatment may include repairing or trimming a damaged labrum, removing loose tissue, treating an impingement or addressing selected cartilage problems. Not every source of hip pain can be treated this way, so examination and imaging help determine whether the joint is suitable for arthroscopy.

At your consultation, describe where the pain occurs, which movements provoke it and whether you have tried physiotherapy, activity changes or medicines. Share previous hip operations and all regular medicines. After surgery, use crutches or other support as directed, follow wound instructions and complete the prescribed exercises. Weight-bearing and driving restrictions vary with the repair, so follow the individual plan rather than comparing your recovery with someone else’s.

Before surgery, sudden severe hip pain after an injury, inability to stand, or a leg that appears shortened or rotated needs urgent assessment. After arthroscopy, contact the team for worsening pain, fever, spreading redness, fluid from an incision, new weakness or numbness, or a swollen painful calf. Chest pain or new difficulty breathing requires emergency care.

Ask what problem the arthroscopy is intended to address, whether repair or removal is expected, how much weight you may place through the leg, and when physiotherapy starts. Clarify possible alternatives, incision care and the symptoms that need urgent review.