Our Summary

This study looked at the relationship between how long a person has been experiencing hip pain and their recovery after hip arthroscopy surgery. The research involved multiple centers and focused on patients who had this surgery between 2014 and 2017. The findings suggest that people who had been in pain for more than two years before their operation reported lower levels of improvement two years after surgery compared to those who had been in pain for less time. This was true even when factors like age, sex, and body mass index were taken into account. This suggests that experiencing hip pain for a long time before surgery can lead to worse outcomes after the operation, and that having surgery sooner may lead to better results.

FAQs

  1. Does the duration of pre-operative hip pain affect the recovery after hip arthroscopy surgery?
  2. Does age, sex, or body mass index factor into the recovery process after hip arthroscopy surgery?
  3. Can having hip arthroscopy surgery sooner lead to better results?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about arthroscopy is to seek treatment sooner rather than later if experiencing hip pain. It is important to address the issue before it gets worse, as waiting too long to have surgery may lead to less improvement in the long term. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a quicker recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy are those who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and other non-surgical interventions. Arthroscopy may be recommended for patients with conditions such as torn ligaments, cartilage damage, inflamed joints, or loose bone fragments in the joint. It is often used to diagnose and treat issues in the knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, and elbow. Overall, arthroscopy is recommended for patients who have persistent pain and limited mobility that is affecting their quality of life and daily activities.

Timeline

  • Before arthroscopy: The patient experiences hip pain for more than two years, leading to decreased function and quality of life. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections without success.

  • Arthroscopy surgery: The patient undergoes hip arthroscopy surgery to address the underlying issue causing their hip pain, such as a labral tear or hip impingement. The procedure is minimally invasive, with a small camera inserted through small incisions to repair the damaged tissue.

  • After arthroscopy: The patient goes through a rehabilitation process to strengthen the hip muscles, improve range of motion, and prevent further injury. They may experience some pain and swelling in the immediate post-operative period, but this typically improves over time with proper rest and physical therapy.

  • Two years post-surgery: The patient’s outcomes are evaluated, with those who had been experiencing hip pain for more than two years before surgery reporting lower levels of improvement compared to those with shorter pain duration. This suggests that early intervention and surgery may lead to better long-term outcomes for patients with hip pain.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is arthroscopy the best treatment option for my hip pain, or are there other alternatives I should consider?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with arthroscopy surgery?

  3. What is the typical recovery time and rehabilitation process following arthroscopy surgery?

  4. Will I need physical therapy or other post-operative treatments to help with my recovery?

  5. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?

  6. How long have you been performing arthroscopy surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

  7. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may affect the outcome of my surgery, such as my age, weight, or overall health?

  8. What are the expected long-term outcomes and benefits of undergoing arthroscopy surgery for my hip pain?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should make before or after the surgery to improve my recovery and overall results?

  10. Are there any specific steps I can take to potentially speed up my recovery process and improve my chances of a successful outcome following arthroscopy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Carreira DS, Shaw DB, Wolff AB, Christoforetti JJ, Salvo JP, R Kivlan B, Matsuda DK. Journal: Int Orthop. 2022 Dec;46(12):2837-2843. doi: 10.1007/s00264-022-05579-8. Epub 2022 Sep 10. PMID: 36088416