Our Summary

This research paper looks at the trend of hip arthroscopy surgeries in teenagers over the past decade. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat issues in the hip joint. The researchers used a database of pediatric health information to find out how many of these surgeries were performed on 10- to 19-year-olds at hospitals in the United States between 2008 and 2018.

They found that the number of hip arthroscopy surgeries in this age group increased six times over the 10-year period. When comparing this to the increase of all orthopedic surgeries in the same age group, which only increased 1.6 times, there was a relative increase of hip arthroscopy surgeries by 3.9 times.

The researchers suggest that the increase in these surgeries could be due to more teenagers participating in sports and improvements in diagnosing and treating hip issues related to sports injuries. This trend is also similar to what has been observed in the adult population.

FAQs

  1. What is hip arthroscopy and how is it used?
  2. How has the trend of hip arthroscopy surgeries in teenagers changed over the past decade?
  3. What are the potential reasons for the increase in hip arthroscopy surgeries in teenagers?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about arthroscopy is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include rest, physical therapy, and avoiding certain activities for a period of time. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for arthroscopy include those with joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability that has not improved with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections. Common conditions that may benefit from arthroscopy include torn cartilage, ligament tears, joint inflammation, loose bodies in the joint, and arthritis. Arthroscopy can also be used for diagnostic purposes to identify the cause of unexplained joint symptoms. The procedure is minimally invasive, allowing for shorter recovery times and less post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery.

Timeline

Before the arthroscopy:

  • Patient experiences hip pain or discomfort, often related to sports injuries or other issues in the hip joint
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to diagnose the issue
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication to alleviate symptoms

During the arthroscopy:

  • Patient undergoes minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat issues in the hip joint
  • Surgeon uses a small camera and instruments to view and repair any damage in the hip joint
  • Procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia

After the arthroscopy:

  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the hip joint following the surgery
  • Patient will undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hip joint
  • Recovery time varies but typically takes several weeks to months depending on the severity of the issue
  • Patient will follow up with their surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about arthroscopy include:

  1. What specific condition or issue is arthroscopy being recommended for?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with arthroscopy?
  3. What is the success rate of arthroscopy for my particular condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after arthroscopy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of arthroscopy?
  6. How long will it take to see improvements in my symptoms after arthroscopy?
  7. What is the long-term outlook for my condition after arthroscopy?
  8. How many arthroscopy procedures have you performed for this particular condition?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  10. How can I prepare for the arthroscopy procedure, both physically and mentally?

Reference

Authors: Hassan MM, Hussain ZB, Rahman OF, Kocher MS. Journal: J Pediatr Orthop. 2021 Jan;41(1):e26-e29. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000001696. PMID: 33027235