Our Summary

This research paper looks at the changes in hip arthroscopy, or hip surgery, over the past 30 years. The field has developed rapidly, learning from early complications and challenges to improve safety and refine the tools and techniques used. We now understand hip injuries better and surgical techniques have advanced, particularly in the shift from simply removing damaged tissue to repairing and reconstructing it. As the field has progressed, we now have long-term studies available to help us understand how effective these techniques are. The aim of this review is to outline the history of hip arthroscopy, the current trends in practice, and the future of the field.

FAQs

  1. How has hip arthroscopy developed over the past 30 years?
  2. What are the current trends in hip arthroscopy practice?
  3. What is the future outlook for the field of hip arthroscopy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about arthroscopy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including rest, physical therapy, and any prescribed medications. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for arthroscopy are those who have joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited range of motion that has not improved with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or medication. Common conditions that may benefit from arthroscopy include:

  1. Meniscal tears in the knee
  2. Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
  3. Labral tears in the hip
  4. Cartilage damage in the knee, hip, or shoulder
  5. Ligament injuries in the knee, such as an ACL tear
  6. Loose bodies or bone spurs in the joint

Overall, patients who have persistent joint pain or dysfunction that affects their daily activities and quality of life may be good candidates for arthroscopy. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if arthroscopy is the right course of action for them.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences hip pain and discomfort, possibly with limited range of motion.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who recommends arthroscopic surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient receives information about the procedure, including potential risks and benefits, and gives consent for surgery.

After arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic surgery, during which a small camera and instruments are inserted into the hip joint to diagnose and treat any issues.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home or to a hospital room.
  3. Patient follows a rehabilitation program, which may include physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the hip.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improvements in hip pain and function over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific condition or injury is arthroscopy being recommended for?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with arthroscopy?
  3. What are the expected outcomes and recovery time following arthroscopy?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with arthroscopy?
  5. How many arthroscopic procedures have you performed for this particular condition?
  6. What is the success rate of arthroscopic surgery for this condition?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  8. How long will the procedure take and will I need to stay in the hospital afterwards?
  9. What post-operative care and rehabilitation will be necessary?
  10. Are there any restrictions on activities or movements following arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Nathani A, Safran MR. Journal: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2018 Dec;26(4):185-189. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000223. PMID: 30395065