Our Summary

This research study aimed to find out the frequency of minor and major complications that can happen during hip arthroscopy surgery, a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the hip joint to diagnose or treat various conditions. The researchers also wanted to offer strategies to avoid these complications. They reviewed various studies that reported on any negative events or complications related to the surgery. They didn’t consider reviews, conference abstracts, proceedings, and low-quality evidence studies.

They found 53 studies, which included over 8,000 hip arthroscopy procedures on over 8,000 patients. Most of the surgeries were done to treat two common hip conditions: femoroacetabular impingement (a condition where the hip bones are abnormally shaped and rub against each other, causing damage) and labral pathology (a tear or damage in the labrum, the ring of cartilage that follows the outside rim of your hip joint socket).

The researchers found that minor complications occurred in about 8% of cases, while major complications were much rarer, occurring in less than 0.5% of cases. The most common minor complications were damage to the cartilage or labrum caused by the surgery itself, and temporary nerve injury. The most common major complication was fluid leaking outside the joint.

The researchers concluded that minor complications are often due to technical issues and may be related to the surgeon’s learning curve with the procedure. However, they expect these complications to decrease as surgeons gain more experience and as patient selection improves. To prevent complications, they recommend careful planning before the surgery, choosing the right patients for the procedure, paying close attention during the operation, and proper rehabilitation after the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the primary and secondary objectives of this study on hip arthroscopy?
  2. What were the most common minor and major complications found in the study of hip arthroscopy?
  3. What strategies does the study suggest to avoid complications in hip arthroscopy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about arthroscopy is to carefully follow the postoperative rehabilitation plan provided by the surgeon. This may include specific exercises, restrictions on certain activities, and follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Following the rehabilitation plan can help optimize the outcome of the arthroscopy procedure and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for arthroscopy include those with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral pathology, osteochondroplasty for FAI, and labral treatment. These patients may experience symptoms such as hip pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty with daily activities. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can help diagnose and treat various hip conditions. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if arthroscopy is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as hip pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion.
  2. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to diagnose the issue.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends hip arthroscopy as a minimally invasive surgical option.
  4. Patient undergoes preoperative consultations, medical evaluations, and receives instructions for the procedure.

After arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes hip arthroscopy procedure to address the underlying issue such as FAI or labral pathology.
  2. Patient may experience minor complications such as iatrogenic chondrolabral damage or temporary nerve injury.
  3. Patient follows postoperative rehabilitation plan to aid in recovery and improve hip function.
  4. Patient may experience improvement in symptoms and range of motion following arthroscopy.
  5. Patient follows up with orthopedic surgeon for postoperative evaluations and monitoring of outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hip arthroscopy?
  2. How experienced are you in performing hip arthroscopy procedures?
  3. What is your success rate with hip arthroscopy surgeries?
  4. What is the recovery process like after hip arthroscopy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to hip arthroscopy that I should consider?
  6. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of pain relief and improved function?
  7. How long will it take for me to fully recover and return to normal activities after hip arthroscopy?
  8. Will I need any physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  9. Are there any specific risks or complications that I should be particularly aware of based on my individual health history?
  10. What can I do to minimize the risk of complications during and after hip arthroscopy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Weber AE, Harris JD, Nho SJ. Journal: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2015 Dec;23(4):187-93. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000084. PMID: 26524553