Our Summary

This study looked at the number of hip arthroscopy surgeries (a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the hip joint) performed between 2006 and 2013, using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. They also looked at the types of complications that occurred within 30 days following the surgery, and what patient or surgery-related factors might increase the risk of these complications.

The researchers found that the number of these surgeries increased 25 times between 2006 and 2013. Out of 1,338 patients who had the surgery, about 1.3% had some kind of complication in the 30 days following the procedure. The most common complications were bleeding that required a transfusion, having to go back to the operating room, and a surface-level infection that didn’t require another surgery.

The study also found that patients who had regional or monitored anesthesia (as opposed to general anesthesia) or who had a history of using steroids had a higher risk of minor complications. Despite these risks, the overall rate of complications was quite low.

FAQs

  1. How has the number of hip arthroscopy surgeries changed between 2006 and 2013?
  2. What are the most common complications within 30 days of a hip arthroscopy surgery?
  3. What factors might increase the risk of complications after a hip arthroscopy surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about arthroscopy is to carefully follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include restrictions on physical activity, proper wound care, and medication management. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery process. By following these guidelines, patients can help minimize the risk of complications and improve their overall outcomes following arthroscopy surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for arthroscopy include those with hip impingement, labral tears, hip dysplasia, hip joint damage, and other hip joint conditions that can be treated with minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections may also be candidates for arthroscopy. It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if arthroscopy is the best course of action for them.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences hip pain or discomfort that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication.
  2. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon who recommends arthroscopy as a minimally invasive option for diagnosing and treating the hip joint.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for arthroscopy.

After arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes the arthroscopic procedure, which typically involves small incisions and the use of a camera and specialized instruments to examine and treat the hip joint.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may be discharged the same day or after a short hospital stay, depending on the surgeon’s recommendations.
  3. Patient follows a post-operative care plan, which may include physical therapy, pain management, and activity restrictions to aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved hip function and reduced pain over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about arthroscopy:

  1. What specific type of arthroscopy procedure are you recommending for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  3. How many arthroscopy surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and what are the potential side effects or risks associated with it?
  5. How long is the recovery period following arthroscopy, and what steps can I take to help speed up my recovery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to arthroscopy that I should consider?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation following the surgery, and if so, how long will it last?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I return to normal activities, such as work or exercise?
  9. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my symptoms following arthroscopy?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of after undergoing arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Cvetanovich GL, Chalmers PN, Levy DM, Mather RC 3rd, Harris JD, Bush-Joseph CA, Nho SJ. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2016 Jul;32(7):1286-92. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2016.01.042. Epub 2016 Apr 9. PMID: 27067059