Hip and groin pain injuries in sport

Need to know – hip arthroscopy surgery

• What happens during a hip arthroscopy procedure? icon plus

  An arthroscopy is usually done under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make two or three very small cuts on your hip to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments. A sterile solution will then be used to wash out your hip joint so that they can see inside it more clearly. This solution may cause some swelling in the leg when waking up post surgery. The body will naturally absorb this fluid over the following days.
  
  An arthroscopy will help them to diagnose any pain or mobility issues you may have. If they identify a problem, specialised surgical instruments may be used alongside the arthroscope to repair damaged tissue on the same day. They will then use stitches or adhesive strips to close the small cuts. The whole procedure usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. 

• How to prepare for hip arthroscopy surgery icon plus

  Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They will let you know how to prepare, including how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
  
  Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• Arthroscopy surgery recovery icon plus

  You should be able to go home the same or next day after your procedure. The area where the cuts were made may feel swollen and tender for a few days. Your consultant will let you know what to expect and how to care for your hip while it heals.
  
  They may recommend some physiotherapy exercises to help with your recovery. Your consultant will also let you know if further surgery may be needed and when you can get back to your usual routine. The physiotherapist will recommend exercises and stretches to do at home.  Programmes typically run for a minimum of 6 weeks. 

  A follow up outpatient appointment is organised to remove any sutures. Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage any pain post surgery.  Patients report varying recovery times to getting back to their expected level of physical activity; on average expect a 3 month period, if physio exercises progress well.  Long haul air travel is not recommended within this time. Finally, as arthroscopy is a keyhole surgery, small cuts are made into the hip area, so there will be small scars where the incisions were made. These will vary in size according to the treatment you received.