The procedure
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with leg traction to gently distract the hip joint. A camera and instruments are introduced through two or three small (~1 cm) incisions. Most operations take 90 minutes to two hours.
Conditions treated
- Femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) — CAM and pincer debridement
- Labral repair using small suture anchors
- Loose body removal
- Os acetabulae
- Psoas tendon release
- Microfracture of small cartilage defects
Hip arthroscopy is not effective for established hip arthritis.
Labral repair technique
Where the labrum is torn but tissue quality is good, small suture anchors are placed in the rim of the socket and the labrum is sutured back into its normal position. This restores the seal of the joint.
Rehabilitation timeline
Recovery from hip arthroscopy is a phased process taking 12–18 months in total:
- Early weeks — protected weight-bearing, gentle range of motion.
- 1–3 months — progressive strengthening with a physiotherapist.
- 3–6 months — sport-specific rehabilitation.
- 4–6+ months — return to contact sport for many patients.
- 12–18 months — final improvements in strength and function.
Return to driving and work
Driving is usually safe between 1 and 4 weeks depending on which side was operated on and the type of vehicle. Office-based work is often possible within 1–2 weeks. Heavier manual work requires longer — Mr Gormack will give specific advice for your situation.
Risks
Hip arthroscopy is generally well tolerated. Specific risks include temporary numbness from the traction position, nerve irritation, infection, blood clots and the possibility of needing further surgery if the underlying cause is not fully addressed.