Hip Arthroscopy
Who Is a Candidate for Hip Arthroscopy?
Dr. Cahill may recommend hip arthroscopy for the following conditions:
- Labral tears in the hip – A ring of cartilage called the labrum runs along the outside rim of the hip socket, helping to hold the ball portion of the joint securely in the socket. Repetitive activities and trauma can damage the labrum, resulting in a tear. Labral tears can cause pain in the hip or groin, stiffness and reduced range of motion in the hip, and locking, clicking, or catching in the joint.
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – The ball-shaped head of the femur fits into the acetabulum, more commonly known as the hip socket, to form the hip joint. With FAI, bone spurs develop around the femoral head and/or acetabulum. This causes abnormalities in the joint, preventing the hip from moving smoothly. FAI may also lead to labral tears and osteoarthritis.
In most cases, Dr. Cahill will treat these conditions with conservative methods initially, including anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and physical therapy. If symptoms persist, hip arthroscopy may be recommended. However, patients with signs of progressing cartilage wear may not be candidates for hip arthroscopy.
Hip Arthroscopy Procedure
During a hip arthroscopy procedure, Dr. Cahill inserts a small camera called an arthroscope into the hip joint via a small incision. The camera displays images on a video screen, allowing Dr. Cahill to view the structures of the hip without having to make a large incision. He can then insert operating instruments though additional small incisions to complete the procedure.
The procedure itself is tailored to the patient’s needs, but may include:Trimming or repairing torn cartilageRemoving bone spursRemoving inflamed tissue
Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. The procedure time can vary depending on what the patient needs.
Recovering from Hip Arthroscopy
Dr. Cahill’s team utilizes multimodal pain management techniques to help alleviate pain in the initial recovery period.
Following hip arthroscopy, patients participate in physical therapy for an average of 4 months. They may need to use assistive devices like crutches to get around until they are able to walk on their own.
Dr. Cahill will give specific instructions on recovery based on the procedures done and the patient’s recovery goals. It is important to follow all instructions, including avoiding certain activities until cleared to resume them, in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Full recovery from hip arthroscopy can take up to 6 months, but it is a very successful procedure for athletes, with about 90% returning to their prior activity levels after full recovery.
Hip Arthroscopy in Hackensack, NJ
Dr. James Cahill is fellowship trained in sports medicine and has over 20 years of experience with orthopedic surgery. He keeps current on the latest techniques and research for hip arthroscopy so that he can continue to provide the best possible results for patients.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cahill, please call our office at (201) 489-0022.
About Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a procedure that may be used to treat conditions like labral tears or impingement, injuries that are common among athletes and more active individuals. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that may allow for quicker recovery times than traditional open surgery.
Dr. Cahill is a fellowship trained sports medicine and reconstruction specialist, who has been in practice for over twenty years and routinely performs arthroscopic and joint replacement surgery of the shoulders, elbow, hip and knee.