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.
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 several 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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hip Arthroscopy
What is 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.
What conditions can hip arthroscopy treat?
Dr. Cahill may recommend hip arthroscopy for two primary 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.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – With FAI, bone spurs develop around the femoral head and/or acetabulum, causing abnormalities in the joint and preventing the hip from moving smoothly. FAI may also lead to labral tears and osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of a labral 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.
Will Dr. Cahill try non-surgical treatments before recommending hip arthroscopy?
Yes. 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.
Is everyone a candidate for hip arthroscopy?
Not always. Patients with signs of progressing cartilage wear may not be candidates for hip arthroscopy. Dr. Cahill will evaluate each patient’s individual situation to determine the most appropriate treatment.
How is the hip arthroscopy procedure performed?
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 through additional small incisions to complete the procedure.
What specific tasks might be performed during my hip arthroscopy?
The procedure itself is tailored to the patient’s needs, but may include trimming or repairing torn cartilage, removing bone spurs, and removing inflamed tissue.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after hip arthroscopy?
No. Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure time can vary depending on what the patient needs.
How will my pain be managed after surgery?
Dr. Cahill’s team utilizes multimodal pain management techniques to help alleviate pain in the initial recovery period.
Will I need physical therapy after hip arthroscopy?
Yes. Following hip arthroscopy, patients participate in physical therapy for an average of 4 months.
Will I need crutches or other assistive devices after surgery?
Patients may need to use assistive devices like crutches to get around until they are able to walk on their own.
How long is the full recovery from hip arthroscopy?
Full recovery from hip arthroscopy can take up to 6 months. Dr. Cahill will provide specific guidance based on the procedures performed and your individual recovery goals.
Are there things I should avoid during recovery?
It is important to follow all instructions, including avoiding certain activities until cleared to resume them, in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Cahill will give specific instructions based on your procedure and recovery goals.
Can athletes expect to return to their sport after hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a very successful procedure for athletes, with about 90% returning to their prior activity levels after full recovery.
What are Dr. Cahill’s qualifications for performing hip arthroscopy?
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. 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.
How do I schedule a hip arthroscopy consultation?
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cahill, please call the office at (201) 489-0022.