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Hip Arthroscopy FAQ
As a nationally-recognized specialist in hip arthroscopy, Dr. Carreira regularly fields questions from patients about the hip problems and, more specifically, hip arthroscopy. From time to time, Dr. Carreira will post new questions or updated answers to his questions to this section of the website.
Questions about Hip Arthroscopy
Q: Who is a good candidate for hip arthroscopy?
A: The main reason to perform a hip arthroscopy is to treat hip pain in those patients who have failed nonoperative treatments and who do not have diffuse areas of articular damage (arthritis). It is important to note that hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that can be used to treat and correct a variety of hip problems.
The most common injury for which hip arthroscopy is a viable option is a labrum (labral) tear. Other joint problems which can be treated at the time of arthroscopy include ligamentum teres tears (the central ligament of the joint), synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining), loose bodies (free floating pieces of cartilage and/or bone), and femoroacetabular impingement (abnormal bone shape on the acetabular (cup) or femoral (ball) side of the joint.
Q: What factors might limit the success of a hip arthroscopy procedure?
A: The main limitation in the success of hip athroscopy is the presence of arthritis, or articular cartilage damage. If the area of damage is small, a microfracture technique at the time of arthroscopy is oftentimes successful in repairing the damaged cartilage.
If there is diffuse (wider spread) articular cartilage damage, meaning that damage of the articular cartilage is throughout the joint, the best treatment is a joint replacement.
X-rays are the best way to determine the extent of articular cartilage damage.
Q: Where can I learn more about hip arthroscopy?
A: The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) has an entire section of its website dedicated to providing detailed information about hip arthroscopy.
