Hip arthroscopy and reconstruction

At Cohen Children’s, we’re focused on advancing patient care to make treatment safer, easier and more effective for our young patients. We specialize in decreasing the time your child spends in the operating room, as well minimizing his/her risk for infection, through use of the minimally invasive hip arthroscopy technique during reconstruction.

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat hip conditions. Originally, arthroscopy was used primarily in the diagnosis and planning phases of a traditional open surgery. However, as arthroscopic instruments and surgical techniques become more advanced, we are able to do corrective surgery, as well.

An arthroscope is a tube that is inserted into the body through a small incision. Inside the tube is a system of lenses and a small video camera that guides the surgeon. The arthroscope is often used in conjunction with other tools that are inserted through another incision and used for grasping, cutting and probing during reconstruction of the joint.

Hip arthroscopy in done under general or local anethesia, or a spinal anesthetic. Once the scope is inserted, information about the interior of the hip joint is transmitted to a screen. If necessary, reconstructive surgery can also be performed at this point.

Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat many conditions, including:

• Inflammation
• Pieces of loose bone and/or cartilage
• Injury, including tears and dislocations

Recovery time after an arthroscopy depends on the extent of the surgery and on the individual patient. However, most arthroscopic surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and patients are allowed to go home within hours after the surgery. Some patients resume daily activities and return to work or school within a few days. Athletes and other patients in good physical condition may return to athletic activities within a few weeks, under the care of a physician.