HIP ARTHROSCOPY SURGERY
The following information is a general guide only. All the recovery times stated are extremely variable due to different patient factors. Please do not be alarmed if your recovery time does not fit exactly as we describe below.
Length of stay in hospital:
This procedure is performed on a day patient (24 hours) basis. You will be admitted on the day of surgery and discharged home on the same day or next morning. Whilst in hospital, a physiotherapist will provide you with some guidance on the early stages of your rehabilitation only.
Anaesthetic:
The procedure in the majority of patients is performed under general anaesthetic. Before surgery, your anaesthetist will see you to discuss your anesthetic, and arrange appropriate medication, including painkillers for you to take home following your surgery.
Details of the procedure:
The bones of the hip joint (the ball and socket) must be separated by about 1cm so that there is room for a small telescope to be introduced into the joint. This is done by injecting air and fluid into the hip, often under x-ray control, and then applying traction to the foot through a special boot.
Usually two, sometimes three, small skin incision are made on the side of the hip. Each of these measures approximately 0.5-1.5cm in length. It is through these tiny holes that the telescope and instruments are passed into the joint. At the end of the procedure local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory medicine, and morphine are injected into the hip to minimise pain. The small skin incisions are closed with a combination of dissolving / non dissolving stitches, and either skin glue and or skin tapes. A waterproof dressing is placed over the incisions.
Before your discharge from hospital you will be seen and advised by a Physiotherapist. You will be given medications to take home. These will include painkillers (analgesics), and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). So long as there is no medical reason for you not to take the NSAIDs, you should take them every day for at least 2 weeks, at least. This is very important as it helps greatly to stop heterotopic bone formation, which is bone that can form in the muscle around the hip after surgery.
Medication to prevent blood clots is usually not required after hip arthroscopic surgery, unless you have a particularly increased risk. It is very important that the Surgeon and Anaesthetist know if you, or anyone in your family, had ever had blood clots (DVT or Pulmonary Embolus).
After the procedure:
It is normal to feel discomfort and perhaps some swelling in the groin, thigh, lower back and buttock regions. You may require crutches for a few days and possibly longer (this is extremely variable). You will be reviewed by your surgeon approximately 1-2 weeks following surgery. You will be informed of the appointment date/time prior to surgery. All details of the surgery will be discussed at this appointment and all necessary arrangements will be made for any rehabilitation or physiotherapy which is required.
Potential risks and complications of hip arthroscopy:
Problems following this type of surgery are rare. There are potential risks, however, which include:
It should be noted that all surgery carries some risks. All efforts are made to minimise these risks. Please feel free to discuss potential problems with your surgeon.
Post-operative care information – up to 6 weeks following surgery
Immediately after the surgery:
You will be walking, probably with the assistance of crutches.
You may put weight on the operative leg (unless specifically requested to remain non-weight bearing). It is important that your walking pattern is as close to normal as possible (ie; you must try to avoid limping). If crutches are necessary only for comfort, you can wean off the crutches as soon as desired as long as you are not limping. If you use one crutch for a small period of time it is generally best held in the hand opposite to the side of surgery. You may need your physiotherapist to help decide when it is appropriate for you to stop using the crutches. You might experience some pain or tightness around the site of the incision (on the outside of the hip). Observe the wound for any signs of infection (increasing pain, redness or swelling). If you are concerned, contact your surgeon or your GP.
If required, physiotherapy will commence about 7-10 days after surgery.
From around 2 weeks after surgery:
Between 2-6 weeks you should be walking relatively pain-free.
From 2-4 weeks you may commence cycling and swimming.
6 weeks and after, running can be commenced and should be discussed with your surgeon.
It may take 3 months or more to return to a high/elite level of competition/fitness.
Return to work will depend on pain and required activity.
You may commence physiotherapy/hydrotherapy as part of this rehabilitation once the wound is fully healed. Do not attempt breaststroke. You may find flippers are beneficial to even out your kick, but do not use them to kick hard.
Exacerbations and sore points that may flare up can be treated with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medication.
It is important to stay in contact with your GP or referring doctor, as pain management through analgesics and anti-inflammatories is important to assist in your rehabilitation.
Activities to avoid / take care with – up to 6 weeks following surgery
Prolonged standing especially on hard surfaces. Prolonged walking, e.g. around shopping centres. Avoid heavy lifting, squatting / crouching and sleeping on your side. Try to sleep on your back. If you prefer to sleep on your side, sleep on the non-operative side, with a pillow under the operative leg – to hold that leg level with the body. Avoid sleeping on your front.