Keyhole surgery to diagnose and treat problems inside and around the hip joint
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, keyhole procedure that allows Mr Wilson to look inside the hip joint using a small camera (arthroscope) and treat many problems using tiny incisions of just a few millimetres, rather than open surgery.
Hip arthroscopy is most commonly used for:
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, typically as a day case or with one night in hospital. Mr Wilson makes two or three small incisions around the hip, through which the arthroscope and fine instruments are inserted and used to trim, repair, or reshape the affected structures. Because the joint itself isn't opened up as it would be in traditional surgery, muscle and soft tissue disruption is minimised.
Most patients use crutches for a short period afterwards and follow a structured physiotherapy programme to restore strength and movement. Most people return to daily activities within a few weeks, with continued improvement over the following months; athletes typically follow a longer, staged return to sport. At your consultation, Mr Wilson will give you a recovery timeline specific to your diagnosis, procedure and goals.
Hip arthroscopy — frequently asked questions
Hip arthroscopy tends to suit patients with a mechanically sound hip joint but a specific problem — such as impingement or a labral tear — causing pain. It's less suitable once significant arthritis has developed. Mr Wilson will confirm suitability using your history, examination, and imaging.
There is some discomfort in the first few days, which is managed with pain relief, and you may notice swelling around the hip. Most patients find the discomfort manageable and improving steadily within the first one to two weeks.
This varies by procedure: some patients use crutches for just a few days, others for several weeks if bone reshaping was involved. Mr Wilson will advise on your specific weight-bearing plan.
Return to sport is staged and guided by physiotherapy, typically ranging from around three to six months, depending on the procedure and the demands of your sport.
As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, bleeding, and (rarely) nerve irritation from the traction used during the procedure. Mr Wilson will discuss the specific risks and benefits relevant to you before you decide to proceed.
Mr Wilson was one of the founders of the Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry (NAHR), the British Hip Society's register of hip preservation surgery. The website www.nahr.co.uk has more information, and Mr Wilson will be happy to discuss this with you and answer any further questions.
