Body > Hip Surgery > Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Repair
Hip Arthroscopy & Labral Repair
*Hip Arthroscopies can involve many different surgical procedures. This information should be used as a guide only and you should follow the advice given to you directly by your Surgeon or Physiotherapist.
A hip arthroscopy is performed to repair, remove or smooth-off cartilage, labrum or bone that has become rough, torn or overgrown, sometimes due to injury, sometimes early Osteoarthritis. The labrum is the soft tissue lining of the joint, similar to the shoulder.
Several small cuts or ‘key holes’ are made in the hip, a telescope is passed through one incision, and then used to examine the hip joint. Surgical tools are then passed through the other incisions and are used to suck out any loose pieces of bone, cartilage or scar tissue and wash clean fluid through the hip. If required a shaving or burring tool is then used to trim away or remove any overgrown bone or torn cartilage, and smooth-off the joint surfaces. Often the hip labrum (a soft tissue rim that deepens the joint gives it stability), may be repaired with internal stitches and/or anchors, which hold the labrum back to the bone as it heals. The incisions are then stitched up.
To allow the labral repair to heal you should avoid stretching you hip into end of range positions, being careful of activities such as climbing in and out of the car, or sitting with your legs crossed.
Exercises
After your hip operation it is very important to perform exercises to regain your mobility, and later strength.
Only perform exercises taught to you by your physiotherapist or surgeon.
Exercises should be performed 3-5 times a day. It may be helpful to take pain medication 30-40 minutes prior to exercise (as prescribed by your doctor).
Schedule an appointment to see your physiotherapist 2 weeks after your operation.
Ensure your exercises are not too painful or cause more swelling. If you have any concerns contact your physiotherapist.
Swelling
You may have considerable swelling, and sometimes bruising, around your hip and groin after surgery.
If this swelling persists it may impede healing and hip movement.
This can be treated by applying ice for 20 minutes following exercises.
Ice (crushed, cubes, frozen peas, gel pack etc.) should be wrapped in a towel and placed directly on the hip.
numbness may also occur in the distribution of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, or perineal nerve.
Crutches
You will be asked to bring your own crutches prior to admission by your surgeon.
You are immediately allowed to place weight on the leg after your surgery – unless indicated otherwise by your surgeon or physiotherapist.
Make sure you stay active, attempting to walk on the leg as much as tolerated after the operation, ensuring the hip does not swell afterwards.
Sleeping
Sleeping can be uncomfortable for some time after your hip operation.
You can try sleeping on your non-operated side, and may find having a pillow between your knees is more comfortable for your hip.