Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows us to remove damaged or inflamed tissue of hip joint with a telescope and specially developed instruments. I approach the hip through two or three small incisions allowing for preservation of the muscles and tendons with a minimally invasive approach. The newest use of hip arthroscopy is to relieve a damaging condition of the joint femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
This condition is caused by the cup and head of the hip joint pinching against each other to cause pain, cartilage or other tissue damage. It is now felt that prolonged impingement leads to arthritis of the hip. Dr. Bomberg just returned from further work on his techniques with Dr. Thomas Sampson.
The diagnosis is based on your pain, history of injury or repetitive problems, physical examination and X-rays in our office. If conservative measures including anti-inflammatory medications, rest, activity modifications and/or physical therapy fail to provide relief for the pain an MRI arthrogram is scheduled at the hospital. There, a radiologist will inject a dye and medication if needed in the hip joint and an MRI performed. Here is an Example. If this confirms the diagnosis it also provides a road map of the hip damage and anatomy for surgical intervention.
Prior to surgery, you will meet with the nurses and anesthesiologist and they will assist you in your preparation for surgery, monitor your recovery and transition to home. You will meet with a physical therapist to understand the exercises before and after surgery. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the best anesthesia for you. You will then be taken to the operating suite, where surgery will last approximately 2 hours. You will then be in the recovery room for approximately 40 minutes. You will then be transferred to the day surgery recovery area. You will be discharged from there to home if your pain is in control, you can tolerate food and fluids and use crutches or walker. You will be sent home with a order for pain medications, physical therapy, and postoperative instructions. You can start physical therapy anytime but at least within 1 or 2 weeks. We will check the wounds and remove the sutures in the first couple weeks after surgery and recheck motion and functional return a month after surgery.