Mr Araz B. Massraf

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon MBCHB, FRCSI, FRCS (Orth & Trauma)

Remember:

1. Arthroscopic access may not be possible
2. Maximum symptomatic improvement will take three months
3. There is a 5% chance of making symptoms worse



I do this procedure as I believe it services a very good option for patients that still have chance to live with their natural joint


Contacts

Secretary:
Mrs Elizabeth Crowson
Tel 07870 478988
Fax 01778 423476

Consulting Rooms:
Fitzwilliam Hospital
Milton Way
South Bretton
Peterborough
PE3 9AQ
Booking: 01733 261717

Hip arthroscopy

What is it?

Hip arthroscopy is not widely performed and is a more involved procedure than many other forms of arthroscopy. With keyhole ports the joint will be visualized and it can be only diagnostic or can also be therapeutic.


Indications

Unknown hip pain

It is not possible to say a hip is normal without looking inside the joint.

Arthritis

(osteo- and rheumatoid) An arthritic joint can be cleaned using the arthroscope. It does not always relieve pain, but is much less invasive than a major joint replacement.

Loose bodies

Loose bodies are small fragments of bone that come adrift inside the joint.

Ligament and cartilage (labrum) tears

The hip contains a large ligament that can easily be torn and a structure called the 'labrum'. Though in the hip, a labrum looks like a knee cartilage and can be damaged during sport, or as a result of arthritis.

Synovitis

The lining membrane of the hip joint ('synovium') can become inflamed.

Infection

The hip can become infected, just like many other parts of the body. Causes might include Staphylococcus aureus, tuberculosis, and other organisms. Hip arthroscopy is an excellent way of establishing the true nature of the infecting organism so that appropriate antibiotic treatment can be commenced, as well as cleaning out the infection itself.

Tumours

Very rarely it is possible for tumours to grow inside a hip. They can be identified and often removed using the arthroscope.



The Procedure:


The hip from inside

the access on x-ray

Pathology can be seen

Cartilage damge seen easily

Tear