Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, our experts develop a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, hip arthroscopy may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with hip pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery.

Always check with your physician prior to surgery.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery the next day.

Additionally, you will need a designated family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

A hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to see inside the joint. A small tube with a camera is inserted through a minor incision, allowing the surgeon to make a more definitive diagnosis, and eliminating the need for a large surgical incision.

Hip arthroscopy can be used in 2 ways: to diagnose issues that aren’t visible on imaging studies and to allow KCOA physicians access to repair orthopedic issues without large, open incisions.

Hip arthroscopies require general anesthesia, but most procedures are performed as outpatient surgery. Once you’re asleep, your surgeon creates space between the ball and socket of your hip joint to allow the camera room. From there, your surgeon will create 2 or 3 small incisions. One incision is dedicated for the camera (arthroscope), and the other is used to place the various instruments to repair the labrum and joint.

The arthroscope allows your surgeon to view the joint and pinpoint problem areas. A saline-based fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep the image clear and bleeding minimal.

After assessing the hip problem, your surgeon can begin any repairs needed. Depending on your condition, your surgeon can perform a variety of procedures during the arthroscopy, including reshaping the acetabular socket, reshaping the femoral head, repairing the labrum, smoothing out the surrounding cartilage, or removing any inflamed tissue.

After your surgery, you will remain in the recovery room before being discharged. Our experienced clinical team will monitor you during this recovery and provide pain relief medication, if needed.

You may need crutches or another assistive device for the first couple of weeks after surgery to aid in mobility and to ensure you’re not putting too much stress on the repaired joint.

Your physician may refer you to a physical therapist to begin rehabilitation shortly after surgery. It’s crucial to follow through with physical therapy to rebuild strength and regain range of motion.

It’s important you monitor your incision sites to ensure they are kept clean, dry and free from infection. You will be sore and the area may be bruised and swollen—that’s to be expected. Pay attention to your body and be sure to report any concerns to your care team.