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 in Kansas City 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.

We typically use arthroscopy to make a diagnosis when X-rays and other imaging tools do not provide answers. In many cases, KCOA physicians use arthroscopy to treat orthopedic conditions as well. Once your surgeon makes a determination regarding the root cause of your hip issue using arthroscopy, they may utilize the following procedures to treat the problem:

Labral tear repair – The doctor will reattach the torn labrum to the socket (acetabulum) using small plastic “anchors” and sterile thread.

Debridement – This technique involves trimming or smoothing the area of the labrum that is frayed. The goal is to remove loose, damaged and pain-generating tissue.

Other repairs – Hip problems are often intertwined, so it is common for a surgeon to repair the hip labrum and address other problems during the same surgery. For example, the surgeon may repair the labrum and shave down bony abnormalities that cause hip impingement.

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.

Depending on the type of repair performed, you may need crutches or another assistive device after surgery to aid in mobility and to ensure you’re not putting too much stress on the repaired joint.

Your provider team will give you and your family members specific instructions about whether you can put weight through your leg or not following surgery.

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 to your body and be sure to report any concerns to your care team.