Hip Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

What is hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with the hip joint. During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint to allow visualisation of the joint.

Usually, other small skin incisions are used to insert instruments in a keyhole fashion to do the operation.

How is the hip arthroscopy performed?

Hip arthroscopy is just the method of performing surgery. More importantly is what is done on the inside. Some of the conditions treated with hip arthroscopy include labral repair, femoroacetabular impingement or debridement of a cam lesion, removal of loose bodies (cartilage or bone), assessment & repair of cartilage lesions, debridement of ligamentum teres lesions, psoas tendonitis, infection of the hip joint, and snapping hip syndrome.

Although keyhole surgery has come far - hip arthroscopy is not able to treat hip dysplasia (unless in combination with another procedure), or hip arthritis.

Sometimes there may be factors about your condition that means hip arthroscopy is not a suitable access method for your problem. Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss this with you about the possibility of an open operation in addition or in substitution to hip arthroscopy.

Risks of hip arthroscopy include:

Infection, superficial and deep
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Damage to the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, which are thankfully extremely rare
Fracture
Ongoing pain, stiffness and scarring

Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss your specific risks with you during your appointment, as well as clear instructions to follow before and after your operation.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Diagnosis and Management Plan

Dr Eardley-Harris will formulate a diagnosis and personalised management plan for your situation.

A joint decision between you and Dr Eardley-Harris has been made to proceed with surgery after discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Personalised Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris performs hip arthroscopy after thorough planning for your personal condition, injury and natural hip factors. This may involve 3-dimensional planning, with simulated functional assessments to make sure the hip has the proper range of motion needed for your life.

Preparing for Surgery

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to prepare. This includes blood tests, ECGs, and further imaging. You may be asked to stop certain medications around the time of your surgery and will be told when you need to stop eating or drinking.
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You may need special equipment to prepare your home for your return.

Surgery

Dr Eardley-Harris and his team will greet you on the day of surgery, and answer any further questions you have about the surgery and your recovery.

After Surgery

After surgery you will spend some time in the recovery room after surgery and then be taken to your hospital room. You will be given pain medications as needed and your vital signs will be monitored regularly. Where appropriate you will be encouraged to move your joint as soon as possible. Most patients stay in hospital overnight and are suitable for discharge the following day.

Follow-up

Following surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris usually keeps a close eye on your recovery with follow-up visits at 2 and 6 weeks, followed by an ongoing review to make sure you are meeting your goals.

Rehabilitation

While the skin incisions are usually small, as the hip is a deeper joint, the work done on the inside can be extensive. This usually requires crutches for typically 4 weeks. There are specific precautions to take in the early stages especially if the labrum is repaired which include no hip flexion over 90 (knee to chest) or extension past zero (pushing leg behind the body). In addition Dr Eardley-Harris usually prescribes a light blood thinner such as aspirin to prevent blood clots post-operatively.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hip arthroscopy suitable for everyone?

Sometimes there may be factors about your condition that means hip arthroscopy is not a suitable access method for your problem. In some cases, an open operation in addition or in substitution to hip arthroscopy will be the best course of action to help you find the outcome you want. Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss this with you during your consultation.

When can I drive following hip arthroscopy?

You may not drive until your post-op appointment with Dr Eardley-Harris, who will discuss this with you. You may return to driving when you are comfortable and no longer taking pain medications, often at least two weeks after your surgery.

Hip Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

What is hip arthroscopy?

How is the hip arthroscopy performed?

Meet Nathan

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's discuss your personalised treatment plan