What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a variety of painful hip conditions inside the joint.
During the procedure, a thin fiber-optic camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint through small incisions. This provides a high-definition, magnified view of the joint, allowing your orthopedic surgeon to precisely diagnose and treat damaged tissues using specialized surgical instruments.
Understanding the Hip Joint
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where:
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The ball, called the femoral head, sits at the top of the thigh bone (femur).
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The socket, known as the acetabulum, forms part of the pelvis.
This unique anatomy allows smooth movement in multiple directions—forward, backward, and side-to-side. However, it also makes the joint more difficult to access during surgery.
Thanks to advancements in arthroscopic technology and surgical techniques, orthopedic specialists can now treat many hip conditions through tiny keyhole incisions rather than traditional open procedures.
Benefits of Hip Arthroscopy
There are several important advantages to hip arthroscopy compared with open surgery:
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Minimally invasive – Smaller incisions mean less muscle and tissue trauma.
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Reduced pain and scarring – Patients experience less postoperative discomfort.
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Outpatient procedure – Most patients go home the same day.
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Faster recovery – Early rehabilitation helps restore mobility quickly.
Typical procedure time ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, and patients begin physical therapy within a few days after surgery. Many start stationary cycling within a week, with a total recovery period of three to six months. Most patients return to sports or full activity around the five-month mark.
Long-Term Advantages
Treating conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or acetabular labral tears early can help:
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Prevent or delay hip arthritis
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Reduce the likelihood of future hip replacement surgery
By restoring proper hip mechanics, arthroscopy helps patients maintain joint health and function for years to come.
Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroscopy
Common hip problems that can be addressed arthroscopically include:
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Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) – A condition where extra bone on the femoral head or acetabulum causes joint pinching and limited motion.
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Acetabular Labral Tears – Damage to the cartilage rim (labrum) around the hip socket, often linked to FAI.
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Loose cartilage fragments or bone spurs (cam and pincer lesions).
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Inflamed synovial tissue and abnormal bone growths causing pain and stiffness.
All of these can be treated through two to three small keyhole incisions, minimizing trauma and promoting faster recovery.
Your Hip Consultation at Star Orthopedics
Every hip evaluation with Dr. Andrew Dold begins with:
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Comprehensive medical history and review of symptoms.
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Physical examination assessing hip movement and stability.
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Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays taken in multiple angles to study joint alignment and anatomy.
If needed, MRI or CT scans may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify subtle cartilage or labral injuries. In some cases, non-surgical treatment options—such as physical therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or stem cell therapy—may be recommended before considering surgery.
Our Goal: Personalized, Effective Hip Care
At Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our focus is on making an accurate diagnosis and developing a customized treatment plan that restores full mobility, function, and comfort.
Meet Dr. Andrew Dold
“I’m Dr. Andrew Dold, an orthopedic surgeon and hip specialist with subspecialty training in hip arthroscopy and reconstructive hip procedures. My goal is to help you return to the activities you love—pain-free and with full function.”
If you’re experiencing hip pain or limited mobility, schedule a consultation for hip arthroscopy in Frisco, TX today and discover how minimally invasive techniques can help you move freely again.
