Arthritis/THR

Hip Arthroscopy & Total Hip Replacement

Most Hip Arthroscopy procedures are done BEFORE major arthritis has manifested in the hip.  Sometimes, we do hip arthroscopy AFTER a total hip replacement (THR).

One goal of hip arthroscopy is to delay or prevent the need for THR surgery, ie to preserve the joint.  

Sometimes hip arthroscopy can be an effective alternative to hip replacement but this may depend on many factors:

• body weight
• co-morbid issues like: diabetes, rheumatism
• age and bone density
• hormone levels
• activity level
• diet and nutrition
• substance use, Rx use

Reducing the inflammation in the joint, cleaning out loose cartilage fragments and repairing inflamed or torn tendons around the hip can be very helpful for patients with mild to moderate levels of arthritis in their hips.   Hip arthroscopy can be beneficial in select patients who continue to have pain AFTER their hip replacement surgery.

This can be due to the benefits of cleaning out persistent bursitis, inflamed ligaments or excessive scar tissue.  Here is scientific research article Dr. Hyman published on the subject in 1999 in the Journal of Arthroplasty.