Hip arthroscopy Warsaw, Poland

Hip arthroscopy is an innovative method that involves introducing special tools and a camera into the joint, thanks to which the doctor obtains a detailed image of the examined structures. The main goal of the procedure is to restore the function of the hip joint to its original form and prevent the development of diseases leading to its degeneration. Hip arthroscopy effectively avoids the risk of complications. Thanks to it, the doctor can effectively repair damaged elements, which ultimately prevents the development of degenerative changes.

The most common indication for hip arthroscopy is a femoral-acetabular conflict, which is a form of mismatch between the shape of the femoral head and the acetabulum. This causes gradual degeneration of the joint labrum and contributes to the gradual loss of joint function.

• presence of free bodies in the joint,
• early stage of avascular necrosis of the femoral head,
• hip joint instability,
• inflammation and exudation,
• disruption of the continuity of the femoral head ligament,
• repair procedures in the hip rotator muscles,
• removal of hypertrophy of the synovial membrane of the joint,
• chronic pain after hip dislocation,
• jumping, blocking and limiting movement,
• changes in the hip caused by gout or chondrocalcinosis,
• pain that gets worse when walking

Hip arthroscopy is not performed in the case of advanced degenerative changes or significant deformations of joint structures (final stage of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, periarticular ossifications). Contraindications also include any inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue – infections, infections or ulcers.

Moreover, the arthroscopy procedure should be abandoned when, during a functional examination, the doctor finds a lack of movement in the joint, i.e. the so-called stiff joint. Because as a result of this pathology, it becomes impossible to expand the intra-articular space, which makes it completely difficult to introduce surgical instruments into the joint cavity. The patient’s obesity is also an obstacle – with the high density of soft tissues, reaching the structures becomes impossible.

At Medi Horizon Clinic, the main condition for qualifying for the procedure is a detailed diagnostics. In the first stage, the orthopedic surgeon interviews the patient and familiarizes himself with the imaging tests of the hip joint based on X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Analysis of the results allows to visualize pathological changes in the joint. During the consultation visit, the doctor answers all the patient’s questions, discusses the hip arthroscopy procedure and the expected effects of the procedure. Then the patient is referred to an anesthesiologist who orders the necessary tests. Before hip arthroscopy, an ECG and chest X-ray should be performed, as well as the following laboratory tests:

• blood count with smear,
• ionogram: Na, K,
• coagulogram: APTT, PT/INR,
• biochemical tests: glucose, urea, bilirubin, creatinine,
• HBS antigen,
• blood group determination (original test),
• antibody level: HBS, HCV.

Valid hepatitis B vaccination is also required for treatment qualification. Patients suffering from concomitant diseases should inform their doctor about this fact, who will assess whether there are any contraindications before hip arthroscopy.

Hip arthroscopy at Medi Horizon Clinic is performed in the operating theater. The procedure time is from 1 to 2 hours – depending on the degree of joint damage. The medical procedure can be divided into two stages. The first one is diagnostic arthroscopy, during which the doctor makes small incisions to introduce a camera necessary to visualize and assess the degree of joint damage. The second stage is therapeutic arthroscopy – after thoroughly visualizing the disease, the surgeon takes appropriate actions, e.g. repairing the damage, removing the foreign body and cystic lesions.

Hip arthroscopy Warsaw, Poland is a procedure that brings many benefits to patients. First of all, it is a minimally invasive procedure that guarantees a shorter hospitalization period. The operated joint can be loaded much faster than in the case of arthroplasty. Of course, in the case of hip arthroscopy, rehabilitation is an essential element of returning to fitness, but its individual stages are much faster.

Therefore, hip arthroscopy also allows you to effectively eliminate any pathological changes and pain. An additional benefit is the fact that it does not leave visible scars, which minimizes the risk of adhesions and keloids.

For most patients, it is possible to return to moderate physical activity a few weeks after the procedure. To sum up, regaining full fitness is an individual matter, depending on the age, advancement of the disease and the condition of the person undergoing surgery. This usually takes about 12 weeks.

The rehabilitation plan for each patient is established individually. Therapeutic treatment after hip arthroscopy is aimed at regaining the full functional range of the limb as quickly and safely as possible. These activities require constant contact between the physiotherapist and the surgeon. In this field, Medi Horizon Clinic cooperates with qualified physiotherapists who are specialists in orthopedic rehabilitation. They select appropriate therapy methods to restore neuromuscular coordination and increase joint stability. Rehabilitation consists of several stages that last a total of several weeks.