Brandon Cincere, M.D. with OrthoSouth. Photo by Alex McMahan (423) 504-6423 alex@alexmcmahanphoto.comQ: I’ve had arthroscopic surgery on my knee and it was pretty easy, all things considered. Now I’m having problems with my hip and need the cartilage to be cleaned up. Can this been done with arthroscopic surgery?
A: Yes, hip surgeries can be performed arthroscopically and have been for years, but they are not as common as knees because the hip is a very complicated joint. It’s important for your physician to pinpoint the source of your hip pain with a series of tests. Hip arthroscopies are best for patients 14- to 50-years-old, who are active and do not have arthritis. Compared to open surgery alternatives, an arthroscopy requires a reduced recovery time, allows a lower level of blood loss and lessens scarring and the risk of complications. A patient can expect to be on crutches for a little while to allow ample healing.
– Dr. Brandon Cincere, UT Erlanger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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