Hip Arthroscopy Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide

Goals of hip arthroscopy surgery

Arthroscopic hip surgery aims to relieve pain and improve function and mobility in the hip joint by reshaping the joint to work and move more easily. Hip arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery. This means only small incisions are made around the hip, and the surgery is performed with small tools that are inserted into the hip.

While every patient experience is different, patients may not need to stay in the hospital overnight after the surgery and may be able to return to their normal life more quickly than if they had had traditional hip surgery that involves much larger incisions and more invasive techniques.

Hip arthroscopy has some other benefits over traditional hip surgery:

• Shorter recovery time
• Less scarring
• Less pain after surgery
• Less risk of infection and other complications

As with any other orthopaedic hip surgery, arthroscopy is usually recommended only after other methods such as physiotherapy, painkillers, and steroid injections have not managed to relieve pain or improve mobility.

How much does hip arthroscopy surgery cost?

Prices for UK orthopaedic surgery vary depending on a variety of factors. The hospital location, the surgeon operating, what services are included, and pre-existing health conditions all impact the cost of the arthroscopic hip surgery.

In the UK, hip arthroscopy can cost from £2,500 and up to £9,000 or more. Hip arthroscopy prices are inclusive and transparent. After the consultation, patients are given a bespoke price for the hip arthroscopy.

After the consultation with the surgeon, patients will be given a customised price for their surgery.

Factors that may affect the price include the following:

• Costs related to your hospital stay
  • Accommodation
  • Nursing staff
  • Surgery theatre
  • Physiotherapy
  • Imaging costs
  • Medication
  • Pathology
• Aftercare
  • Medication prescribed by your surgeon
  • Mobility aid such as crutches or a cane
  • Post-operative physiotherapy sessions
  • Post-operative scans such as X-rays or MRIs
  • Post-operative appointments with your surgeon

The nature of all orthopaedic surgery is one size does not fit all. During the hip arthroscopy consultation, a treatment plan will be made and tailored to the individual patient.

The hip arthroscopy procedure

Hip arthroscopy takes around one and a half to 2 hours but can vary depending on how the surgeon plans to correct the hip joint. Although tools and techniques may vary from surgeon to surgeon, the general method for arthroscopy is the same.

Types of hip arthroscopy incisions

Incisions known as port sites will be made on the skin around the hip to allow the camera and fine instruments inside. The fluoroscope (a portable x-ray device) may also be used to help the surgeon see the bones of the joint more clearly.

These incisions will likely be on the side of the hip at various places, depending on the technique the surgeon uses and how many tools they need to use during surgery.

Incisions vary in size and location according to the technique used. Patients will be told where these incisions will be placed well before surgery after consulting with the surgeon.

Hip arthroscopy can be used to treat a variety of hip issues. The most common are FAI and osteoarthritis of the hip, as described below.

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

When treating FAI with arthroscopic hip surgery, the surgeon uses tools to reduce the size differences between the ball and socket to help them fit together correctly.

Hip arthroscopy for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can cause abnormal pieces of bony tissue to grow within the joint called osteophytes.

The small tools inserted into the hip during surgery are used to shave off these pieces of bone to prevent them from growing into the joint.

Many hip arthroscopy patients spend only one night in hospital after surgery, and some are fit to go home on the same day.

The surgeon will tell patients if they will stay in hospital overnight well before the day of the surgery.

Physiotherapy

The vast majority of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery require physiotherapy and post-operative appointments as they recover. These make sure the joint heals well, and that strength returns to the area or limb operated on.

It is vital that patients follow any advice, recommendations and stretching or exercise regimens given by the surgeon or physiotherapist. Everything they recommend is meant to give the best results and healthiest hip possible once recovered.

Every surgeon has their own advice regarding recovery for hip arthroscopy. Generally, it is advisable to take at least two weeks off work after an arthroscopic hip surgery. The first week is usually solely dedicated to your recovery and rest.

The second week you may be able to return to some home-based work. After this time you may feel ready to gradually return to work, proving it is both safe to do so and that it is recommended by your surgeon.

Before returning to exercise, you should have a discussion with your surgeon or physiotherapist.

Recommendations vary between individuals, but some patients can return to non-weight bearing exercises like swimming from around two weeks.

Within six to eight weeks your hip should function as required for day-to-day life.

It may take up to three months to return to high-impact activities like running or team sports. Again, activity should be guided by your surgeon and exercise intensity should be gradually increased to prevent injury. Doing too much too soon may irritate your hip and extend your healing process.

Your surgeon will advise you on when you can return to driving. Your ability to drive safely is dependent on you being able to fully bear weight, walk confidently without crutches, get in and out of a car unaided, and be able to perform an emergency stop.

Potential risks & complications associated with hip arthroscopy surgery

The risk of developing complications after arthroscopic hip surgery is much lower than the risk associated with traditional open surgery methods. However, even though the risk is reduced, patients should still be aware before agreeing to have surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon will walk patients through all the risks well before surgery so patients can make an informed decision about their care.

Risks and complications associated with arthroscopic hip surgery include:

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage

All of the information found on our website is sourced from highly reputable experts, government-approved authorities and is widely used by healthcare professionals.

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthroscopy/ NHS
• https://britishhipsociety.com/ British Hip Society
• Uptodate.com Up to Date

Our content is written by our Medical Quality Managers and Patient Care Advisers, all of who have medical backgrounds and training. Prior to publishing, all the information is reviewed by a surgeon specialised within the relevant field.