Hip Arthroscopy in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California
Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, MS, provides orthopedic evaluation and treatment for hip conditions in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California. With fellowship training in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, Dr. Nazemi evaluates patients with persistent hip pain, labral tears, and femoroacetabular impingement to determine whether hip arthroscopy or another treatment approach is appropriate.
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy, also referred to as keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is inserted into your hip joint to check for any damage and repair it simultaneously.
An arthroscope is a small, fiber-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair the problem.
What are the Indications for Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed through very small incisions to diagnose and treat various hip conditions, including:
- Evaluation and diagnosis of conditions with unexplained pain, swelling, or stiffness in the hip that does not respond to conservative treatment
- Removal of torn cartilage or bone chips that cause hip pain and immobility
- Repair of a torn labrum (fibrous cartilage ring that lines the acetabular socket)
- Removal of bone spurs or extra bone growths caused by arthritis or an injury
- Removal of a part of the inflamed synovium (lining of the joint) if you have inflammatory arthritis (partial synovectomy)
- Repair of fractures or torn ligaments caused by trauma
How is Hip Arthroscopy Performed?
Hip arthroscopy is performed under regional or general anesthesia depending on you and your surgeon’s preference. Your surgeon will make 2 or 3 small incisions about 1/4 inch in length around the hip joint. Through one of the incisions an arthroscope is inserted. Along with it, a sterile solution is pumped into the joint to expand the joint area and create room for the surgeon to work.
The larger image on the television monitor allows your surgeon to visualize the joint directly and determine the extent of damage so that it can be surgically treated. Surgical instruments will be inserted through other tiny incisions to treat the problem. After the surgery, the incisions are closed and covered with a bandage.
What are the Advantages of Hip Arthroscopy?
The advantages of hip arthroscopy over the traditional open hip surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal trauma to surrounding ligaments, muscles and tissues
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Lower infection rate
- Less scarring
- Early mobilization
- Shorter hospital stay
What Does Postoperative Care for Hip Arthroscopy Involve?
Your surgeon may advise you to take certain precautions to promote faster recovery and prevent further complications. These include:
- Taking pain medications as prescribed
- Use of crutches to prevent or limit bearing weight on the operated hip
- Physical therapy exercises performed regularly to restore the normal hip function and improve flexibility and strength
- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking, which will help in faster healing and recovery
- Avoiding activities that involve lifting heavy objects or performing strenuous exercises for the first few weeks after surgery
What are the Risks and Complications of Hip Arthroscopy?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications involved. It is very important that you are informed of these risks before you decide to proceed with hip arthroscopy surgery. The possible risks and complications may include:
- Infection at the surgical incision site or in the joint space
- Nerve damage, which may cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness
- Excess bleeding into the joint (hemarthrosis)
- Blood clots may form inside the deep veins of the legs, which can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Why Choose Dr. Alireza Nazemi for Hip Arthroscopy in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California?
Choosing a surgeon for hip arthroscopy involves understanding the cause of your hip pain and identifying the treatment best suited to your condition and activity goals. Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, MS, Board-Certified orthopedic surgeon has fellowship training in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery, including hip arthroscopy, sports medicine, and joint care. He evaluates hip conditions and considers treatment options based on each patient's symptoms, diagnosis, and functional needs.
Dr. Nazemi's training at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute included arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. His approach emphasizes assessing whether a minimally invasive procedure is appropriate and discussing the potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives before treatment.
Patients experiencing persistent hip pain, catching, stiffness, or activity-related symptoms can seek an orthopedic evaluation to determine whether hip arthroscopy or another treatment may be suitable. Dr. Nazemi sees patients through the Los Angeles Orthopedic Institute, serving the Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California, areas.
Hip Arthroscopy FAQs
What conditions can hip arthroscopy treat?
Hip arthroscopy may be used to treat selected hip conditions, including labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and certain problems involving cartilage or loose bodies within the joint. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the specific diagnosis and the extent of joint damage.
How do I know if I need hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy may be considered when symptoms such as persistent groin or hip pain, catching, or restricted movement continue despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. An orthopedic evaluation and appropriate imaging help determine the cause of symptoms and whether surgery is likely to help.
Is hip arthroscopy appropriate for hip arthritis?
It depends on the severity of arthritis and the condition of the joint. Hip arthroscopy may have a role in selected cases, but it is generally less suitable for advanced osteoarthritis. Your surgeon can discuss alternatives based on your imaging, symptoms, and level of joint damage.
What is femoroacetabular impingement?
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the shape of the hip bones causes abnormal contact during movement. It can lead to hip pain and may be associated with labral or cartilage damage. In selected patients, hip arthroscopy can address the abnormal bone shape and associated problems.
How long does it take to recover from hip arthroscopy?
Recovery varies according to the procedure performed, the condition being treated, and individual healing. Some patients need crutches and temporary restrictions on weight bearing. Physical therapy is often an important part of rehabilitation, and returning to sports or strenuous activities may take several months.
Will I need physical therapy after hip arthroscopy?
Physical therapy is commonly recommended to help restore hip mobility, strength, balance, and function. Your rehabilitation plan and progression will depend on the procedure performed and your surgeon's instructions.
Can hip arthroscopy help athletes return to sports?
Hip arthroscopy may help appropriately selected athletes address conditions that limit their activity. Return to sports depends on the diagnosis, procedure, healing, rehabilitation progress, and sport-specific demands. No particular outcome or return date can be guaranteed.
What are the alternatives to hip arthroscopy?
Depending on the underlying problem, alternatives may include activity modification, physical therapy, medication, or other non-surgical treatments. Some conditions may require a different surgical approach. The appropriate options depend on the cause and severity of the hip problem.
What risks should I consider before hip arthroscopy?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve irritation or injury, and persistent symptoms. Hip arthroscopy also involves procedure-specific risks. Your surgeon can explain the risks, expected recovery, and alternatives relevant to your individual condition.
Where can I consult Dr. Alireza Nazemi for hip arthroscopy?
Dr. Nazemi practices with the Los Angeles Orthopedic Institute and serves patients in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California. Contact the practice to confirm office availability and schedule an evaluation.
Schedule a Hip Arthroscopy Consultation in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita
Contact Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, MS, at the Los Angeles Orthopedic Institute to discuss your hip symptoms and treatment options. Patients in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California, can contact the practice to arrange a consultation and learn more about care tailored to their condition and activity goals.
