Hip Arthroscopy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Hip Arthroscopy?
An orthopedic surgeon, a surgeon who treats bones and joints, performs hip arthroscopy. Your orthopedic surgeon may ask you to see your primary doctor, who looks after your general health, before surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Hip arthroscopy is surgery that lets doctors see inside the hip joint without making a large cut. It is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of hip problems. Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to see and treat problems inside a joint. The surgeon puts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the hip joint. The tools are thin, so the cuts can be very small. Open surgery needs a larger cut. This results in less pain and joint stiffness, and it often shortens the time it takes to recover.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your doctor may recommend it if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medicines or injections that can reduce inflammation. It may relieve pain from many problems that damage the labrum, articular cartilage, or other soft tissues around the joint. One cause is FAI, short for femoroacetabular impingement. In FAI, bone grows abnormally around the hip socket or the ball of the joint.
How to prepare
- Tell your surgeon about any medicines or supplements you take.
- Your surgeon may tell you to stop some or all of them before surgery. Ask your surgeon or doctor which ones, and do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own.
- Follow the instructions on when to arrive and when to stop eating or drinking.
- Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you at least the first night.
What happens during it
Hip arthroscopy is most commonly done under general anesthesia, where you go to sleep for the operation. Regional anesthesia, such as spinal or epidural, can also be used. At the start, your leg is put in traction. The surgeon makes a small puncture in the hip, about the size of a buttonhole, for the arthroscope. The surgeon can smooth off torn cartilage, repair or rebuild the labrum, trim bone spurs caused by FAI, or remove inflamed tissue. At the end, the cuts are usually stitched or covered with skin tapes. A dressing goes on the hip. Sometimes the surgeon finds that arthroscopy alone cannot treat the problem, so more extensive open surgery may be needed.
Recovery
After surgery, you stay in the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours before going home. You can expect to be on crutches or a walker for some time. In most cases, physical therapy is needed for the best recovery. Sometimes the damage is too severe to be completely reversed, and the procedure may not be successful.
Risks and side effects
Complications from hip arthroscopy are uncommon. Hip surgery carries a small risk of injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels, or to the joint itself. Traction can stretch nerves and cause numbness in the groin area, but this is usually temporary. There are small risks of infection and of blood clots forming in the legs. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs hip arthroscopy. A therapist can also guide you with additional do's and don'ts during your rehabilitation.
Common questions
Is hip arthroscopy done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes, if you are generally healthy, it will most likely be done as an outpatient procedure.
How long will I need crutches after hip arthroscopy?
It depends on your surgery. In some cases, crutches are needed only until any limping has stopped. After a more extensive procedure, you may need crutches for 1 to 2 months. If you have any questions about bearing weight, call your surgeon.
Do I need physical therapy after hip arthroscopy?
In most cases, yes, because physical therapy is needed for the best recovery.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Hip Arthroscopy
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Arthroscopy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
