Hip pain can stop you from doing day to day activities like walking or climbing stairs. It can also make it uncomfortable to sit for long periods or engage in physical activity. There are several causes of hip pain and if it doesn’t go away with simple treatments like rest, over the counter medications or physical therapy, it may be helpful to see the best hip doctor in Chandigarh to get a better evaluation of your hip pain. In some instances hip arthroscopy Chandigarh may be recommended to evaluate and treat your condition.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery of the hip joint where a camera and special surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions to evaluate and treat issues in the joint. This is less invasive than traditional open surgical techniques and may require less of a recovery time.
If you are experiencing continuous hip pain and discomfort it may be helpful to consult the best hip doctor in Chandigarh for a better evaluation of the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on the diagnosis, hip arthroscopy may involve treatment of a torn labrum, damaged cartilage, or irregular growth of the hip joint. Hip arthroscopy may also be indicated to remove loose cartilage or bone in the hip joint.
Hip arthroscopy may be indicated for select hip joint conditions.
- Hip labral tear: A tear in the labrum may cause pain and/or stiffness as well as catching or clicking when moving the hip. Depending on the degree of the tear, hip arthroscopy may be used to treat the injury.
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): When there is abnormal hip bone shape or growth, it may cause the hip bone to shake when moving. This may cause pain and/or restricted movement of the hip. If there is abnormal bone contact in hip joint, hip arthroscopy may be used to correct it.
- Loose Bone or Cartilage: Damage or conditions of the hip joint may cause bone or cartilage to break free and be displaced in the joint. This may cause pain, catching, and/or restricted movement of the hip. Hip arthroscopy may be used to remove the loose bone or cartilage.
- Synovitis: Swelling of the lining of the joint may cause pain and/or stiffness of the hip joint. If conservative treatment does not improve the condition, a specialist may consider hip arthroscopy in appropriate cases.
What to Expect During Hip Arthroscopy Surgery?
Understanding the process gives patients peace of mind before their surgery.
- Consultation & Diagnosis. During a consultation, a surgeon will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. Additional tests may be ordered to aid in your diagnosis.
- Anaesthesia & Prep. A surgery of the hip joint requires the patient to be completely without feeling in the lower body. The surgeon prepares the hip to gain access to the joint.
- Arthroscopic Treatment. The surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the arthroscope to observe the joint. Based on the abnormality, special instruments may be used to address the abnormality.
Recovery After Hip Arthroscopy
The period of recovery after hip arthroscopy depends on the type of procedure, the extent of damage to the tissues, and the general health status of the patient. During the initial phase of recovery, the patient may have to use crutches or some other aids for walking. The surgeon will give details about how much weight should be borne by the operated leg.
Though the period of recovery after hip arthroscopy is generally shorter when compared with other surgical procedures, recovery still takes a significant amount of time. It includes physiotherapy to increase the range of movements of the joint, build up the strength of the muscles, and prepare the patient for increasing his/her level of activity.
During the period of recovery after hip arthroscopy, it is important that the surgeon’s guidelines are strictly adhered to. These may include the restrictions on the amount of weight the operated leg can bear, and the restriction on certain activities. Returning to strenuous activities or sports too early can negatively impact the recovery time. The length of time required for a full recovery after hip arthroscopy varies from a few weeks to a few months.
Selecting the Best Hip Doctor in Chandigarh
Once the decision to go for hip arthroscopy has been taken, the selection of an appropriate specialist becomes very important. Some of the important aspects of this selection are listed below.
Experience: The specialist should have adequate experience in diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the hip joint and other associated areas. The specialist should perform arthroscopy as and when indicated.
Accurate Diagnosis: During the first consultation, the specialist should review the symptoms, perform a thorough physical examination, and order relevant diagnostic tests (if needed) to arrive at a diagnosis.
Explanation of Treatment Options: The doctor should discuss the available treatment options, the benefits, risks and whether the treatment is surgical.
Rehabilitation: The doctor should explain the role of physiotherapy after surgery, the restrictions on weight-bearing, the need for follow-up and other after-care instructions.
Individualised treatment: Treatment is dictated by your specific condition and not by generalizations.
In your search for the ‘best hip doctor in Chandigarh’, keep the following, in addition to authenticated qualifications and relevant experience, in mind.
When to see a Hip Specialist?
You must visit a hip specialist if you have hip or groin pain, lack of movement in your hip, pain when clicking the hip, pain when walking, and pain when doing physical activities.
You must seek an immediate medical attention if you experience an acute hip pain and are unable to bear weight by the affected hip, especially if you have a fever.
An evaluation must be done as quickly as possible to determine the primary cause of the pain. Treatment may include medicine, change in physical activity, and / or physiotherapy. Depending on the primary diagnosis, surgery may also be required.
Conclusion
Hip arthroscopy is an effective surgical option if pain is not alleviated with conservative measures for certain conditions of the hip joint.
For more information on hip arthroscopy Chandigarh, consult an orthopaedic surgeon to help you decide the best course of action. The right doctor and an accurate diagnosis, will help you make the right decisions for your hip health, and aid you in your rehabilitation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is hip arthroscopy?
A small camera and special surgical instruments are inserted into the hip joint through small incisions to diagnosis and treat certain problems of the hip joint.
2. Who may need hip arthroscopy?
You may need it if you have a certain labral tear, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) where the femoral head and/or acetabulum (cup) are abnormal in shape and/or position, or have a loose body in the joint.
3. Is hip arthroscopy a major surgery?
It is a minor surgery, but all surgeries carry a risk. The more difficult or complex the problem is, the more difficult the surgery.
4. How long does recovery take after hip arthroscopy?
Each case is different. Some people go back to doing light daily activities within a few weeks, but full recovery and rehabilitation takes several months.
5. Is hip arthroscopy helpful for treating hip arthritis?
It is useful for early hip arthritis, but not helpful in severe or late stage hip arthritis, when there is loss of the articular cartilage.
6. How do I choose the best hip doctor in Chandigarh?
You should select a hip doctor after evaluating his/her qualifications, experience, diagnostic and treatment approach, and rehabilitation strategy.
7. Is post-operative physiotherapy necessary?
Yes, to increase your mobility, strengthen your muscles, and enhance your recovery. Your surgeon will tell you which exercises to do.
NAP — Name, Address and Phone
Name: Dr. Sandeep Gupta — Hip & Knee / Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Primary location: Max Super Speciality Hospital, Phase 6, Sector 65, Mohali, Punjab 160065
Panchkula consultation: House No. 222, Sector 4, Panchkula, Haryana 134112
Phone: +91 98159 33514
Email: contact@cojri.com