Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy for Common Hip Conditions 

If you’re dealing with persistent hip pain, Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons offers advanced solutions to help you get back to the activities you love. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows our orthopaedic specialists to diagnose and treat a range of hip conditions with smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery. 

At SOS, we use hip arthroscopy to treat many common conditions, including femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, loose bodies, and cartilage damage. 

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) 

FAI occurs when extra bone develops around the ball or socket of the hip joint, creating abnormal contact that can damage surrounding cartilage and soft tissue. This often leads to pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion, especially during hip flexion or rotation. 

During hip arthroscopy, our surgeons precisely remove the excess bone to restore smooth joint movement and prevent further tissue damage. Addressing FAI early can help preserve your natural hip and delay or avoid the need for more extensive surgery down the line. 

Hip Labral Tears 

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions the hip joint and helps it move smoothly. When this cartilage tears—due to injury, overuse, or structural abnormalities—it can cause significant pain, clicking, or catching in the joint. 

At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, we specialize in arthroscopic labral repair or debridement. These techniques allow us to restore hip function while minimizing downtime, helping you return to your daily routine as quickly and safely as possible. 

Loose Bodies 

Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that break off and float within the joint. While some people may not experience symptoms, others may feel locking, catching, or pain in the hip. 

Our surgeons can remove loose bodies using hip arthroscopy, a procedure that provides a clear view of the joint and allows us to address the issue with precision and minimal disruption to healthy tissue. 

Cartilage Damage 

Cartilage protects the bones of the hip joint and helps them glide smoothly. Over time—or due to injury—this cartilage can wear away, leading to pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness. 

Depending on the severity of the damage, we may recommend arthroscopic techniques to smooth damaged areas, stimulate new cartilage growth, or prepare the joint for further treatment. In more advanced cases, joint replacement may be considered, but we always start with the least invasive options. 

Trust the Hip Experts at SOS 

Hip arthroscopy is a specialized procedure that requires expert training and experience. At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Perry Hooper is one of the only orthopaedic surgeons in Alabama with advanced fellowship training in hip arthroscopy. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care to help you find lasting relief. 

If you’re experiencing hip pain, call Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons at (334) 613-9000 or request an appointment online. Relief may be just a step away. 

Sources: 

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/hip-arthroscopy/

https://www.hss.edu/conditions_hip-arthroscopy.asp

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-labral-tear/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354878

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/femoroacetabular-impingement/