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FAQs

your questions answered


Q

Can groin pain be a sign of hip problems?

Yes, groin pain can often be a sign of problems with the hip joint.

Q

I have had hip pain for the last eight weeks, what should I do?

You should go to see your doctor who will be able to recommend some exercises or joint injections that may help. If that doesn’t work, they will refer you to a specialist hip doctor (orthopaedic surgeon).

Q

Is it difficult to find a specialist hip doctor (orthopaedic surgeon)?

No, in every hospital there should be at least one member of the orthopaedic team who specialises in the hip and in treating hip problems.

Q

How do I find a specialist hip doctor (orthopaedic surgeon) trained in hip arthroscopy [ahr-thros-kuh-pee]?

Contact your local doctor and ask who offers hip arthroscopy in your local area. Most NHS Trusts have orthopaedic surgeons who perform hip arthroscopy.

Q

Are there specialist hip arthroscopy centres in the UK

Contact your local doctor and ask who offers hip arthroscopy in your local area. Most NHS Trusts have orthopaedic surgeons who perform hip arthroscopy.

Q

Is hip arthroscopy available on the NHS?

Yes, this operation is increasingly available on the NHS to patients who have failed more conservative (non-surgical) treatment options.

Q

I have private insurance and suffer from persistent hip pain, what should I do?

You should go to see your doctor who will be able to recommend some exercises or joint injections that may help. If that doesn’t work, they will refer you to a specialist hip doctor (orthopaedic surgeon).

Q

How long will I need off work if my doctor thinks I should have a hip arthroscopy?

This depends on the type of arthroscopic operation performed and your lifestyle or job. It is can range from 1 to 10 weeks.

Q

How long will I need to stay in hospital if I have hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional open hip surgery and is often performed as a day-case. This means you may be in and out of the hospital on the same day, but you should ask your doctor to confirm.

Q

What are the benefits of hip arthroscopy vs. open hip surgery?

Hip arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional open hip surgery, is often performed as a day-case and may require a shorter stay in hospital compared to traditional open hip surgery. It also enables doctors to treat early signs of disease that may prevent disease progression and preserve the hip joint.

Q

What are the risks or complications associated with hip arthroscopy?

Complications from hip arthroscopy are uncommon but do include nerve damage and pain, injury to unaffected parts of the joint, infection and continued hip or groin pain after surgery.

Q

I suffer from persistent hip pain, does this mean that I will get arthritis as I get older?

If your hip pain is caused by an impingement which prevents the ball and socket joint from moving smoothly you may suffer from arthritis as you get older.

Q

Can hip arthroscopy prevent arthritis?

If your hip pain is caused by an impingement which prevents the ball and socket joint from moving smoothly, a hip arthroscopy may be able to prevent or slow down the advance of arthritis.