Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of hip problems. Often performed as a day-case surgery, it offers faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional open surgery. 

If you’ve been recommended for a hip arthroscopy, this page will guide you through everything you need to know, from what the procedure involves to recovery, costs, and whether it’s the right option compared to a full hip replacement.

What is hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery used to both diagnose and treat conditions affecting the hip joint. It involves making small incisions (cuts) through which a surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera, known as an arthroscope, to view the inside of the joint in real time. 

Using this technique, the surgeon can clearly see damage within the joint and use specialised instruments to carry out repairs, all without the need for large surgical cuts. This means patients typically experience shorter hip arthroscopy recovery times, less pain after surgery, and a quicker return to normal activities.

What conditions are treated by hip arthroscopy?

If you have persistent hip pain or stiffness that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy, rest, pain relief medication, or steroid injections, hip arthroscopy may be recommended to help diagnose and treat the underlying issue.

Hip arthroscopies can be used to treat a range of hip problems, including:

• Labral tears – Damage to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, which can cause pain, clicking, or instability in the joint.  
• Hip impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement, FAI) - When the bones of the hip joint are abnormally shaped and rub together, leading to pain, restricted movement, and cartilage damage.
• Loose bodies - Small fragments of bone or cartilage that float in the joint space and cause locking, catching, or pain.
• Hip dysplasia - A condition where the hip socket is too shallow, leading to instability and early joint wear.
• Snapping hip syndrome (Coxa saltans) - A snapping or popping sensation during hip movement, often caused by tight tendons or soft tissue irritation.
• Cartilage damage – Worn or damaged cartilage from injury or early arthritis, which can be smoothed or repaired arthroscopically. 
• Tendon injuries – including torn tendons or tendons that are too tight and may need releasing.
• Synovitis - Inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint, often leading to pain and swelling. 
• Bone spurs (Osteophytes) - Bony growths that can limit movement or irritate soft tissue inside the joint.
• Hip joint infections - Infections that do not respond to antibiotics may be managed or investigated using hip arthroscopy. 

Who is a candidate for hip arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is typically recommended for patients who are experiencing ongoing hip pain, stiffness, or limited mobility that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, or medication.

You may be a candidate for hip arthroscopy if:

• You have mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or locking in the hip.
• Imaging tests (like MRI or X-ray) show damage that may be suitable for arthroscopic treatment.
• You have a diagnosed condition, such as a labral tear, hip impingement, or cartilage damage, that can be addressed through minimally invasive surgery.
• You are in generally good health and able to undergo surgery and anaesthesia.
• You are physically active and looking to preserve your natural hip joint.

Hip arthroscopy is often most suitable for younger adults who do not yet need a full hip replacement. In cases where the hip joint is too damaged, such as with advanced arthritis, a total hip replacement may be more appropriate. 

If you’re unsure whether hip arthroscopy vs total hip replacement is right for you, your orthopaedic surgeon at Ramsay Health Care will guide you through your options based on your specific condition and lifestyle needs.

Hip arthroscopy cost

The cost of your hip arthroscopy will depend on your specific condition, procedure complexity, and post-operative care needs.

At Ramsay Health Care, we offer flexible and transparent options to help you manage the cost of hip arthroscopy, whether you’re self-funding or using private health insurance. 

If you’re paying for your treatment yourself, we offer:

• Total Care package - A single, all-inclusive one-off payment at a pre-agreed price that covers all hospital fees, consultant charges, and follow-up care. This gives you complete peace of mind with no hidden costs.

• Finance options - Spread the cost of your hip arthroscopy over time with our interest-free and low-interest payment plans.

If you have private medical insurance,  your hip arthroscopy may be covered in full or in part. We recommend:

• Contacting your insurance provider in advance to confirm your level of cover.
• Requesting written confirmation of approval before starting treatment with us.

To get a personalised quote or to discuss your options, our team at Ramsay Health Care is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process to ensure you’re fully informed about hip arthroscopy costs and what’s included in your treatment package.

Preparation for hip arthroscopy

Before your hip arthroscopy, you’ll have a thorough consultation with one of our specialist orthopaedic surgeons. They will review your medical history, examine your hip, and may request imaging tests (such as an X-ray or MRI scan) to confirm your diagnosis and plan your treatment.

Our team will advise you on what preparations you should make before your hip arthroscopy, but typically this involves:

• Avoiding eating or drinking for several hours before your surgery.
• Stopping taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by our medical team.
• Having a shower or bath and washing with unperfumed soap the evening before or on the morning of your surgery.
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the operation.
• Arranging for someone to drive you home after your surgery.

We’ll provide you with full pre-operative instructions before you come to us. Read more about what to expect during your stay with Ramsay Health Care.

What happens during a hip arthroscopy?

A hip arthroscopy is typically performed as a day-case procedure under general anaesthetic. The operation usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on what needs to be done inside the joint.

Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Anaesthesia – Once you’re asleep under a general anaesthetic, your surgeon will begin the operation.
• Accessing the joint – A small amount of fluid is injected into your hip joint to open the joint space. Then, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions near the hip. 
• Inserting the arthroscope – A thin tube with a camera (the arthroscope) is inserted through one of the incisions. The live video feed is used to inspect the inside of your hip.
• Treatment – If necessary, additional instruments are inserted through other small incisions to repair or remove damaged tissue. This may involve smoothing damaged cartilage, removing loose fragments, repairing a labral tear, or trimming bone spurs. 
• Closing the incision – Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed using stitches or surgical tape and a sterile dressing is applied.

What happens after your hip arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day, once you’ve recovered from the anaesthetic and are safe to leave.
Immediately after surgery:

• You’ll be moved to a recovery area and monitored closely by our nursing team.
• You’ll be given pain medication to manage any discomfort.
• Crutches or a walking aid will be provided, and a physiotherapist may show you how to use them safely.

You’ll go home with a clear recovery plan, including instructions for managing pain, caring for your wounds, and gradually increasing your activity. 

It’s normal to experience:

• Pain and swelling in and around the hip
• Discomfort in nearby areas, such as your lower back or thigh
• Some fluid or minor bleeding from the wound (this should stop after a few days)

Our team will provide a detailed, personalised recovery plan, including advice on:

• Wound care
• Pain management
• Sleep positioning
• Gradual movement and rest
• When to start rehabilitation exercises

We’ll also schedule your follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and progress.

Hip arthroscopy recovery time

Hip arthroscopy recovery time varies from person to person and will depend on your condition, the type of treatment performed, your overall health, and how closely you follow your rehabilitation plan.

First 1–2 weeks 

For the first few weeks, you’ll focus on recovering from your surgery. 
As well as resting, you’ll need to stand and move regularly to help with your healing. You’ll use crutches or another walking aid and will only walk for short periods.
You’ll likely have some pain and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication and icing.
Driving during this time is typically not recommended, especially if you’re taking prescription medication.

3–6 weeks 

You’ll gradually stop using crutches and will begin to walk unaided and will be able to stand for longer periods. 
You should be able to gradually increase your activity levels, moving from light walking to stationary biking and performing the recommended physiotherapy exercises.
You should be able to return to driving during this period. 
You may be back at work if you have a job that’s reasonably stationary and doesn’t involve a lot of standing or walking.

7–12 weeks 

Your strength, stability, and range of motion will continue to improve. You’ll be able to focus on exercises to strengthen key muscles, like your glutes and your hip flexors. 
You should be able to engage in more strenuous exercise, including swimming and using an elliptical machine.

3–6 months

Most patients can return to low-impact sports or higher levels of activity.
You should begin to experience stronger, more stable joint function with reduced pain.
If you work in a physical job, you may be able to return to work with adjustments, such as more frequent breaks or lighter duties.

6–12 months 

Full healing can take up to a year, particularly for soft tissue and bone to fully recover.

You can continue building strength and may return to high-impact sports with medical approval.

Everyone recovers at their own pace — your Ramsay team will guide you through a personalised recovery plan based on your surgery and lifestyle.

What are the potential risks or complications of hip arthroscopy?

While hip arthroscopy is generally considered a safe and low-risk procedure, all surgeries carry the potential for complications. At Ramsay Health Care, we take every precaution to minimise these risks through expert care, modern techniques, and high-quality facilities. 

Most complications are rare, but may include:

• Persistent pain and/or inflammation in or around the hip
• Infection at the surgical site
• Scarring
• Bleeding into the joint (hemarthrosis)
• Difficulty passing urine after surgery (usually temporary)
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
• Damage to the hip joint or surrounding structures
• Nerve or blood vessel injury – the traction used during surgery can occasionally stretch nearby nerves, causing numbness or tingling, most often temporary

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. Our team will also provide post-operative care advice to help prevent complications and support your safe recovery.

What are the benefits of hip arthroscopy surgery?

Hip arthroscopy offers many benefits for patients who are experiencing persistent hip pain or limited mobility, particularly when conservative treatments haven’t been effective. 
Benefits of hip arthroscopy surgery include:

• Reduced pain and improved mobility
• Faster recovery and quicker return to daily activities 
• Shorter time under anaesthesia compared to open procedures
• Smaller incisions resulting in less scarring and blood loss
• Lower risk of infection and complications

Hip arthroscopy at Ramsay

At Ramsay Health Care, we offer expert hip arthroscopy surgery performed by highly experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons. With state-of-the-art facilities across our network of private hospitals, you’ll receive first-class care close to home. 

Ramsay is a leading provider of private orthopaedic surgery in the UK. We’re known for:

• Fast access to consultations, diagnostics, and surgery
• Appointments and treatments arranged at times that suit you
• Personalised care plans tailored to your recovery goals
• Expert-led physiotherapy to support your hip arthroscopy recovery time
• Comfortable, private hospital environments focused on your wellbeing

From your initial consultation to your final physiotherapy session, we’re here to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

Book an appointment today and take the next step toward reduced pain, better mobility, and improved quality of life.