Is a Hip Arthroscopy a Major Surgery? A Straightforward Guide for Hip Pain Sufferers
- Mr Simon Garrett
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're living with hip pain and conservative treatments like physio, rest, or injections haven’t brought relief, you may have heard about a procedure called hip arthroscopy. But what is it exactly, and is it a major surgery? Time to clear up the confusion and help you feel more confident about your options.
Contents
What is Hip Arthroscopy?
In simple terms, hip arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery. It allows your surgeon to look inside the hip joint using a small camera (called an arthroscope), which is inserted through tiny incisions around the hip. It’s commonly used to diagnose and treat a range of hip problems, such as:
Labral tears (damaged cartilage)
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – extra bone rubbing in the joint
Synovitis – inflammation in the joint lining
Loose or torn tissue, or minor ligament damage
Rather than making a large incision, this approach allows for a minimally invasive repair, with less disruption to the surrounding tissues.
What Happens During the Procedure?
You’ll be given general anaesthetic, so you’ll be fully asleep and comfortable. Your leg will be gently placed under traction to give the surgeon a clear view inside the joint. A small amount of fluid is injected into the hip to expand the space. Then, using a tiny camera and specialised tools, the surgeon can repair, reshape, or remove damaged tissue.
Most procedures take around 30 to 90 minutes, and the best part? You’ll usually go home the same day.
Is it a Major Surgery?
Technically no, it’s not classed as a major operation. Hip arthroscopy is considered minimally invasive, and compared to traditional open hip surgery, it’s a gentler approach.
That said, it’s still surgery and does involve a proper recovery process. You’ll need some time to heal and rehab, but for most people, the outcomes are worth it.
Here’s how it stacks up:
✔️ Smaller incisions
✔️ Less post-op pain
✔️ Lower risk of complications
✔️ Shorter recovery time
✔️ Minimal scarring
What About Recovery?
Most people start gentle physio within a few days after surgery. Recovery timelines can vary depending on the specific treatment done, but on average:
You’ll be back to light daily activities within a couple of weeks
Most return to full activity (including sport or exercise) within 3 to 6 months
As with any procedure, sticking to your rehab plan is key. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that help restore strength, stability, and mobility—so you can get back to moving comfortably.
Will It Help My Hip Pain?
For the right person, hip arthroscopy can be a real game-changer. Around 70–80% of patients experience a meaningful improvement in pain, movement, and quality of life.
However, it’s not suitable for everyone. If you’ve got advanced arthritis or significant joint damage, a hip replacement might be a more appropriate option. This is something your surgeon will talk through with you, using your scans and medical history to guide the decision.
Is Hip Arthroscopy Right for Me?
This procedure is often ideal for people who:
🔹 Have persistent hip pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
🔹 Are active and want to return to sport or exercise
🔹 Have been diagnosed with issues like labral tears or FAI
🔹 Don’t yet need a full hip replacement
If that sounds like you, it’s definitely worth exploring. And remember, you don’t need to wait in pain for months on end. Early intervention can mean a quicker, smoother recovery.
Final Thoughts
So, is hip arthroscopy a major surgery? Not really, but it’s still a meaningful step forward in treating ongoing hip pain. It’s less invasive than traditional surgery, and for the right patient, it offers relief, mobility, and a faster return to doing the things you love.
If your hip is stopping you from living the life you want, there are solutions out there. My friendly team is always here to chat through your options and help you take that first step back toward comfort and confidence.