Indications

The hip is a ball and socket joint made up of the femur (thigh bone) and pelvic bone. The ball-shaped head of the femur articulates with the socket-shaped acetabulum of the pelvic bone to form the hip joint. The smooth movement of the hip is facilitated by the spongy cartilage tissue that lines the articular surfaces. This joint is further stabilized by the labrum (tissue that lines the outer rim of the acetabulum to provide a tight fit of the joint), and other soft tissue and muscles. Many injuries and diseases to the hip can cause pain and disability and may require surgery.

• Minimally invasive hip surgery is indicated for the following:
• When conservative hip treatments do not provide relief
• Your overall health is good and you are able to cope with the extensive rehabilitation process following surgery
• Degenerative hip disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Avascular necrosis (AVN): death of bone tissue
• Injury leading to the degeneration of the hip joint
• Autoimmune diseases that affect the joints such as lupus
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): bone overgrowth
• Dysplasia: abnormally shallow hip socket
• Snapping hip syndrome: tendon damage because of repeated rubbing against the outside of joint
• Loose bodies: fragments of bone or cartilage that move around the joint
• Synovitis: inflamed soft tissue
• Hip joint infection

You may not be a candidate for minimally invasive hip surgery if:

• You are obese
• Have low bone density
• Have previously had a hip surgery

Your surgeon will consider your individual case and your overall health before deciding if you are a good candidate for minimally invasive hip surgery.