Hip arthroscopy surgery

[dean_simcox]

Hello,

Over the last 2 and a half years, I have had pain which felt like it was coming from an area near the tendon of my adductor. I went to lots of different doctors and physios, who assumed that it was my groin, however i have recently found out that the pain is coming from a tear in the labral in my hip (this was confirmed with an MRI on my hip).

Now the surgeon has booked me in for a hip arthoscopy to fix the tear, but I was slightly concerened about what he said he will be doing during the surgery. During the consultation he explained to me that he will be removing the labral because i didnt really need it..? He explained how shoulders need it because of a shoulders range of movement, but a hip will be fine without it. He also re-assured me that 6 weeks after the surgery i will be able to get back to my sports pain free!

I am somewhat educated with the human anatomy but i am not an expert, and i am just a bit sceptical about what i have been told. Can anyone please confirm that my surgeon knows what he is talking about?

Ps. not sure if its important but i am 20 years old, and its my right hip.



Kind Regards

Dean

[Heidi]

Hi Dean,
I'm no expert on surgical procedures, but I have had a quick look for you and it seems that the usual procedure is to remove the torn part of the labrum only. The function of the labrum is to increase the stability and congruency of the hip joint and so I am not surprised that you are questioning this technique.
If I were you, I would ask your surgeon directly and if you are still not 100% happy with his answer, get a second opinion.

[dean_simcox]

Hi Heidi,
Thanks for your response. I have been doing a bit of research and like you said, it does seem that the labral acts as support and stability for the hip joint. So I am assuming that the damaged part can be removed without affecting me too much.
Another concern for me would be how this would affect my hip later in life as i am only 20?
But like you suggested, I think i will just raise these concerns with my surgeon.

Regards
Dean

[Darren_H]

Chances are that it will help your pain. As it affects the congruency of the joint it will alter joint compression forces. This may mean earlier osteoarthritis (wear and tear). Similar to people that have meniscectomies and end up with knee OA and possibly total knee replacements. The amount of change will also depend on the location of the labral tear. The hip will put more pressure anteriorly while we are in neutral or extended and more posterior as you flex. Your surgeon does sound like he is minimizing the risks of the surgery a little bit. Chances are it could help take away alot of the pain. I would want more info from the surgeon. Hope this helps.