Hip Surgery

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments inserted through keyhole incisions to diagnose and treat hip problems without open surgery. It is used to repair labral tears, address femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), remove loose bodies, and treat early-stage hip conditions—preserving the native joint and delaying or preventing the need for replacement.

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On This Page

Recovery

Outpatient procedure; return to walking immediately; return to sports in 2-4 months depending on repair.

Clinical Focus

Labral repair, FAI correction, loose body removal, hip joint preservation, minimally invasive keyhole technique.

Ideal Candidate

Active patients with labral tears, impingement, or early-stage hip damage seeking joint preservation.

Understanding Your Procedure

In-Depth: Hip Arthroscopy

A clear, comprehensive look at what this procedure is, how it works, and why it may be the right choice for you.

is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows Dr. Sobh to see inside the hip joint and address problems without making a large open incision. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a keyhole incision, and specialized instruments are inserted through one or two additional keyhole incisions. The joint is filled with fluid to create space for visualization and instrumentation.The most common conditions treated with are labral tears (tears of the cartilage ring that surrounds the ) and (FAI), where abnormal bone shape causes the and to pinch against each other, damaging the labrum and cartilage. Arthroscopy can repair the labrum, reshape the bone to eliminate impingement, remove loose bodies, and address synovitis. is a joint preservation procedure, not a joint replacement. It is most effective for patients with early-stage hip problems where the joint space is preserved. For patients with advanced arthritis (), arthroscopy is not effective, and joint replacement is the appropriate treatment. Dr. Sobh carefully evaluates imaging to determine if arthroscopy is appropriate for each patient.

Hip Arthroscopy — illustrated overview of the surgical approach and implant placement.

20-30+

Years Implant Lifespan

90%+

Patient Satisfaction

24h

Walking Post-Op

<1%

Complication Rate

What Makes This Approach Different

Minimally Invasive Keyhole Technique

The procedure is performed through 2-3 keyhole incisions (each about 1 cm), resulting in minimal scarring, less pain, and faster recovery than open surgery.

Joint Preservation

Arthroscopy repairs the native hip to delay or prevent the need for replacement. It is ideal for active patients with early-stage conditions and preserved joint space.

Outpatient Procedure

Most hip arthroscopies are performed as outpatient procedures—patients go home the same day and begin walking immediately.

Labral Repair

Torn labral tissue can be repaired (sutured back to the bone) rather than removed, preserving the labrum's role in hip stability and joint sealing.

Clinical information reviewed and edited by Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Content synthesized from peer-reviewed orthopedic literature, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, and Dr. Sobh's fellowship training at Rush University Medical Center. Last updated 2025.

Watch & Learn

Understanding Hip Arthroscopy

These medically accurate 3D animations show how hip arthroscopy uses small incisions and a tiny camera to diagnose and treat hip problems — including FAI, labral tears, and cartilage damage — without open surgery.

3D Animation3:45 min

Hip Arthroscopy & FAI Treatment

Dr. Jamali of the Joint Preservation Institute presents a detailed animation of hip arthroscopy for treating femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears. Shows cannula placement, arthroscopic camera insertion, and the surgical steps for repairing the labrum and reshaping the bone.

Source: Dr. Jamali, Joint Preservation Institute — 154K+ views

3D Animation2:54 min

FAI Hip Repair — Arthroscopic Technique

Amerra Medical's 3D animation educates patients and doctors about femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and its arthroscopic surgical treatment. Shows how small incisions, a thin arthroscope camera, and specialized instruments repair labral tears and reshape the femoral head and acetabular rim.

Source: Amerra Medical — 163K+ views

Dr. Sobh's Hip Arthroscopy Expertise

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive option for younger patients with FAI, labral tears, or early cartilage damage. Dr. Sobh uses arthroscopic techniques to preserve the hip joint and delay or prevent the need for replacement surgery in appropriate candidates.

Videos embedded from YouTube for patient educational purposes. Dr. Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD reviews all educational content on this page. Sources: Dr. Jamali (Joint Preservation Institute) and Amerra Medical.

Interactive Education

See How Your Joint Works

Understanding your condition is the first step toward confident decisions. Use this interactive visualizer to explore the anatomy of the hip joint, compare a healthy joint with an arthritic one, and see exactly what hip arthroscopy restores.

1
Toggle states to compare healthy, arthritic, and post-surgical joints.
2
Tap the dots to learn about each anatomical structure.
3
Watch the motion to see how the joint moves during activity.

Interactive Joint Visualizer

Explore how hip arthroscopy works

For Education

Front View

100%

Tap the dots to explore the joint anatomy

Arthritic / Damaged

Illustration for educational purposes. Not a diagnostic image.

Recognizing the Signs

Common Symptoms

Many patients live with joint pain for years before seeking treatment. If you recognize several of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a consultation.

When to seek care

If your symptoms interfere with sleep, work, or activities you enjoy, or if conservative treatments no longer provide relief, a surgical consultation is appropriate.

Groin pain that is worse with sitting, deep bending, or athletic activity

A clicking, locking, or catching sensation in the hip

Pain that occurs with specific movements rather than constant pain

Stiffness in the hip after prolonged sitting

Pain during sports that involve pivoting, cutting, or deep squats

Sharp pain with certain hip positions

Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD

Board Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon

Rush University Medical Center Fellowship

Hour Detroit Top Doc Award 2025

900+ 5-Star Google Reviews

Why Dr. Sobh for This Procedure

Fellowship-Trained Expertise in Hip Arthroscopy

Dr. Sobh's comprehensive orthopedic training includes for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue hip conditions. He uses arthroscopy to repair labral tears, address (FAI), and remove loose bodies—all through keyhole incisions. His philosophy is joint preservation: when possible, he repairs the native hip to delay or prevent the need for replacement. He carefully evaluates whether arthroscopy is appropriate, as it is most effective for early-stage conditions with preserved joint space, not for advanced arthritis.

Meet Dr. Sobh Patient Testimonials

Conditions Treated

Is Hip Arthroscopy Right for You?

Dr. Sobh may recommend this procedure for patients diagnosed with the following conditions.

Hip labral tearsFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI)Hip loose bodiesHip synovitisEarly-stage cartilage damageSnapping hip syndrome (internal)

A thorough consultation and imaging review will confirm the best treatment path for your specific situation.

Are You a Candidate?

Candidacy for Hip Arthroscopy

Dr. Sobh carefully evaluates each patient to determine if this procedure is the right fit. Here's a general guide — your individual consultation will provide a definitive answer.

Good Candidate

Active patients with hip labral tears, FAI, loose bodies, or early-stage cartilage damage confirmed on MRI, with preserved joint space on X-rays.

Good Candidate

Patients whose hip pain has not responded to conservative treatments (physical therapy, NSAIDs, activity modification, injections) for at least 3-6 months.

May Not Be a Candidate

Patients with advanced arthritis (bone-on-bone, severe joint space narrowing) are not candidates for arthroscopy—joint replacement is the appropriate treatment.

May Not Be a Candidate

Patients with severe hip dysplasia, significant joint deformity, or morbid obesity may require alternative treatments or open surgery.

Technology & Techniques

Advanced Technology Used in Your Surgery

Dr. Sobh uses these specialized tools and technologies to ensure the highest level of precision and safety during your procedure.

High-Definition Arthroscope

A small camera provides high-definition visualization inside the hip joint, allowing precise diagnosis and treatment of labral tears, impingement, and cartilage damage.

Labral Repair Sutures

Specialized suture anchors are used to repair torn labral tissue back to the acetabular rim, restoring the labrum's sealing and stabilizing function.

FAI Bone Resection

Motorized burrs are used to reshape the femoral head (cam impingement) or acetabular rim (pincer impingement) to eliminate impingement and prevent recurrent labral damage.

Traction System

A specialized traction table creates space in the hip joint by gently distracting the joint, allowing the arthroscope and instruments to access the central compartment.

How the Surgery Works

Understanding Your Surgical Journey

From your first consultation to full recovery, here's what to expect at each stage. Dr. Sobh and the team at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons will guide you through every step.

Diagnostic Arthroscopy

A small camera is inserted into the hip joint through a keyhole incision. Dr. Sobh evaluates the labrum, cartilage, and bone structures to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

Labral Repair & FAI Correction

Torn labral tissue is repaired with suture anchors. Bone reshaping (cam or pincer resection) eliminates impingement. Loose bodies are removed, and damaged tissue is addressed.

Joint Preservation

The native hip is preserved. The goal is to restore normal joint mechanics, eliminate pain, and delay or prevent the need for future joint replacement.

Outpatient Recovery

Most patients go home the same day and begin walking immediately. progresses from range-of-motion exercises to strengthening and sport-specific training.

Recovery Timeline

Your Path Back to Activity

Recovery timelines vary by individual and procedure complexity. Dr. Sobh will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan. Here's a general guide to what most patients experience.

0-24 hours

Day of Surgery

Go home the same day. Begin walking with crutches for comfort. Pain is typically mild compared to open surgery.

1-2 weeks

Early Recovery

Use crutches as directed. Physical therapy focuses on gentle range of motion and protecting the labral repair. Incisions heal.

2-6 weeks

Strengthening Phase

Progress off crutches. Therapy advances to strengthening, balance, and functional movements. Most daily activities resume.

2-4 months

Return to Sports

Return to running, sports, and athletic activities. Sport-specific therapy ensures safe return to cutting, pivoting, and high-demand activities.

Comparing Your Options

Hip Arthroscopy vs. Alternatives

Understanding how hip arthroscopy compares to other treatment options helps you make an informed decision. Dr. Sobh will discuss all viable options during your consultation.

Total Hip Replacement

Arthroscopy preserves the native hip and treats soft tissue problems. replaces the joint surfaces for advanced arthritis. Arthroscopy is for early-stage disease; replacement is for end-stage disease.

Conservative Treatment

, NSAIDs, and injections can manage symptoms but cannot repair a torn labrum or correct bone impingement. Arthroscopy addresses the structural problem directly.

Open Hip Surgery

Open surgery uses a large incision for conditions that cannot be addressed arthroscopically, such as complex dysplasia or large joint deformity. Arthroscopy achieves the same goals through keyhole incisions with less tissue trauma.

Patient Journey Tip

Hip arthroscopy is most effective when performed early, before arthritis develops. If you have hip pain with clicking, catching, or specific movements, seek evaluation promptly. An MRI can identify labral tears and impingement that arthroscopy can address, potentially preventing progression to arthritis.

Benefits

This procedure offers significant advantages for qualified patients:

Minimally invasive keyhole technique
Preserves the native hip joint
Repairs labral tears and impingement
Outpatient procedure—go home same day
Faster recovery than open surgery
Delays or prevents future joint replacement

Potential Risks

As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Dr. Sobh takes extensive measures to minimize them:

Infection (very rare)
Blood clots (rare)
Nerve injury (rare, usually temporary)
Stiffness or adhesions
Labral repair failure (rare)
Progression of arthritis despite surgery
Anesthesia-related risks

Important

This information is for educational purposes only. Your individual risks depend on your health history. Dr. Sobh will discuss your specific risk profile during your consultation.

Patient Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions patients ask about hip arthroscopy.

Will hip arthroscopy cure my hip pain?

Arthroscopy is highly effective for labral tears, impingement, and loose bodies when joint space is preserved. However, if arthritis has developed, arthroscopy may provide temporary relief but cannot reverse arthritis. Dr. Sobh will evaluate your imaging to determine if arthroscopy is appropriate.

How soon can I return to sports after hip arthroscopy?

Most patients return to running and sports 2-4 months after surgery, depending on the extent of the repair. Sport-specific ensures a safe return to cutting, pivoting, and high-demand activities.

Is hip arthroscopy a replacement for hip replacement?

No. Arthroscopy is a joint preservation procedure for early-stage conditions. Hip replacement is for end-stage arthritis. Arthroscopy can delay or prevent the need for replacement, but it cannot replace a severely arthritic joint.

What is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?

FAI is a condition where abnormal bone shape causes the and to pinch against each other during movement, damaging the labrum and cartilage. Arthroscopy can reshape the bone to eliminate impingement and prevent further damage.

Medically ReviewedLast reviewed: August 14, 2026

Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD

Board Certified & Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon — Minimally-Invasive Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist

This procedure page was clinically reviewed and approved by Dr. Ali H. Sobh, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in direct anterior hip replacement and MAKO robotic knee surgery. Dr. Sobh graduated with high honors from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his adult reconstruction fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He practices at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons (MOS) with offices in Royal Oak and Southfield, Michigan.

View Full Credentials Editorial Standards

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual results and recovery timelines vary. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sobh to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.

Happy, active patients enjoying life after orthopedic surgery recovery with Dr. Ali H. Sobh

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Sobh to discuss whether hip arthroscopy is right for you. Our team will help coordinate your visit, insurance verification, and pre-operative planning.

Book an Appointment Call (833) 667-3627