Steven F. Harwin, MD, FACS | Orthopaedic Surgeon, New York, NY
Arthroscopic Surgery in New York City
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Bone Spurs, Hip Arthritis & Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery techniques utilize a camera and specially designed instruments inserted through small, strategically placed incisions to view the joint from the inside out. This minimally invasive surgical technique allows surgeons to find and fix problems within the affected joint with pinpoint precision and the smallest possible impact on the patient.
When it comes to afflictions of the hip joint, several conditions can be treated effectively by employing arthroscopic techniques, including arthritis in its early stages, labral tears and certain types of cartilage damage.
While not all hip arthritis sufferers will see benefits from arthroscopic surgery, surgeons can successfully prevent some problems and slow the progression of the disease. Bone spurs, for example, are abnormal growths of bone out of another bone, and can occur in the hip during the early stages of arthritis. These spurs can be removed through arthroscopy if caught early, alleviating pinched nerves caused by the bony outgrowth.
Arthroscopic Surgery for Labral Tears
The labrum is a thick layer of tissue around the hip socket that acts as a shock absorber and gives support to the hip joint. If a tear develops in the labrum, displaced tissue can become stuck in the hip joint, impeding movement and causing pain. Surgeons can often repair labral tears using arthroscopic techniques, restoring a full range of motion and eliminating joint pain.
Cartilage Damage & Arthroscopy
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of cartilage damage, degrading the cushioning in joints until bone rubs directly against bone. Cartilage can be damaged in a number of other ways, as well. If a patient has suffered cartilage damage due to a fall of other type of traumatic injury, cartilage can separate from the surface of the bone and cause pain and friction in the joint. Arthroscopic surgery can help to relieve the symptoms and restore full function in the hip joint.
