Hip arthroscopy is an advanced minimally invasive technique for labral tears, hip impingement and ‘wear and tear’. Less intrusive than previous techniques, this operation provides minimal incision for the patient and excellent recovery.

Labral tears are splits in the soft rim of the hip socket that wraps around the hip ball. They occur both in younger athletes and older arthritic patients.Trimming the torn labrum without actually touching the surface, A/Prof Hope uses a arthroscopic technique that removes only the weak torn rim leaving healthy tissue to heal.

Hip impingement occurs when an abnormally shaped ball overloads the socket rim often causing a labral tear. The abnormal impinging bone may be removed using minimally invasive hip arthroscopy allowing a rapid return to activity as all muscles are left untouched.

‘Wear and tear’ in the hip joint can also be treated with arthroscopy, which can smooth off worn surfaces without touching them thus making joint movement as pain-free as possible.