Dr. Chen specializes in arthroscopic surgeries of the hip. Unlike most orthopedic surgeons, he has completed a fellowship in hip arthroscopy. Under the guidance of one of the most renown hip arthroscopic surgeons, Dr. Benjamin Domb, Dr. Chen has become highly qualified and expert in hip arthroscopy and uses the approach to treat numerous hip conditions and injuries. Hip specialist, Dr. Austin Chen is available to diagnose and treat hip conditions in patients living in Greater Boulder, Colorado.
What is hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy, sometimes called a “hip scope” is a form of minimally invasive hip surgery. It allows Dr. Austin Chen to view the hip joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Historically, surgery of the hip required large open incisions which often led to an extensive recovery, but with hip arthroscopy, the small incision leads to better recovery outcomes. How is hip arthroscopy performed? During hip arthroscopy, Dr. Chen inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your hip joint. The camera then displays pictures onto a monitor so that the exact location of treatment can be determined. Dr. Chen then uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments. This allows Dr. Chen to repair the problem with accuracy and minimal damage to the tissues.
What are the benefits of the arthroscopic technique?
Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, Dr. Chen can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. This has shown to cause less pain for patients, less joint stiffness, and often shortens the time it takes to recover and return to favorite activities. A hip scope has several advantages over traditional open hip surgery, including:
- Minimizing hip pain and scarring
- Decreasing recovery time
- Postponing hip arthritis by treating its cause in the early stages
- Delaying or eliminating the need for a hip replacement by preemptively treating of conditions that cause osteoarthritis of the hip
Who is a candidate for hip arthroscopy?
In order to be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery of the hip, one must have minimal to no arthritis. Through an examination, Dr. Chen can determine if arthroscopic surgery is right for you.
What hip conditions and injuries are treated with arthroscopic surgery?
- Acetabuloplasty (pincer impingement)
- Chondroplasty and Microfracture
- Femoroplasty (cam impingement treatment)
- Labral Repair and Reconstruction
- Capsular Plication, Release, and Reconstruction
- Iliopsoas lengthening/release
- Trochanteric bursectomy
- Gluteus medius/minimus repair
- Iliotibial band release
What is the recovery for hip arthroscopic surgery?
Your post-procedure care and rehabilitation is an important part of recovery and the success of the surgery. You will begin physical therapy 1-2 days after surgery, unless otherwise instructed. Your physical therapy protocol will be tailored to your specific needs based upon your surgery. The day after surgery you will also begin in-home exercises using either a bike or continuous passive motion machine (CPM). This helps prevent excess scar tissue and stiffness in the hip after surgery. Physical therapy typically lasts for 3-4 months after surgery, but your hip will continue to make progress up to 1 year after surgery. Physical therapy can be completed through the Boulder Centre for Orthopedics Physical Therapy Center, which offers all patients complete and seamless recovery care.
When can I go back to sports/normal activity after a hip arthroscopic surgery?
Most patients return to their usual recreational activities, such as light jogging and golfing, around 3-4 months after surgery. Your rehabilitation and recovery is closely monitored by your doctor. With a skilled surgeon and appropriate rehabilitation, most patients are able to resume the activities and sports they enjoyed prior to surgery.
I have arthritis, could I still have hip arthroscopic surgery?
Unfortunately those that have advanced or a good deal of arthritis are not a good candidate for hip arthroscopy. Please discuss your individual case with Dr. Austin Chen to see if you are a good candidate.
