Recovery
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that requires very small keyhole incisions, which leads to shorter recovery times and rapid return to activity/sport. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning that most often, you can go home on the same day as the surgery. The procedure itself typically takes 60-90 minutes. Patients generally receive general anesthesia during the procedure. Recovery from hip arthroscopy will vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure performed. This is a general timeline for recovery from hip arthroscopy.
Immediately after the procedure, you will spend a few hours in the recovery room while the effects of the anesthesia wear off and the medical staff monitors your vital signs.
Once you are stable and able to walk with crutches, you will be permitted to go home. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home because you will have been administered general anesthesia and will not be permitted to drive yourself. You should expect to have someone stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.
Hip surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan, will provide specific post-operative instructions for care, including pain management, weight-bearing restrictions, follow-up appointments, and personalized milestones based on your condition and progress. You may need to wear a hip brace and use crutches for a short time during recovery.
Dr. Kaplan will prescribe pain medications for short-term relief as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to help with any discomfort in the early stage of recovery. Also, you may need to take medication to help prevent blood clots for a short time. In addition, resting, applying ice packs, and elevating the affected leg can help to reduce swelling and shorten the overall recovery time.
You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Kaplan at this time. He may remove any sutures and evaluate your progress with physical therapy, which begins one day following surgery. The rapid recovery protocol focuses on gentle exercises to improve strength and range of motion.
You will continue with physical therapy and gradually increase the intensity and complexity of exercises. You may start weight-bearing exercises and work on strengthening the hip joint and surrounding muscles. Some individuals may be able to discontinue using crutches during this period.
Most patients can bear full weight on the affected leg and start transitioning to normal walking. Physical therapy will continue to improve hip strength, stability, and flexibility. You may be able to resume some low-impact activities and sports, depending on your progress and the guidance of Dr. Kaplan.
By this time, most daily activities can be resumed, and you may be able to gradually return to more vigorous exercises and sports. Committing to long-term rehabilitation exercises, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following up with Dr. Kaplan for periodic check-ins will help ensure a successful recovery.
It is important to understand that this is a general timeline. Dr. Kaplan will provide a specific timeline based on your circumstances.
At a Glance
Dr. Daniel Kaplan
- Fellowship-trained Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgeon
- Expertise in Complex Shoulder Hip and Knee minimally-invasive reconstruction procedures
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU
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