Hip · Hip arthroscopy
Revision hip arthroscopy
Persistent or Recurrent Hip Pain After Prior Hip Arthroscopy
The condition
Some patients have ongoing or returning pain after a previous hip arthroscopy. Causes include remaining extra bone (impingement), a labrum (the cartilage ring that seals the socket) that has re-torn or is too damaged to repair, a loose joint capsule, scar tissue, or cartilage damage.
The surgery
Revision hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera. Depending on what is found, your surgeon may reshape extra bone, repair or rebuild the labrum with a cadaver graft, repair or reconstruct the capsule, remove scar tissue, and treat damaged cartilage. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Foot flat with ~20 lb of weight and crutches for 3 weeks (6 weeks if the capsule is rebuilt or cartilage is treated), then weaned over ~2 weeks.
- Motion
- Brace and motion (CPM) machine for 3–4 weeks, plus a stationary bike from day 1, to help prevent new scar tissue.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. Recovery is often slower than after a first hip scope. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication. Recommend sleeping in your brace or a strapped abduction pillow for 4 weeks.
- Running
- Typically from ~16 weeks, once brisk walking and single-leg control are pain-free.
- Sports
- Typically 5–7 months, after strength and functional testing.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have less pain and better function, though results are less predictable than after a first hip scope. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, temporary numbness (groin, thigh, or foot), scar tissue re-forming, hip instability, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery