Hip Preservation – Arthroscopic & Open
When hip pain strikes, it can quickly restrict your mobility, impact your sleep, and limit your ability to stay active. For younger, active individuals, joint replacement is rarely the ideal first option. Hip preservation focuses on protecting, repairing, and maintaining your natural hip joint, delaying or entirely preventing the onset of arthritis.
At The London Hip Practice, we specialise in advanced hip preservation techniques, using both minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and open surgical procedures to restore joint mechanics and protect your long-term mobility.
What is Hip Preservation?
Hip preservation is a highly specialised approach dedicated to treating structural and functional problems within the hip joint before irreversible wear and tear sets in. The goal is simple: preserve your natural anatomy, alleviate pain, and restore smooth function.
Depending on your specific anatomy, the underlying pathology, and the extent of the damage, preservation is achieved through two primary surgical pathways:
Arthroscopic Hip Surgery
This is a minimally invasive approach performed through small incisions using a camera (an arthroscope) and precision instruments. It is highly effective for treating issues within the joint capsule, such as structural friction or tissue tears, with the benefit of a quicker initial recovery.
Open Hip Surgery
For more complex structural abnormalities, such as severe hip dysplasia or deep rotational misalignments, open surgical techniques are required. Procedures like a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) allow the surgeon to precisely reshape or reposition the bones of the hip joint, addressing root structural issues that arthroscopy cannot fix alone.
Specific Preservation Procedures
During a hip preservation procedure, several targeted interventions may be performed to address the exact cause of your joint issues. Whether completed via an arthroscopic or open approach, these treatments are tailored to your unique joint pathology:
Labral Repair & Reconstruction
Fixing or rebuilding a torn labrum (the ring of cartilage that stabilises the socket) to restore the joint’s fluid seal.
Femoral Osteochondroplasty
Reshaping an abnormally formed femoral head or neck to eliminate impingement and stop it from grinding against the socket.
Acetabular Rim Recession
Trimming away excess bone on the rim of the socket to prevent premature contact and wear during movement.
Articular Cartilage Defect Microfracture and Grafting
Repairing damaged areas on the joint surface using advanced techniques to stimulate new cartilage growth or apply protective grafts.
Loose Body Removal
Extracting free-floating fragments of bone or cartilage from inside the joint space that cause catching, locking, or pain.
Biopsy and Synovectomy
Removing tissue samples for analysis or clearing away an inflamed joint lining (synovium) to reduce chronic swelling and pain.
Capsular Repair and Plication
Tightening or closing the joint capsule at the end of a procedure to ensure optimal joint stability and prevent micro-instability.
Restoring Function and Protecting Your Future
By addressing structural imperfections and joint damage early, hip preservation surgery changes the mechanical environment of your hip. Correcting these issues reduces abnormal friction, evenly distributes your weight across the joint surface, and helps keep you active in the sports and daily activities you love.
Treatment for Hip Preservation – Arthroscopic & Open
If you are experiencing persistent hip pain, stiffness, or deep groin discomfort, finding out if you are a candidate for hip preservation is essential. Early intervention yields the best long-term outcomes for your natural joint.
To arrange a comprehensive consultation with our specialist team at The London Hip Practice, please get in touch today to book your appointment.