Are there Risks?

Risks associated with hip arthroscopy can be split into general risks and those specific to the technique. General risks include thrombosis and infection. These are difficult to quantify since they are rare in this group of patients. Infection rates are much lower with arthroscopic procedures as compared to open surgical techniques.

The major concerns associated with hip arthroscopy relate to the distraction required to access the joint. The sciatic, femoral, pudendal and lateral cutaneous nerves are at risk. One patient in 20 will develop transient numbness in the leg, groin or genitalia. This usually resolves over the course of a few days. One patient in 400 may suffer permanent nerve injury.