The positioning was successful and became known as the lateral approach to the hip. As a result, very few surgeons are trained in this technique and few are willing to do the procedure. Sampson tells WebMD that to perform this procedure, surgeons must not only be very familiar with arthroscopic surgery techniques but also spend time observing and learning this approach from experienced and highly skilled surgeons. Equipment such as a special arthroscope and table are also necessary, Sampson explains, because in this procedure the ball is pulled partly out of the socket during the procedure to insert the arthroscope. Surgical opening of the hip involves dislocating the hip, a large incision, and at least one week in the hospital.
Complications associated with opening the hip include a greater chance for infection.
The arthroscopic procedure, however, is done on an outpatient basis with a faster recovery time. Rather than a large incision, the orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's skin and inserts the pencil-sized arthroscope. The arthroscope contains a small lens and fiber optic lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the joint. It is important to diagnose and treat hip pain because it is very debilitating and can alter daily activity tremendously.