Hip arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure to diagnose and sometimes treat specific hip problems
Persistent hip pain can affect walking, sitting, sleeping and exercise. You may notice stiffness, clicking or catching sensations in the joint, or pain that worsens with activity. Hip problems can develop gradually over time or follow an injury, and whatever the cause we know they can really impact your life.
At Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, we offer fast access to private hip arthroscopy, performed by experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialising in hip conditions. This minimally invasive procedure allows your surgeon to look inside the hip joint using a small camera and treat certain problems during the same operation.
If conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, activity modification or injections have not resolved your hip symptoms, a specialist consultation can help determine whether hip arthroscopy is appropriate for you.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions and specialised instruments to examine and treat problems inside the hip joint.
During the operation, your surgeon makes small incisions around the hip. Through one incision, a thin camera called an arthroscope is inserted. This provides detailed images of the inside of the joint.
Through additional small incisions, surgical instruments are introduced to treat any problems identified.
Common procedures performed during hip arthroscopy include:
The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes one to two hours, depending on complexity.
Because the incisions are small, hip arthroscopy often results in less soft tissue disruption than open surgery.
Hip arthroscopy can be used to treat several conditions affecting the joint.
One common reason for surgery is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This occurs when abnormal bone shape causes the femur and hip socket to rub together, leading to pain and cartilage damage.
Labral tears are another frequent cause of hip pain. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilise the joint. When torn, it can cause clicking, catching or persistent discomfort.
Other conditions that can be treated arthroscopically include loose bodies within the joint, cartilage damage, and certain inflammatory conditions.
The aim of a hip arthroscopy is to reduce pain, improve movement and protect long-term joint health. Your consultant will assess whether arthroscopy is likely to relieve your symptoms or whether alternative treatments are more appropriate.
The cost of hip arthroscopy at Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens depends on your individual treatment plan and the complexity of the procedure required. Prices also vary depending on which consultant you choose.
During your consultation, your surgeon will outline the recommended surgical approach and provide clear, transparent pricing information before you proceed.
We offer fixed-price packages that include surgical fees, anaesthetic, hospital care and follow-up appointments. Your initial consultation will be charged separately, as will any tests or scans needed to decide on your treatment plan.
If you have private medical insurance, you should confirm your level of cover directly with your provider. For self-funding patients, the hospital team can provide detailed pricing information and discuss available payment options.
Transparency ensures that you understand the financial aspects of your care before making a decision.
Your care journey begins with a detailed consultation. During your appointment, your consultant will explore your symptoms carefully. You may describe groin pain, discomfort when rotating the hip, stiffness after prolonged sitting or reduced range of movement.
A physical examination will assess hip mobility, strength and stability. Imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate cartilage, the labrum, and bone structure.
Hip arthroscopy is usually considered when imaging suggests a treatable problem within the joint and symptoms have not improved with non-surgical management. We may also recommend an arthroscopy if we need to confirm diagnosis of certain conditions.
Your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including potential benefits, risks and expected recovery. Private care ensures prompt access to imaging and consultant-led treatment planning without unnecessary delay.
Recovery following hip arthroscopy varies depending on the procedure performed.
Immediately after surgery, your hip may feel stiff or sore. Pain relief will be provided to ensure comfort during the early recovery period. You may need to use crutches for a short time to reduce weight-bearing while the joint begins to heal.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring strength and mobility. Gentle exercises will begin early to prevent stiffness and support circulation. Gradual progression to more demanding activities will be guided by your physiotherapist and consultant.
Most patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks. Returning to sports or strenuous activity may take several months depending on the extent of treatment.
Follow-up appointments will monitor healing and ensure recovery is progressing as expected.
When you choose to go private with Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, you can expect:
Hip problems require accurate diagnosis and precise surgical technique. At Fairfield Independent Hospital, hip arthroscopy is performed by experienced orthopaedic consultants supported by modern imaging facilities and structured rehabilitation programmes.
Prompt access to specialist care allows you to address symptoms early and protect long-term joint health.
If hip pain, stiffness or reduced mobility is affecting your daily life, arranging a specialist consultation is the first step.
To book an appointment to discuss hip arthroscopy with an orthopaedic surgeon near you, give us a call and one of our friendly advisers will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
Reception: 01744 739 311
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