Hip pain can make even simple daily activities feel difficult. Whether you’re an athlete trying to return to competition or someone who simply wants to walk without discomfort, persistent hip pain deserves expert evaluation.
At Dr. Allyson Estess’ orthopedic practice in Marina del Rey, patients throughout Los Angeles receive advanced evaluation and treatment for hip injuries, including minimally invasive hip arthroscopy. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Estess helps patients regain mobility while preserving the health of their hip joint whenever possible.
What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions inside the hip joint.
Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera called an arthroscope through small incisions. Specialized instruments are then used to repair damaged tissue, remove inflamed tissue, or reshape bone contributing to pain.
Compared to traditional open surgery, hip arthroscopy typically offers:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced soft tissue damage
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications
- Earlier return to activity
What Conditions Can Hip Arthroscopy Treat?
Hip arthroscopy is commonly recommended for patients experiencing ongoing hip pain that has not improved with conservative treatment.
Common conditions include:
Hip Labral Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint. Tears can develop from sports injuries, repetitive motion, or degeneration over time.
Symptoms often include:
- Groin pain
- Clicking or catching sensations
- Stiffness
- Pain during twisting movements
- Difficulty sitting for long periods
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
FAI occurs when extra bone develops around the hip joint, causing abnormal contact between the ball and socket.
Over time, this can damage cartilage and the labrum, leading to:
- Hip pain during activity
- Decreased flexibility
- Pain while squatting
- Limited range of motion
Hip arthroscopy can reshape the bone and reduce impingement before more significant joint damage occurs.
Cartilage Damage
Healthy cartilage allows the hip joint to move smoothly.
Injury or wear can result in:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Locking sensations
- Joint stiffness
Depending on the severity, damaged cartilage may be repaired or treated during arthroscopy.
Loose Bodies
Small fragments of bone or cartilage can become trapped inside the joint.
These loose bodies may cause:
- Catching
- Locking
- Sharp pain
- Limited movement
Hip arthroscopy allows these fragments to be safely removed.
What Are the Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Hip Arthroscopy?
Not every patient with hip pain needs surgery, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Hip pain while walking
- Clicking or popping sensations
- Stiffness
- Reduced flexibility
- Pain during sports
- Difficulty running
- Pain while getting out of a car
- Hip pain when sitting for long periods
Early diagnosis often prevents further damage to the joint.
Do You Always Need Surgery?
No.
Many patients improve with non-surgical treatments such as:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Image-guided injections
- Strengthening exercises
Dr. Estess creates personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, imaging findings, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
When conservative care no longer provides relief, hip arthroscopy may become the best option.
What Happens During Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is usually performed through two or three very small incisions.
During the procedure, Dr. Estess carefully evaluates the entire hip joint and addresses the underlying source of pain.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
- Repairing a torn labrum
- Removing damaged tissue
- Reshaping bone causing impingement
- Treating cartilage injuries
- Removing loose bodies
The procedure is designed to restore smooth joint movement while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Recovery After Hip Arthroscopy
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed.
Many patients can expect:
First Few Weeks
- Manage swelling
- Protect the hip
- Begin gentle movement
- Start physical therapy
6–12 Weeks
- Restore strength
- Improve mobility
- Increase daily activities
3–6 Months
- Return to recreational exercise
- Resume many sports and higher-level activities with physician guidance
Following a structured rehabilitation program is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Allyson Estess?
Dr. Estess combines advanced orthopedic training with firsthand experience as a former U.S. National Team and Division I soccer player.
She understands the demands that active individuals place on their bodies and works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring movement, reducing pain, and helping patients safely return to the activities they enjoy.
Her expertise in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine allows patients to receive modern, minimally invasive care tailored to their individual goals.
Expert Hip Arthroscopy in Marina del Rey and Los Angeles
If hip pain is limiting your work, exercise, or everyday life, you don’t have to simply live with it.
Dr. Allyson Estess provides comprehensive orthopedic evaluation and advanced hip arthroscopy for patients throughout Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, Venice, Santa Monica, Playa Vista, Culver City, and the South Bay.
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, hip impingement, a labral tear, or chronic hip pain, early evaluation can help you explore your treatment options and get back to doing what you love.
Schedule an appointment today to learn whether hip arthroscopy is the right solution for your hip pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hip arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat problems inside the hip joint through small incisions.
How long does it take to recover from hip arthroscopy?
Recovery depends on the condition being treated, but many patients gradually return to daily activities within weeks and more demanding activities over several months with physical therapy.
Is hip arthroscopy painful?
Most patients experience less postoperative discomfort than with traditional open surgery, and pain is managed with medication, icing, and rehabilitation.
What conditions can hip arthroscopy treat?
Hip arthroscopy is commonly used to treat labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), cartilage injuries, loose bodies, and certain causes of chronic hip pain.
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for hip pain?
If hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits your activity, or causes catching, locking, instability, or reduced mobility, it’s a good idea to seek an orthopedic evaluation.