The role of Arthroscopy in investigating and managing the painful resurfacing hip arthroplasty

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the role of hip arthroscopy in patients who have undergone hip resurfacing surgery and who continue to have symptoms in the same hip. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, clicking, giving way episodes or weakness. Pathologies causing these symptoms, which reside within the hip joint can be more accurately assessed and treated by the insertion of an arthoscope within the hip joint capsule. The study involves reviewing patient files and operating notes and subsequently conducting a phone call or a follow up visit, if possible, to evaluate current patient status. There will not be follow up appointments made specifically for fulfilling the purposes of the study. However, if the patient is attending a pre-booked follow up visit, then evaluation of patient functional status will be carried out concurrently. By analysing our series of hip arthroscopies used to treat symptomatic resurfacing arthroplasties, we hope to better define and categorise causes of persisting problems. This will help improve patient outcomes. Arthroscopy after hip resurfacing may assist in final diagnosis and address symptoms, yielding good clinical results.