Synovitis & Osteoarthritis of the Hip
The synovium is the capsular lining of the joint that produces joint lubricating fluid. (see hip anatomy)
- Synovitis is defined as the inflammation of the synovium.
Articular cartilage lines the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) of the hip joint to cushion and allow them to move against each other without causing damage. (see hip anatomy)
- In osteoarthritis, large amounts of articular cartilage (lining the ball and socket of the joint) is damaged. (arthroscopic pics of normal next to arthritic)
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the hip joint
- Arthritis can lead to bone spurs (see Loose Bodies)
Surgical Treatment: Hip Arthroscopy
- The synovium is debrided with specialized shavers (smoothed) (arthroscopic picture)
- -or a synovectomy is performed to remove the damaged portion of the synovium
- Loose or torn cartilage is removed or debrided (smoothed) (arthroscopic picture)
- If bone spurs are present, they are removed with specialized arthroscopic instruments for the hip
- (see Loose Bodies)