Rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy

Objective: To explain the basic fundamentals of patient assessment after hip arthroscopy, formulation of a treatment plan, and detailed essentials of postoperative rehabilitation. Data Sources: Established literature and the evolution of a protocol developed in treating over 150 hip-arthroscopy patients and numerous patients with symptomatic hip disease. Data Synthesis: Although the pathological process being addressed and the surgical technique employed in its management influence the protocol, the common goals of rehabilitation are to reduce discomfort and improve function. These common goals, first realized in the postoperative rehabilitation process, have been found to have similar application in the conservative management of patients with symptomatic hip disease. Conclusions: Arthroscopy has necessitated the development of a postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Principles previously employed in other joints are now finding application in the hip.