The typical hip arthroscopy patient is in their 40s. The patient usually suffers from pain in their groin or pain in the front of the hip that resembles a pulled muscle. The pain is usually caused by a labral tear and/or boney abnormality. We call it Femoroacetabular Impingement or FAI for short. In the surgery, which is an outpatient, we repair the labrum with plastic anchors and reshape the bone so it no longer mechanically impinges. It is a very successful surgery as long as you have good cartilage left in the hip. For advanced arthritic disease or bad cartilage you would benefit more from a different procedure such as a hip replacement. The surgery takes about two hours. There are two poked holes around the front of the hip. After the surgery, you will need to use crutches for approximately 2 weeks. At around 4 to 6 weeks you will be doing very well. You will be walking around without a limp and you will return to full day at work. Most Athletes take about 12 weeks to return to their chosen sport. Professional athletes usually take approximately 6 months.