Hip Arthroscopy in Houston, TX
Medically reviewed by Mufaddal M. Gombera, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon.
Dr. Mufaddal Gombera is board-certified in orthopedic surgery with subspecialty certification in sports medicine, and has served as Director of the Hip Preservation Center at Texas Orthopedic Hospital since 2018. He has performed more than 3,000 hip arthroscopies, including over 1,000 using a postless, capsule-sparing technique with ultra-low radiation fluoroscopy. Patients travel to Houston from across Texas and around the world for his hip preservation expertise.
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What Is Hip Arthroscopy?
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that treats problems inside the hip joint through incisions about a quarter of an inch long. Instead of opening the hip, Dr. Gombera inserts a pencil-sized camera called an arthroscope through one small incision and precise instruments through one or two others. The camera projects a magnified view of the joint onto a monitor, allowing him to diagnose and repair damage in the same procedure.
Compared with open hip surgery, arthroscopy typically means:
- Same-day discharge for most patients
- Less damage to surrounding muscle and soft tissue
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster return to work, sport, and daily life
- Lower infection risk and minimal scarring
Conditions Hip Arthroscopy Treats
Dr. Gombera may recommend hip arthroscopy when hip pain has not improved with physical therapy, activity modification, medication, or injections. Common indications include:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Extra bone on the femoral head or hip socket pinches and damages cartilage with movement. Dr. Gombera reshapes the bone and repairs the damaged tissue.
- Labral tears. The labrum is the ring of cartilage that seals and stabilizes the hip socket. Tears cause groin pain, catching, and clicking. Most tears can be repaired rather than removed, preserving the labrum’s sealing function.
- Loose bodies. Fragments of bone or cartilage floating in the joint that cause pain and locking.
- Snapping hip and tendon disorders. Including psoas and gluteal tendon problems around the joint.
- Early cartilage damage. Addressed before it progresses toward arthritis, which is the core mission of hip preservation.
If you have already been told you have a labral tear or FAI, see our dedicated pages on hip labral repair and hip impingement (FAI) for condition-specific detail.
How Dr. Gombera’s Technique Is Different
Three specific techniques distinguish Dr. Gombera’s approach, and each one is aimed at protecting healthy tissue while correcting the problem.
Postless hip distraction. Traditional hip arthroscopy uses a padded post placed against the groin to pull the joint apart. That post is the source of the most common complications of hip arthroscopy: groin numbness, soft tissue injury, and nerve irritation. Dr. Gombera performs postless hip arthroscopy, which eliminates the perineal post entirely. The result is less post-operative pain and none of the traction-related skin, soft tissue, or nerve injuries associated with a post. Read more about postless hip distraction.
Capsule-sparing surgery. The hip capsule is the fibrous envelope that stabilizes the joint. Dr. Gombera uses a capsule-sparing approach and closes the capsule completely at the end of surgery, which protects hip stability and is associated with better long-term function, particularly in athletes and patients with flexible joints.
Ultra-low radiation fluoroscopy. Live X-ray guidance is used during hip arthroscopy to confirm precise bone reshaping. Dr. Gombera is the only surgeon in Texas, and one of only a few in the world, performing hip arthroscopy with an ultra-low radiation approach: 2 to 3 seconds of fluoroscopy per surgery, measured and documented, among the lowest radiation exposure in the country for this procedure, without compromising surgical accuracy.
What Happens During Surgery
You will receive general anesthesia, which you can discuss at your pre-operative visit. Dr. Gombera gently distracts the joint without a post, makes two to three quarter-inch incisions, and inserts the arthroscope. Sterile fluid expands the joint for a clear view. He then repairs the labrum, reshapes impinging bone, removes loose bodies, or performs whatever combination of repairs your hip requires. The capsule is closed, the incisions are sealed with adhesive strips, and most procedures take roughly 40 to 90 minutes depending on complexity.
Risks and Safety
Hip arthroscopy is a safe procedure with a low complication rate, and complications are less common than with open surgery. Rare risks include infection, temporary numbness, bleeding into the joint, blood clots, and injury to nearby nerves or vessels. Dr. Gombera’s postless technique specifically removes the most frequent source of nerve and soft tissue complications. Tell him about all medical conditions and medications before surgery so precautions can be tailored to you.
Tracked Outcomes
Dr. Gombera tracks patient-reported outcomes for every surgical patient, and his tracked outcomes exceed typical reported results for hip arthroscopy. Ask about outcomes for your specific condition at your consultation.
Recovery Timeline
- Day of surgery: Home the same day. Crutches with partial weight bearing.
- Weeks 1 to 2: Physical therapy begins early to restore motion and prevent scar tissue. Most desk workers return to work within one to two weeks.
- Weeks 2 to 6: Progressive weight bearing, stationary bike, and strengthening. Crutches are typically discontinued in this window.
- Months 2 to 4: Return to running and sport-specific training as strength and control return.
- Approximately month 6: Full return to competitive sport for most athletes.
Every recovery is individualized. You will receive a written protocol, and Dr. Gombera’s team coordinates directly with your physical therapist, in Houston or at home.
When Hip Arthroscopy Is Not the Right Answer
Honest patient selection is as important as surgical skill. Hip arthroscopy is generally not recommended for advanced arthritis, significant hip dysplasia requiring bony realignment, or severe osteonecrosis. In those situations, Dr. Gombera will tell you directly and discuss the alternatives, which may include hip preservation osteotomy referral or hip replacement. If a previous hip arthroscopy did not relieve your pain, see our page on revision hip arthroscopy, which is a distinct evaluation and procedure. Not sure which direction fits your hip? Read our comparison of hip arthroscopy vs hip replacement.
Frequently Asked Question
How long does hip arthroscopy take?
Most procedures take 40 to 90 minutes depending on how much repair work is needed.
Is hip arthroscopy a major surgery?
It is minimally invasive and most patients go home the same day. It is still real surgery on an important joint, and outcomes depend heavily on surgical technique and structured rehabilitation.
How soon can I walk after hip arthroscopy?
You will walk with crutches the same day. Most patients transition off crutches between two and six weeks, depending on what was repaired.
What is postless hip arthroscopy and why does it matter?
It is a technique that distracts the hip without a groin post, eliminating the post-related nerve and soft tissue injuries that are the most common complications of traditional hip arthroscopy. Dr. Gombera performs all hip arthroscopy postless.
Will my labral tear be repaired or removed?
Whenever tissue quality allows, Dr. Gombera repairs the labrum to preserve its function rather than removing it. Repair is associated with better long-term outcomes.
Does insurance cover hip arthroscopy?
Most major insurance plans cover medically indicated hip arthroscopy. Our team verifies your benefits before scheduling. See our insurance information page for accepted plans.
Do you see patients from outside Houston?
Yes. Dr. Gombera regularly treats patients from across Texas, the United States, and internationally, with protocols designed for out-of-town patients, including a records and imaging review before you travel.
Schedule a Hip Arthroscopy Consultation in Houston
Dr. Gombera sees patients at Texas Orthopedic Hospital (7401 Main St), the Memorial office (8731 Katy Freeway, Suite 110), and the Baytown office (7718 Garth Rd). Same-week consultations are available.
Dr Gombera, MD