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Hip preservation · Columbus & Greensburg, Indiana
For younger, active patients with hip pain but without advanced arthritis, hip arthroscopy treats the problem through a few small incisions so you can keep your own hip. Dr. Tannenbaum is the only surgeon in the Columbus area performing modern post-free hip arthroscopy.
About the procedure
Patients with groin or hip pain from a labral tear or impingement, often athletes and active adults, whose pain continues despite rest, therapy or injections. An MRI usually helps confirm the diagnosis.
An outpatient procedure through small incisions, using a camera and small instruments to repair the joint.
Post-free technique
Traditional hip arthroscopy uses a padded post placed against the groin to help gently separate the joint during surgery. Post-free hip arthroscopy achieves that separation without the groin post, avoiding pressure on that sensitive area.
Dr. Tannenbaum brought this newer technique to Columbus after a year of hip preservation training in Los Angeles, and he performed the first hip arthroscopy at Decatur County Memorial Hospital.
The Republic profiled the newer, post-free hip arthroscopy Dr. Tannenbaum brought to Columbus. He remains the only surgeon in the Columbus area performing this procedure.
As medical director of orthopedics, he completed the hospital's first hip arthroscopy.
What to expect
Common questions
Femoroacetabular impingement happens when extra bone on the ball or the socket of the hip causes them to pinch together with movement. Over time this can tear the labrum, the ring of cartilage around the socket. Hip arthroscopy can reshape the bone and repair the labrum.
Hip arthroscopy works best for patients with a labral tear or impingement who do not have advanced arthritis. If X-rays show significant arthritis, a hip replacement is often the better option. Dr. Tannenbaum will review your imaging and help you decide.
Traditional hip arthroscopy uses a padded post against the groin to help separate the joint. The post-free technique does this without the groin post, avoiding pressure on that area. Dr. Tannenbaum is the only surgeon in the Columbus area performing it.
Most patients use crutches for the first few weeks after surgery while the repair heals, then progress through physical therapy.
Return to running and sports is usually around 3 to 4 months, depending on the repair and your progress in physical therapy.
Usually, yes. An MRI helps confirm a labral tear and shows the health of the cartilage, which helps decide whether arthroscopy is the right choice.
Next step
Appointments are available in Columbus and Greensburg. Our team can also check whether your insurance requires a referral.
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