The Injury
After injuring his hip flexor during an Australian Open match in January of this year, Rafael Nadal was sidelined for several months before undergoing hip surgery last week. The hip injury forced him to sit out of the French Open, a tournament he has dominated during his career, with 14 championships.
The Surgery
Nadal underwent an arthroscopic hip surgery last week to address the psoas, or hip flexor, as well as the hip labrum, which is the thick ring of cartilage between the ball and the socket of the hip joint. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera, called an arthroscope, and other surgical instruments are inserted into the joint through a few tiny, keyhole incisions. This allows the surgeon to clearly visualize the joint and address the bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the joint. In the case of Nadal’s injury, the surgeons could simultaneously address any injury to the psoas muscle or tendon and repair any damage to the labrum. The advantages of hip arthroscopy include minimal trauma to surrounding tissues, low infection rates, and a faster recovery.
Nadal’s Expected Return
Nadal is expected to return to playing tennis after a 5-month rehabilitation period. Given the superb outcomes for professional athletes returning to sports after arthroscopic hip surgery, there is great hope that Nadal will be able to perform on the biggest stage once again. The 37-year-old has indicated that next season may be his final season, and tennis fans all over the world look forward to a strong finish to a brilliant career.
Consult With the American Hip Institute Team
The American Hip Institute surgeons are extensively trained in hip arthroscopy and sports medicine, with over 10,000 hip surgeries performed. If you are experiencing hip pain, our team can provide accurate diagnosis and offer a variety of cutting-edge treatment options, ranging from conservative treatments to minimally invasive surgery, so that you can return to your favorite activities.
