Every three to five years, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB review its clinical policies to ensure they reflect the latest evidence-based guidance and best practice. We are currently reviewing the following policies and would welcome your views on the proposed changes.
Please share your feedback by completing the short questionnaire.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat issues in the hip. It involves making small incisions and using an arthroscope to identify and repair damage inside the hip joint.
The revised policy proposes to be an increase in provision since the old policy was to not commission the procedure as it was not seen to be effective. However, the recommended policy statement is specifically for FAI syndrome, so the policy title has been amended to “Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.”
The newly proposed policy wording says:
1. This policy specifically relates only to the use of hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome.
2. Arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI syndrome is routinely commissioned for patients meeting all of the following criteria:
a. A clinical diagnosis of FAI syndrome has been made on the basis of symptoms, clinical signs and imaging findings.
b. There has been no improvement in symptoms following appropriate conservative treatment, including activity modification, pharmacological intervention and physiotherapy.
c. There is no evidence of osteoarthritis and there are no other contraindications to surgery.
d. The patient is referred to a surgeon who is experienced in the provision of hip arthroscopy and normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.
Please note this survey closes at midnight on Friday 26 December 2025.