Capsular thickening imaging describes how clinicians look for a thicker-than-expected joint capsule on medical imaging. The joint capsule is the strong sleeve of tissue that surrounds a joint and helps guide and limit motion. This imaging concept is most commonly discussed with MRI, MR arthrography, and ultrasound. It is used in hip care to help explain pain, stiffness, instability concerns, or postoperative symptoms.
Capsular thickening means the joint capsule has become thicker than expected. The joint capsule is a sleeve of connective tissue that surrounds a joint and helps stabilize it. In the hip, Capsular thickening is most often discussed as an imaging or exam-related finding in people with hip pain or stiffness. Clinicians may mention it when interpreting MRI results, planning treatment, or explaining motion limits.
Capsular tightness describes reduced flexibility or increased stiffness of a joint capsule. The joint capsule is the fibrous “envelope” that surrounds a joint and helps guide motion. In hip care, Capsular tightness is commonly discussed when hip motion feels restricted or painful. Clinicians also use the term when planning or describing treatments that intentionally tighten or loosen the capsule.
Capsular repair THA is the surgical re-closure of the hip joint capsule after total hip arthroplasty (THA), also called total hip replacement. The “capsule” is a strong envelope of tissue that surrounds the hip joint and contributes to stability. In some THA approaches, the capsule is opened to access the joint, and then repaired at the end of surgery. It is most commonly discussed in the context of hip stability and dislocation risk after hip replacement.
Capsular repair is a surgical step that closes or tightens a joint capsule after it has been cut or stretched. The joint capsule is the fibrous “envelope” that surrounds a joint and contributes to stability. Capsular repair is commonly discussed in hip arthroscopy, where the capsule is opened to treat problems inside the hip joint. The goal is to restore the capsule’s supporting function while preserving needed joint motion.
Capsular redundancy is a term clinicians use to describe a joint capsule that is looser or roomier than expected. It most often comes up in hip care, especially when discussing hip instability and certain causes of hip pain. In plain terms, it means the soft-tissue “envelope” around the joint has extra slack. It may be described on a physical exam, imaging, or during hip arthroscopy.
Capsular recess is a small pocket-like space formed by folds of a joint capsule and its inner lining. It is a normal anatomic feature in many synovial joints, including the hip. Clinicians most often mention it in imaging reports and during joint injections or aspirations. In simple terms, it is a “roomier” part of the joint capsule where fluid can collect or spread.
Capsular plication hip is a surgical technique used to tighten the hip joint capsule. The hip capsule is a thick envelope of tissue that helps stabilize the ball-and-socket joint. Plication means folding and suturing tissue to reduce looseness (laxity). It is most commonly performed during hip arthroscopy for instability or capsular laxity.
Capsular ligament laxity means the joint capsule and its reinforcing ligaments are looser than expected. The capsule is the strong “envelope” around a joint that helps guide motion and limit excess movement. In the hip, laxity can contribute to feelings of instability, pinching, or deep groin pain in some people. The term is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy during evaluation and treatment planning.
Capsular laxity imaging is the use of medical imaging to evaluate looseness or insufficiency of a joint capsule. In the hip, it helps clinicians look for signs of hip microinstability and related soft-tissue changes. It is commonly used in orthopedics and sports medicine when hip pain and “giving way” symptoms are unclear.