Arthroscopy of the hip: Current techniques, indications, and complications

Arthroscopic surgery of the hip joint is evolving to facilitate diagnosis of chondral, labral, and synovial dysfunction. Development of safe distraction equipment and cannulated arthroscopic surgical tools has allowed the treatment of labral tears, removal of loose bodies, and debridement of impinging synovial tissue. Advances in instrumentation, distraction apparatus, and surgical experience have made the procedure relatively safe and beneficial for young patients with intra-articular hip pathology. Complications resulting from this advancing surgical and diagnostic procedure have been sparsely reported. The most serious complications, which involve the enveloping neural and vascular structures, have been minimized by improved technique and distraction times. Arthroscopy has greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of intra-articular hip disease compared with conventional radiographic studies. The indications for this outpatient procedure will continue to expand with further understanding of early hip disease, improvements in equipment, and increased recognition of patient benefits.