Background
Hip arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure. A thick muscle layer, a strong capsule and the bony shape of the hip make the joint difficult to access and limit visualization and the possibility of treatment.
Objectives
This article provides an overview of current indications for hip arthroscopy and compares these with alternative treatment methods.
Materials and methods
Technical developments in hip arthroscopy are presented and good and bad indications based on current literature and expert recommendations discussed.
Results
After the initial description of hip arthroscopy in 1931, the indications remained very limited for technical reasons and were mainly restricted to diagnostic procedures. As a result of continuous development and improvement of the surgical technique, instruments and optics over the last 10 years, hip arthroscopy has become a standard orthopedic procedure with a significantly broader range of indications. The main indication is the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and related damage to the labrum and articular cartilage. Other indications include pathological changes of the synovial membrane, the removal of free joint bodies and the treatment of periarticular disease.
Conclusions
Hip arthroscopy is an established surgical technique for the safe and efficient treatment of a variety of hip diseases. If the indication is made correctly and the appropriate technique is used, results are comparable to open surgery at a low complication rate.