Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery (4 Volume Set) 1st Edition

24. Hip Arthroscopy: The Basics

Marc Safran and Matthew A. Stanich

DEFINITION

images The hip is increasingly recognized as a source of pain owing to heightened awareness of pathologies, recent research, enhanced imaging techniques, and greater popularity of hip arthroscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

images Hip arthroscopy first was performed on a cadaver in the 1930s by Burman, but it was not performed regularly until the 1980s, serving mostly as a tool for diagnosis and simple treatments, such as loose body removal, synovial biopsy, and partial labrectomy.

images With improvements in instrumentation, indications for hip arthroscopy have expanded, because surgeons now are able to do more in the hip with decreased risk of iatrogenic injury. Further, enhanced imaging techniques have allowed noninvasive diagnosis, and research has led to increased understanding of hip pathologies, furthering interest in this procedure.

images Hip arthroscopy can be performed in the central compartment (femoroacetabular joint) and peripheral compartment (along the femoral neck), which also has expanded the indications and success of hip arthroscopy, propagating the popularity of this procedure.

ANATOMY

images The hip joint is a multiaxial ball-and-socket type of synovial joint in which the head of the femur (ball) articulates with the acetabulum (socket) of the hip.

images Articular cartilage covers the head of the femur and acetabulum but is not present at the fovea.

images The articular cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum is relatively thin compared with that of the knee (FIG 1A).

images The acetabular labrum is a triangular fibrocartilage that attaches to the rim of the acetabulum at the articular cartilage edge, except at the inferiormost region of the acetabulum, where the transverse acetabular ligament extends the acetabular rim.

images The hip joint is enclosed by a capsule that is formed by an external fibrous layer and internal synovial membrane, and attaches directly to the bony acetabular rim.

images The fibrous layer consists of the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments, which anchor the head of the femur into the acetabulum (FIG 1B,C).

images The ligamentum teres is extracapsular and travels from the central acetabulum to the foveal portion of the femoral head (FIG 1A).

images The major arteries supplying the hip joint include the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, which branch to provide the retinacular arteries that supply the head and neck of the femur (FIG 1D).

images The artery to the head of the femur also supplies blood and transverses the ligament of the head of the femur (ie, the ligamentum teres).

images The labrum has a relatively low healing potential, because vessels penetrate only the outermost layer of the capsular surface.

images Pertinent extra-articular neurovasuclar structures near the hip joint include the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, femoral nerve, superior gluteal nerve, sciatic nerve, and the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

images The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, formed from the posterior divisions of L2 and L3 nerve roots, supplies the skin sensation of the lateral thigh. It travels from the pelvis just distal and medial to the anterosuperior iliac spine (ASIS) and divides into more than three branches distal to the ASIS.

images The femoral nerve and artery run together with the femoral vein. They pass under the inguinal ligament midway between the ASIS and the pubic symphysis, with the nerve being most lateral and the vein most medial but being mostly superficial at the level of the hip.

images The femoral nerve is 3.2 cm from the anterior hip portal, but slightly closer at the level of the capsule.

images The superior gluteal nerve, formed from the posterior divisions of L4, L5, and S1, passes posterior and lateral to the obturator internus and piriformis muscles, then between the gluteus medius and minimus muscles approximately 4 cm proximal to the hip joint.

images The sciatic nerve, formed when nerves from L4 to S3 come together, passes anterior and inferior to the piriformis and posterior to the deep hip external rotators to supply the hamstrings and lower leg, foot, and ankle.

images The sciatic nerve is 2.9 cm from the posterior hip arthroscopy portal, but is closest at the level of the capsule.

images Externally rotating or flexing the hip prior to making the posterior portal brings the nerve dangerously close to the arthroscope.

images The lateral femoral circumflex artery is a branch of the femoral artery that, along with the medial circumflex artery, forms a vascular ring about the neck of the femur, providing arteriole branches to supply the femoral head (FIG 1D).

images The lateral femoral circumflex artery is 3.7 cm inferior to the anterior arthroscopy portal; it is much closer at the level of the capsular entry of the arthroscope.

PATHOGENESIS

images Loose bodies can be ossified or nonossified, and can either appear after traumatic hip injury or be associated with conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans and synovial chondromatosis.18

images Labral tear often results from hyperextension or external rotation of the hip and is more likely with hip dysplasia.

images Chondral (articular cartilage) damage can result from dislocation or subluxation of the hip or direct impact onto the hip and is associated with labral tears in more than half the cases.20

images Femoroacetabular impingement is a major cause of labral tears and chondral damage.

images It usually occurs when there is loss of femoral head–neck offset (CAM impingement), excessive acetabular coverage (eg, osteophytes, retroversion, overcorrection with pelvic osteotomy, protrusio acetabuli, or otto pelvis) (pincer impingement), or both.

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FIG 1 • Anatomy of the hip. A. Bony architecture of the hip joint with articular surfaces. Note the fovea and ligamentum teres. Also note the labrum does not continue along the inferior acetabulum and the lack of the articular cartilage on the inferior aspect of the acetabulum. B,C. Ligamentous anatomy. The iliofemoral and pubofemoral ligaments anteriorly and the ischiofemoral ligament posteriorly. D.Vascular anatomy. Note the medial and lateral circumflex arteries.

images The femoral head–neck junction abuts the acetabulum and labrum, resulting in tearing of the labrum, delamination of the articular cartilage, synovitis, and, eventually, arthritis.

images Ligamentum teres pathology may be due to ligament hypertrophy or partial or complete tearing and may be the result of trauma or degenerative joint disease (DJD).

images Ligamentum hypertrophy or tearing may result in pain as a result of catching of a thickened or torn edge between the joint surfaces.

images DJD may be associated with loose bodies, labrum tears, chondral damage, ligamentum teres pathology, and synovitis.

images Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is primarily idiopathic, but can be associated with corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, fracture, and deep sea diving (caisson disease), among others.

images Synovial diseases such as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), synovial chondromatosis, inflammatory arthritis, and osteochondromatosis can be sources of hip pain and joint damage.

NATURAL HISTORY

images The natural history of most pathologies about the hip has not been studied; much of the purported natural history is conjecture, therefore.

images Removal of loose bodies alleviates mechanical symptoms and reduces articular cartilage damage.

images Labral tears and chondral lesions that are débrided may result in degenerative arthritis.

images Untreated femoroacetabular impingement may result in degenerative arthritis.

images It has been proposed, but not proved, that labral repair or surgery for femoroacetabular impingement may lower the risk of developing DJD or slow the rate of degeneration.

PATIENT HISTORY AND PHYSICAL FINDINGS

images The patient history should include an investigation of the quality and location of pain, timing and precipitating cause of symptoms, and any referred pain.

images Patients with intra-articular pathology may have difficulty with torsional or twisting activities, discomfort with prolonged hip flexion (eg, sitting), pain or catching from flexion to extension (eg, rising from a seated position), and greater difficulty on inclines than on level surfaces.2

images Intra-articular pathology may be associated with groin pain extending to the knee and mechanical symptoms such as popping, locking, or restricted range of motion (ROM).3

images The source of intra-articular pathology should be investigated in patients with continous hip pain for longer than 4 weeks.

images Physical examination methods are summarized later.

images It is important to follow a systemic approach to examination that includes inspection, palpation, ROM, strength, and special tests.26

images Intra-articular pathologies do not have palpable areas of tenderness, although compensation for longstanding intraarticular problems may result in tenderness of muscles or bursae.

images Motor strength and neurovascular examinations must be performed for the entire lower extremity.

images It is important to rule out other causes of pain referred to the hip.

images Spinal pain usually is localized at the posterior buttock and sacroiliac region and may radiate to the lower extremity.

images Injuries to the sacrum and sacroiliac joint are recognized by a positive gapping or transverse anterior stress test.

images Abdominal injuries are recognized by basic inspection and palpation of the abdomen for a mass or fascial hernia, which can be evaluated by isometric contraction of the rectus abdominis and obliques.

images Abdominal muscle injury is recognized by pain during contraction of the rectus abdominis and obliques.

images Herniography may be used to rule out hernias.

images Particularly difficult to diagnose is the sports hernia (Gilmore's groin).

images Genitourinary trac.

images Injuries to the pelvic area, such as pubic symphysis and intrapelvic problems, are recognized by the gapping/transverse anterior stress test.

images Specific tests for the hip include the following.

images McCarthy test: distinction of internal hip pathology such as torn acetabular labrum or lateral rim impingement

images Stinchfield and Fulcrum test: diagnosis of internal derangements, primarily of the anterior portion of the acetabulum

images Scour test: associated with micro-instability or combined anterior anteversion; acetabular anteversion summation; hyperlaxity; or strain of the iliofemoral ligament

images Thomas test: tests for flexion contracture. Extension to 0 degrees (in line with the body) without low back motion is normal. Less than full extension without rotating the pelvis or lifting the lower back is consistent with a flexion contracture.

images Ober test: used to evaluate iliotibial band tightness. The test is positive when the upper knee remains in the abducted position after the hip is passively extended and abducted, then adducted, with the knee flexed. If, when the hip and knee are allowed to adduct while the hip is held in neutral rotation, the knee adducts past midline, the hip abductors are not tight; whereas if the knee does not reach to midline, then the hip abductors are tight.

images Ely's test: if on flexion of the knee the ipsilateral hip also flexes, then the rectus femoris is tight.

images Trendelenburg test: indicative of hip abductor weakness, and may indicate labrum pathology that affects neuroproprioceptive function. If the pelvis (iliac crest or posterior superior iliac spine) of the ipsilateral hip of the leg that is lifted elevates from the neutral standing position, this is normal. If the pelvis drops below the contralateral pelvis or from the starting position (ie, iliac crest/posterior superior iliac spine) this is considered a positive Trendelenburg sign and indicative of hip abductor weakness of the muscles on the extremity standing on the ground. If the pelvis stays level, then this is indicative of mild weakness and recorded as level.

images Patrick's test (FABER test): indicative of sacroiliac abnormalities or iliopsoas spasm. Pain may be felt with downward stress on the flexed knee. Pain in the posterior pelvis may be considered a positive finding that indicates the pain is coming from the sacroiliac joint.

images Labral stress test: indicative of labral tear. The patient will note groin pain or a click in a consistent position as the hip is being rotated.

images Piriformis test: pain in the lateral hip or buttock reproduced by this maneuver is consistent with pain from the piriformis.

images Impingement test: pain in the groin is a positive test and is consistent with femoroacetabular impingement.

IMAGING AND OTHER DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES

images Routine anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (usually cross-table lateral) radiographs should be obtained in all patients with hip pain to evaluate variations in bony architecture and visualization of areas that may present with hip pain such as the pubic symphysis, sacrum, sacroiliac joints, ilium, and ischium.

images Radiographs help exclude degenerative joint changes, osteonecrosis, loose bodies, stress fractures, or other osseous pathology, and help assess for acetabular dysplasia and femoral neck abnormalities (bump or cam lesion) and femoroacetabular impingement (FIG 2A,B).

images Bone scan or radionuclide imaging is sensitive in detecting fractures, arthritis, neoplasm, infections, and vascular abnormalities, but has low specificity and poor anatomic resolution.

images MRI is used to detect stress fractures of the femoral neck and to identify sources of hip pain such as osteonecrosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial chondromatosis, osteochondromas, and other intra-articular pathology.

images MRI arthrography can increase the ability to diagnose and describe labral pathology and articular cartilage loss (FIG 2C).

images MRI combined with the use of intra-articular local anesthetic with gadolinium is used to assess pain relief and provide evidence that intra-articular pathology may be causing pain.

images CT, MRI, and occasionally radioisotope imaging typically are required to help diagnose labral tears, hip instability, iliopsoas tendinitis, inflammatory arthritis, early avascular necrosis, occult fractures, psoas abscess, tumor, upper lumbar radiculopathy, or vascular abnormalities.

images CT scan can be useful to measure anteand retroversion of the femoral neck and acetabulum, to show the size and shape of the acetabulum and femoral head and neck, to elucidate bony architecture, to confirm concentric reduction after hip dislocation, and to rule out loose bodies.

images Ultrasound is a nonirradiating way of evaluating intraarticular effusions and soft tissue swelling.

images Iliopsoas bursography is the choice imaging modality to detect iliopsoas bursitis and internal snapping hip.

images Iliopsoas bursitis and internal snapping hip may be evaluated with real-time dynamic ultrasound.

images Three-dimensional CT is used to assess bony deformities, including oseophytes of the acetabulum and femoral neck bony lesions, which may cause impingement (FIG 2D).

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

images Labral tear

images Chondral delamination or degeneration

images Dysplasia

images Femoroacetabular impingement

images Synovitis

images Synovial chondromatosis

images Synovial osteochondromatosis

images Loose bodies

images Ligamentum teres tear

images Ligamentum teres hypertrophy

images Sepsis of the hip

images Arthritis of the hip

images Hip dislocation or subluxation

images Avascular necrosis of the femoral head

images Sacroiliac joint pathology, including ankylosing spondylitis

images Trochanteric bursitis

images Athletic pubalgia

images Femur, pelvic, or acetabular fractures or stress fractures

images Myotendinous strains

images Piriformis syndrome

images Myositis ossification

images Neurologic irritation

images Hamstring syndrome

images Iliotibial band syndrome

images Iliopsoas tendon problems (eg, snapping and tendinitis)

images Tendinitis

images Tendon injuries (iliopsoas, piriformis, rectus, hamstring, or adductor)

images Benign tumors (eg, osteoid osteoma, osteochondroma)

images Occult hernia

images Lumbar spine (mechanical pain and herniated discs)

images Abdomen

images Osteitis pubis

images

FIG 2 • AP radiographs of the pelvis (A) and lateral hip (B) of a patient with concomitant developmental dysplasia of the hip and degenerative joint disease. C. MRI arthrogram of patient with femoroacetabular impingement. Note the subchondral edema and chondral lesion. D. Three-dimensional CT scan showing cam impingement with non-union of a superior acetabular stress fracture in a 32-year-old athletic man.

NONOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

images Conservative therapy includes rest, ambulatory support, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.

images Most pathologies about the hip usually are treated initially with conservative management, including relative rest, NSAIDs, and rehabilitation. Occasionally, use of ambulatory assist devices may be needed.

images However, several intra-articular pathologies do not resolve or heal with nonoperative management, including labral tears, loose bodies, articular cartilage lesions, and femoroacetabular impingement.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

images Proper patient selection is essential for a successful surgical outcome.

images Arthroscopy is most successful for patients with recent, symptomatic intra-articular hip joint pathology, particularly those with mechanical symptoms, and minimal arthritic changes.

images Arthroscopy should be considered if hip pain is persistent, is reproducible on physical examination, and does not respond to conservative treatment.

images Pain relief with intra-articular injection of local anesthetic also is a good predictive sign for success.

images Indications for arthroscopy include loose bodies, foreign objects, labral tears, chondral injuries, synovial disease, femoroacetabular impingement, mild degenerative disease with mechanical symptoms, osteonecrosis of femoral head, osteochondritis dissecans, ruptured ligamentum teres, snapping hip syndrome, impinging osteophytes, adhesive capuslitis, iliopsoas tendon release, iliopsoas bursitis, trochanteric bursectomy, iliotibial band resection, crystalline hip arthropathy, hip instability, joint sepsis, osteoid osteoma, osteochondroma, and unresolved hip pain.

images ROM should be evaluated before arthroscopy to determine the presence of contractures.

images Arthroscopy can be a means to delay total arthroplasty for DJD.

images Contraindications include systemic illness, open wounds, soft tissue disorders, poor bone quality (ie, unable to withstand traction), non-progressing avascular necrosis of the femoral head, arthrofibrosis or capsular constriction, and ankylosis of the hip.

images Severe obesity is a relative contraindication that may be circumvented with extra-length instruments.

images Indications for labrectomy include relief of pain with intraarticular injection of anesthesia, no pain relief with physical therapy or nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, missed time due to delayed diagnosis, and symptoms for longer than 4 weeks.

images Arthroscopy for DJD should be considered for younger patients with mild–moderate disease who present with mechanical sympotoms and no deformity.

images Microfracture is indicated for grade IV chondral lesions with healthy surrounding articular surface and intact subchondral bone.

images Treatment of sepsis involves drainage, lavage, débridement, and postoperative antibiotics, and requires early diagnosis.

images Sepsis in the setting of joint arthroplasty requires prompt arthroscopic débridement, well-fixed components, a sensitive microorganism, and patient tolerance to and compliance with antibiotic therapy.15

Preoperative Planning

images A physical examination should be completed and radiographs and other imaging reviewed before arthroscopy.

images A three-dimensional CT scan may be obtained to further assess bony abnormalities (see Fig 2D).

images Arthroscopy usually is performed under general anesthesia.

images If epidural anesthesia is used, it also requires adequate motor block to relax muscle tone.

images Typical instrumentation includes a marking pen; no. 11 blade scalpel; 6-inch 17-gauge spinal needles; 60-mL syringe of saline with extension tubing; a Nitanol guidewire; 4.5-, 5.0-, and 5.5-mm cannulas with cannulated and solid obturators; a switching stick; a separate inflow adaptor; and a modified probe.

images Fluid used can be introduced by gravity or a pump.

images Specialized arthroscopy equipment for the hip is available that is extra-long and extra-strong to withstand the lever arm due to the extra length. These instruments include shavers, burrs, biters, probes, curettes, and loose body retrievers.

Positioning

images The patient may be placed in either the supine or lateral decubitus position on a fracture table or attachment that allows for distraction of the hip joint.

images The lateral decubitus position offers the benefit of directing fat away from the operative site.

images The involved hip joint is in neutral rotation, abducted at 10 to 25 degrees, and in neutral flexion–extension (FIG 3A).

images Flexion of the involved hip during distraction and portal placement increases the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve.

images The nonoperative hip also is abducted and is placed under slight traction to stabilize the patient and allow placement of the image intensifier between the legs and directed over the operative hip.

images A heavily padded perineal post is placed against the pubic ramus and ischial tuberosity, but lateralized against the medial thigh of the operative hip, with care taken to protect perineal structures (FIG 3B).

images It is important to lateralize the traction vector such that it is parallel to the femoral neck to minimize risk of pressure neuropraxia to the pudendal nerve, and to optimize distraction of the joint.

images The surgeon, assistant, and scrub nurse stand on the operative side, facing the arthroscopic monitor on the opposite side of the patient (FIG 3C,D).

images The fluoroscopy monitor is placed at the foot of the fracture table.

Approach

images Portal placement and arthroscopic technique do not differ between the supine and lateral decubitus postions.

images Hip arthroscopy usually is performed through three portals: anterolateral, anterior, and posterolateral.

images A shortened bridge can accommodate the use of 4.5-, 5.0-, and 5.5-mm cannulas.

images Although a 5.0-mm cannula is used for initial entry of the arthroscope, a 4.5-mm cannula permits interchange of the inflow, arthroscope, and instruments, and a 5.5-mm cannula allows entry of larger instruments (eg, shaver blades).

images

FIG 3 • A. Operating room setup for hip arthroscopy. The patient is supine on a fracture table, with the unaffected leg abducted approximately 60 degrees, and the hip to be operated on in neutral flexion–extension, neutral internal–external rotation, and 15 degrees of abduction. B. A well-padded peroneal post allows lateralization of the surgical hip in addition to distal displacement of the femoral head with distraction. C,D. Schematic representation of hip arthroscopy in the supine and lateral positions. The arthroscopic monitor is on the opposite side of the patient for hip arthroscopy. The fluoroscopic monitor is at the foot of the table; the fluoroscope is brought either between the legs or from the contralateral side of the patient for supine hip arthroscopy. For lateral hip arthroscopy, the fluoroscopic monitor is on the opposite side of the patient from the surgeon and the fluoroscope is next to the surgeon.

images A 30-degree videoarticulated arthroscope provides best visualization of the central portion of the acetabulum, the femoral head, and the superior aspect of the acetabular fossa.

images A 70-degree videoarthroscope provides optimal visualization of the periphery of the joint, the acetabular labrum, and the inferior aspect of the acetabular fossa.

images The holmium YAG laser and radiofrequency device are used to ablate tissue and can offer increased manueverability over shavers.

images Extra-length convex and concave curved shaver blades are used to remove tissue around the femoral head.

images Fragile, extra-length instruments designed for other arthroscopic procedures should be avoided, because these have a greater tendency to break.

HIP DISTRACTION

images The patient is prepared with chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or povidone-iodine (Betadine).

images Traction is applied to distract the joint 7 to 10 mm.

images A tensiometer may be used to monitor traction force(typically 25 to 50 pounds).

images Traction time should be monitored. It is important to limit the time to less than 2 hours to prevent complications such as compression of the pudendal nerve or injury to other nerves.

images The spinal needle is introduced under fluoroscopy at the anterolateral position into the joint capsule to equilibrate the space with the ambient pressure (TECH FIG 1A,B).

images Pressure in the joint may be equilibrated with air or saline (TECH FIG 1C).

images Care should be taken to avoid penetrating the labrum and articular surfaces with the spinal needle.

images

TECH FIG 1 • A. Equilibration of intra-articular pressure with ambient pressure. A spinal needle is introduced under fluoroscopic guidance in a prepped patient to relieve the suction cup effect of the negative intra-articular pressure to confirm adequate distraction prior to starting the hip arthroscopy. B,C. Fluoroscopic images taken during the initial stages of hip arthroscopy. B. The joint is distracted prior to introducing the spinal needle. C. Once the spinal needle has been introduced and the trocar removed, an air arthrogram is made, as evidenced by the air seen laterally in the joint, and the increase in joint distraction without adding more traction force.

MAKING THE PORTALS

images Portals are established by penetrating the skin with a 6-inch 17-gauge spinal needle and positioning the needle into the respective joint space.

images The trocar of the spinal needle is removed and a Nitanol guidewire (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) is run through the needle into the joint space (TECH FIG 2A,B).

images The needle is removed.

images A skin incision is made at the entry site, large enough to faciliate entry of a 5.0-mm cannula.

images A long cannula sheath with cannulated trocar is advanced over the guidewire into the joint space (TECH FIG 2CE).

images The cannulated obturator should be kept off the femoral head to avoid articular damage.

images It is important to avoid cannula removal and reintroduction, because this may damage cartilage.

images It may be necessary to release the capsule with an arthroscopic knife.

images The weight-bearing portion of the femoral head is visualized by using the arthroscope in all three central compartment portals with the 70and 30-degree lenses or by internally and externally rotating the hip intraoperatively.

images The fossa and ligamentum teres typically are visualized from all three portals, particularly using the 30-degree lens.

images

TECH FIG 2 • A. Guidewire in the anterolateral portal. The spinal needle has been exchanged for a guidewire which, in turn, is being used to guide the trocar and sheathed cannula. B. Fluoroscopic view of the guidewire in the distracted joint, after removing the spinal needle. C. Fluoroscopic view of the trocar with sheathed cannula within the joint over the guidewire. D. The arthroscope placed in the anterolateral portal.

ANTEROLATERAL PORTAL

images The anterolateral portal is created first because it is the safest, being the most distant from and posing least risk of injury to the femoral and sciatic neurovascular structures.

images The portal penetrates the gluteus medius muscle and is positioned directly over the superior aspect of the greater trochanter at its anterior margin to enter the lateral capsule at its anterior margin (TECH FIG 3).

images When creating the anterolateral portal, it is important to introduce the spinal needle in the coronal plane by keeping it parallel to the floor (see Tech Fig 2A).

images As the cannula is positioned into the intra-articular space, care should be taken to avoid damage to the labrum or articular surfaces.

images The portal provides visualization of most of the acetabular cartilage, labrum, and weight-bearing femoral head within the central compartment, as well as visualization of the peripheral compartment, such as the non-weightbearing femoral head, the anterior neck, the anterior intrinsic capsular folds, and the synovial tissues beneath the zona orbicularis and the anterior labrum.

images The superior gluteal nerve is the closest neurovascular structure and runs 4.4 cm posterior to the portal.

images

TECH FIG 3 • The anterolateral portal starts just anterior to the superior aspect of the greater trochanter and pierces the gluteus medius muscle.

ANTERIOR PORTAL

images I prefer to establish the anterior portal after the anterolateral portal, although some prefer to establish the anterior portal first.

images Arthroscopic visualization from the anterolateral portal and fluoroscopy facilitate correct portal placement, helping to avoid damage to the labrum or articular surfaces.

images The anterior portal enters at the junction of a line drawn distally from the anterosuperior iliac spine and a transverse line across the superior margin of the greater trochanter (TECH FIG 4A).

images The portal penetrates the sartorius and rectus femoris muscles as it is directed 45 degrees cephalad and 30 degrees medially to enter the anterior capsule (TECH FIG 4B,C).

images As the cannulated obturator enters the joint space, it should be kept off the articular surface and directed underneath the acetabular labrum.

images The portal allows visualization of the anterior femoral neck, the anterior aspect of the joint, the superior retinacular fold, the ligamentum teres, and the lateral labrum.

images

images

TECH FIG 4 • The anterior portal usually is the second portal made and is created under arthroscopic visualization with a 70-degree arthroscopic lens from the anterolateral portal and fluoroscopic visualization. A.Introduction of the spinal needle using the junction of the superior aspect of the greater trochanter and a line drawn inferiorly from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) as the starting point. B. Fluoroscopic view of the arthroscope in the anterolateral portal and spinal needle being introduced from the anterior portal. C. Schematic depiction of the location of the portal adjacent to the branches of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, penetrating the sartorius and rectus femoris muscles. D. Care is taken only to cut the skin when making the anterior portal, to help reduce the risk of laceration of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

images

images Care should be taken to minimize injury to branches of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve by directing movement medially, avoiding deep cuts at the entry site, not using vigorous instrumentation, and using a 70-degree arthroscope at the anterolateral portal to guide entry (TECH FIG 4D).

images The femoral nerve is 3.2 cm medial and runs tangential to the portal.

images The ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery is 3.7 cm inferior to the portal, but terminal branches may be within millimeters of the portal at the capsular level.

POSTEROLATERAL PORTAL

images The posterolateral portal is established after the anterior portal (TECH FIG 5A).

images Arthroscopic visualization and fluoroscopy are used to guide portal placement.

images The portal penetrates the gluteus medius and minimus muscles and is directed over the superior aspect of the greater trochanter at its posterior border to enter the lateral capsule at its posterior margin (TECH FIG 5B).

images The portal is superior and anterior to the piriformis.

images The portal allows visualization of the posterior aspect of the femoral head, the posterior labrum, the posterior capsule, and the inferior edge of the ischiofemoral ligament (TECH FIG 5C).

images The sciatic nerve is 2.9 cm posterior to the portal at the level of the capsule.

images It is important to maintain the leg in neutral rotation and extension, and to introduce the spinal needle horizontally to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve.

images

images

TECH FIG 5 • Posterolateral portal. The posterolateral portal usually is the last central portal made, although it can be made before the anterior portal. A. How the posterolateral portal is made, relative to the other portals. B.The posterolateral portal proceeds through the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. Note its relation to the superior gluteal nerve. C. View of obturators in all three central compartment portals to allow for complete central compartment hip arthroscopy. Both a 30and a 70degree lens are used in all the portals to allow for full visualization of the femoroacetabular joint to perform a complete hip arthroscopy of the central compartment.

DISTAL ANTEROLATERAL PORTAL

images To access the peripheral compartment–femoral neck region, two portals are used after traction is removed from the extremity.

images Peripheral compartment arthroscopy can be done in hip flexion to relax the anterior capsule or in neutral flexion extension.

images The anterolateral portal is used as one portal.

images A distal anterolateral portal is established 3 to 5 cm distal to the anterolateral portal, just anterior to the lateral aspect of the proximal femoral shaft and neck (TECH FIG 6).

images Fluoroscopy is used to guide portal placement.

images The portal penetrates the gluteus medius muscle and upper vastus lateralis.

images The spinal needle should enter the peripheral compartment laterally. The guidewire is brought through the spinal needle and can be gently advanced to the medial capsule—the easy passage until the medial capsule is reached helps confirm that one is in the peripheral compartment.

images The skin incision is made, and the trocar and the sheath are passed over the guidewire.

images The sheath and guidewire are exchanged for the arthroscope or instrumentation.

images Arthroscopy and fluoroscopy can be used together to perform surgery in the peripheral compartment.

images

TECH FIG 6 • Distal anterolateral portal. The distal anterolateral portal allows a second portal for peripheral compartment arthroscopy. This portal is 2.5 to 5 cm distal to the anterolateral portal (A). This example shows the hip in neutral flexion–extension, which makes it easier to perform a chielectomy or osteoplasty for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement to maintain orientation while using fluoroscopy to assist with the procedure (B). Alternatively, the hip can be flexed, relaxing the anterior capsule, making entry into the joint easier.

image

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

images Traction is released.

images Long-acting local anesthetic is injected into the joint.

images The portals are sutured, and a sterile dressing is applied to the wounds.

images Arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, and the patient typically leaves recovery after 1 to 3 hours.

images If arthroscopy does not involve bony recontouring of the femoral neck, labral repair, or microfracture of the articular surfaces, then the patient is allowed to walk immediately, although weight bearing should be limited by crutches for 3 to 7 days or until gait pattern is normalized.

images Rehabiliation should take into consideration soft tissue healing constraints, control of swelling and pain, early ROM, limitations on weight bearing, early initiation of muscle activity and neuromuscular control, progressive lower extremity strengthening and proprioceptive retraining, cardiovascular training, and sport-specific training.

images Swelling and pain are controlled by ice and non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

images The dressing is removed on the first or second postoperative day, and the wound is covered with adhesive bandages.

images Portal sutures are removed a few days after surgery.

images Patients who undergo labrum repairs on the anterior superior region and capsulorraphy should follow specific ROM and weight bearing guidelines.

images Patients who undergo osteoplasty should limit impact activities that increase the risk of femoral neck fracture during the initial several weeks.

images Patients who undergo microfracture should adhere to 8 to 10 weeks of protected weight bearing on crutches.

OUTCOMES

images Record functional and prosthetic survivorship data, as applicable.

images Loose bodies are the clearest indication for arthroscopy, resulting in less morbidity and faster recovery than open surgery.8

images Labral débridement has been shown to result in successful outcomes in 68% to 82% of cases, with positive outcomes associated with isolated tears and poorer prognosis associated with arthritis.2,10,27

images Débridement of ligamentum teres, like labral débridement, has shown best results when lesions are isolated and without associated acetabular fracture or significant osteochondral defect of either the acetabulum or femoral head.

images Treatment of hip DJD by arthroscopy has shown unpredictable results, with a range of 34% to 60% of patients reporting improvement of symptoms after arthroscopic débridement for DJD.11,31

images One study reported that 86% of patients treated for chondral lesions by microfracture showed a successful response at 2-year follow-up.1

images Arthroscopic synovectomy is palliative, and success is based on the integrity of the articular cartilage.

images Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has shown better outcomes when there is less DJD.

images Treatment of AVN is controversial—the results are better when the articular surface is not disrupted or when treating mechanical symptoms.

images O'Leary23 reported 40% of patients improved at 30month follow-up.

images More specifics are provided in the chapters describing specific techniques for the different processes treated about the hip.

COMPLICATIONS

images Traction neurapraxia

images Direct trauma to pudendal, lateral femoral cutaneous, femoral, and sciatic nerves

images Iatrogenic labral and chondral damage

images Fluid extravasation

images Vaginal tear

images Pressure necrosis to scrotum, labia and perineum, and foot

images Labia and perineum hematoma

images Knee ligament injury

images Ankle fracture

images Femoral head avascular necrosis

images Fracture of femoral neck

images Instrument breakage

images Portal hematoma and bleeding

REFERENCES

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