The Use of Hip Arthroscopy in Trauma of the Hip

Hip arthroscopy may be used to treat selected intra-articular lesions even in trauma cases. Although most of the published studies are small case series, results are encouraging. On the other hand, there is consensus about the importance of surgeon’s experience in hip arthroscopy and about the limitations of this technique. Intra-articular injuries are not limited to hip dislocations only, but can be associated with femur head fractures, acetabular fractures, and even soft tissue injuries not associated with a fracture. During arthroscopic treatment of these affections care must be taken in mobilizing, translating, and reducing fracture fragment(s), considering fluoroscopic guidance and the use of chopstick technique where indicated. Allowing early mobilization of hip and protected weight bearing as well as performing interval postoperative radiographic assessment is mandatory.