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Complications of arthroscopy of the hip
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, England, UK.
Insights
Hip arthroscopy is increasingly common, but complication rates were previously unclear. A prospective study of 640 procedures found a low 1.6% complication rate, with no major or long-term issues. This suggests the operation can be performed safely.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Hip arthroscopy is a frequently performed procedure.
- There is limited data on the complication rates associated with hip arthroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the complication rate of hip arthroscopy.
- To assess the safety of a consistent surgical technique for hip arthroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Involved 640 consecutive hip arthroscopy procedures.
- Utilized a consistent surgical technique.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 1.6%.
- Identified complications included transient nerve palsies (sciatic, femoral), perineal injury, portal bleeding, trochanteric bursitis, and instrument breakage.
- No major or long-term complications were reported.
Conclusions:
- Hip arthroscopy can be performed with a low complication rate.
- The described technique appears to be safe for hip arthroscopy procedures.
Abstract:
Although arthroscopy of the hip is being carried out increasingly, little is known about the rate of associated complications. We describe a prospective study of 640 consecutive procedures in which a consistent technique was used. The overall complication rate was 1.6%. Complications, none of which was major or long-term, included transient palsy of the sciatic and femoral nerves, perineal injury, bleeding from the portal wounds, trochanteric bursitis and intra-articular breakage of the instrument. We believe that it is possible to undertake this operation safely using the technique described.