[Arthroscopy of the hip]

Arthroscopy of the hip has become a well-established procedure for minimally invasive therapy of hip disorders. The surgical technique is demanding. A fracture table for distraction of the joint is required, as well as an exact positioning technique is most important. Because of eh great distance between skin and joint only restrictive intrarticular maneuvers are possible. Arthroscopically the hip can be divided into a central and peripheral compartment. For arthroscopy of the central compartment distraction of the joint is necessary. This part comprises the loaded surface of the femoral head and the lunate cartilage. The peripheral compartment consists of the unloaded cartilage of the femoral head and the femoral neck until the capsular insertion. This compartment can be visualized without traction. Good results can be achieved in the therapy of labral lesions, loose bodies, moderate osteoarthritis, synovial diseases and pathology of the teres ligament. Performing hip arthroscopy in an adequate technique and under consideration of contraindications, complications are rare.