Arthroscopic versus open osteoplasty of the head-neck junction: a cadaveric investigation

Femoroacetabular impingement can be successfully treated by open osteoplasty, although arthroscopic osteoplasty is growing in popularity. We compared the precision and accuracy of arthroscopic versus open osteoplasty.

We randomly assigned 8 paired fresh-frozen cadaveric pelvises to an open or arthroscopic technique and performed osteoplasty on both anterior femoral head-neck junctions. We calculated the volume and location of the resected bone using digital subtraction of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography.

Statistical analysis showed no differences between the techniques regarding volume, depth, or overall arc of resection. The arthroscopic group was closer to the predetermined starting point, and the open group was closer to the end-point.

This study confirms the ability to perform arthroscopic decompressions of the head-neck junction for isolated cam-type impingement with accuracy and precision that approach those of the open surgical technique.

This report gives important information on the accuracy and precision of arthroscopic osteoplasty of the femoral head-neck junction as a feasible alternative to open resection.