Arthroscopic loose body removal after hip fracture dislocation: experiences in 7 cases

The aims of the present study were to describe the technique of hip arthroscopy for osteochondral loose body removal after posterior hip dislocation and report its preliminary results.

We reported consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for osteochondral fragment after sustaining fracture-dislocations. Seven patients who sustained traumatic hip dislocation with incarcerated osteochondral were included in this study. All patients had standard AP pelvis x-rays and 3D-CT scans. After closed reduction, all patients underwent hip arthroscopy in which loose bodies were removed and labral pathology debrided.

The mean follow-up was 15.7 months. The average Harris Hip Score was 89.8. No patient developed any of the complications commonly associated with arthrotomy including avascular necrosis, heterotopic ossification, and nerve injury.

Arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular loose bodies after hip fracture-dislocations allows excellent visualization of the joint and facilitated straightforward removal of the fragment.