Hip arthroscopy: the use of computer assistance

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Technology
• Computer-Assisted Surgery

Background:

• Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is common but technically challenging.
• Increasing failures in arthroscopic FAI surgery are linked to inaccurate bone resections.
• Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) offers potential for improved accuracy and precision in FAI treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of CAS in addressing limitations of arthroscopic FAI surgery.
• To identify features of an ideal CAS solution for FAI treatment.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE for studies on CAS in FAI surgery.
• Data extraction focused on preoperative assessment, intraoperative navigation, and robotic-assisted execution.
• Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria, with 13 analyzed for specific CAS applications.

Main Results:

• CAS enables more accurate preoperative planning and execution of bone resections compared to freehand methods.
• Studies analyzed covered preoperative planning, navigated resection, and robotic-assisted execution.
• While accuracy is improved, clinical success and cost-effectiveness require further demonstration.

Conclusions:

• CAS shows promise in enhancing accuracy for osseous resections in FAI surgery.
• The ideal CAS system should integrate virtual planning, guided execution, and post-resection assessment.
• Further validation is necessary to establish the clinical utility and economic viability of CAS for FAI.