[Arthroscopic synovectomy of the hip joint]

The aim of the treatment is reduction of hip pain through arthroscopic synovectomy of the hip joint, reduction in activity of the synovial disease and removal of loose bodies in chondromatosis.

Synovialitis of the hip due to synovial disease, such as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and chondromatosis, synovialitis of the hip due to a further diseases of the hip. The disease must be treatable by arthroscopy (e.g. femoroacetabular impingement and lesion of the acetabular labrum).

Suspicion of malignant synovial disease, extensive synovitis, especially in those areas of the hip which are difficult to reach or inaccessible to arthroscopy, primary disease not sufficiently treatable by arthroscopy, e.g. coxarthrosis.

Arthroscopy of the central compartment of the hip is carried out by lateral, anterolateral (alternatively inferior anterolateral) and posterolateral portals, using all portals both for the camera and for instruments. In the central compartment synovectomy of the acetabular fossa is performed. A shaver and/or a high frequency diathermy applicator (HF applicator) are employed for removal of the synovial membrane. For arthroscopy of the peripheral compartment lateral, anterolateral (alternatively inferior anterolateral) and superior anterolateral portals are established and all portals are used both for the camera and instruments. In the peripheral compartment, the synovial membrane of the anterior, anteromedial, anterolateral and as far as possible posterolateral areas of the hip is removed. The dorsolateral synovial plica needs to be spared.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are administered as prophylaxis of heterotopic ossification for 10 days. Contraindications for NSAIDs need to be considered. Thrombosis prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin over 5 days. Mobilization with full weight bearing. Intensive physiotherapeutic exercises for at least 6 and possibly up to 12 postoperative weeks. Radiosynoviorthesis 6-8 weeks after surgery depending of the histopathological results.

From June 2007 to December 2013 a total of 20 patients with specific synovial diseases were treated with hip arthroscopy of which 18 had chondromatosis and 2 had PVNS. A telephone interview was carried out after an average of 40.2 months (range 8-92 months) and revealed a recurrence rate of the synovial disease of 20 %. In two cases (10 %) a second arthroscopy was necessary due to recurrent symptoms but without return of the synovial disease.