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Capsular Preservation Using Suture Suspension Technique in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement
Andrea M Spiker1, Christopher L Camp1, Brian T Barlow1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Abstract:
This article describes the use of sutures to enhance visualization while protecting the capsule in both the central and peripheral compartments during hip arthroscopy. We describe first a technique to preserve the proximal capsule cuff while working in the central compartment and then an alternative to the T-capsulotomy while maintaining excellent visualization of the peripheral compartment during femoroplasty of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. By use of suture suspension of the capsule, multiple goals are achieved: The integrity of the proximal capsule cuff is maintained while aiding in visualization of the central compartment; the iliofemoral ligament is spared, which plays a critical role in preventing microinstability; the necessary space is created to obtain adequate visualization of the peripheral compartment for complete femoroplasty; and operative time is reduced because creation and subsequent repair of the T-capsulotomy can be avoided.

