Arthroscopic Focal Subspinal Decompression and Management of Pincer-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is a common hip pathology significantly affecting not only the intra- and extra-articular structures but also the biomechanical function of the joint. Cam and pincer bony lesions have been extensively studied. However, during recent years, other types of extra-articular impingement between the pelvic and femoral bone have been investigated. When a prominent or morphologically abnormal anterior-inferior iliac spine (AIIS) impinges repetitively on the femoral side during motion, the subspinal acetabular region becomes prominent and extends toward the intra-articular part of the joint. This results in restriction of the range of motion of the hip and pain, especially with flexion. Therefore, during hip arthroscopy, it is necessary to evaluate the subspinal region (triangular area located at 1:30 to 2:30 o'clock using the acetabular clock face system). For the correction of the acetabular bone pathology to be complete, the surgeon should focus both on the pincer and subspinal impingement lesions. This article describes our preferred technique to successfully address subspinal and pincer acetabular impingement during hip arthroscopy. The pearls and pitfalls of this technique are discussed.