Contemporary Management of the Hip Capsule During Arthroscopic Hip Preservation Surgery

The importance of the hip capsule and its effect on hip biomechanics, functional outcomes, and hip arthroscopy success rates has been demonstrated in recent studies. These results have led to a shift in management of the hip capsule, where an increasing number of surgeons routinely perform complete capsular closure. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent studies evaluating the hip capsule and describe contemporary capsular management and repair.

Biomechanical studies using cadaveric models have demonstrated that complete capsular closure restores hip distraction, rotation, and extension forces back to the native, intact state. Additionally, capsular closure by plication results in quantifiable intraarticular volume reduction, which increases hip stability, particularly in cases of patulous capsule and hypermobility. Clinical studies have demonstrated superior patient-reported functional outcomes and decreased failure rates when undergoing hip arthroscopy with comprehensive capsular management for femoroacetabular impingement surgery. Complete capsular management, including appropriate capsulotomy and subsequent closure, is critical for restoring biomechanical properties of the hip, ensuring high survivorship and improving functional outcomes. This review provides an update on the effects of contemporary capsular management as well as a detailed description of efficient T-capsulotomy and comprehensive capsule closure via plication.