Hip Arthroscopy for Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Using a Capsulotomy-First Approach

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a systematic disease of unknown etiology characterized by ossification at the site of spine and major joints entheses, including the hip. Ossified connective tissue may cause pain and joint stiffness, which may require surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic presentation and surgical outcomes of patients with DISH involving the hips. Fourteen hips in 9 patients (mean±SD age, 63±14 years; range, 35-76 years) with overcoverage of the femoral head by DISH were retrospectively reviewed. For all joints, a transverse, capsulotomy-first approach was performed due to an inability to access the central compartment by traction of the lower extremity. After arthroscopic resection of the ossified lesion, labral reconstruction was performed with an iliotibial band autograft. For clinical evaluation, patient-reported outcome scores (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], Nonarthritic Hip Score [NAHS], International Hip Outcome Tool-12 [iHot-12], visual analog scale [VAS] pain score, and VAS satisfaction score) were obtained. Arthroscopically, circumferential labral damage with no or mild articular cartilage damage was observed. Mean NAHS, iHot-12 score, and VAS satisfaction score improved significantly (47 to 56, 43 to 71, and 21 to 72, respectively; P<.05). Mean mHHS and VAS pain score did not reach significance but did improve (65 to 92 and 45 to 78, respectively). Using a transverse, capsulotomy-first approach for arthroscopic hip surgery for patients with DISH yields successful outcomes in patient-reported outcome measures and satisfaction, despite minor gains in hip range of motion. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(5):e369-e377.].