Safe Distraction Technique for Hip Arthroscopy in a Polytraumatized Patient with Pelvic, Acetabular, and Ankle
Sagar Chawla1, Michael F Githens1,2, Mia S Hagen1
1Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Case:
A healthy 41-year-old man presented after a motorcycle collision resulting in polytrauma and underwent hip arthroscopy for removal of loose bodies after initial stabilization of pelvic, acetabular, and ipsilateral ankle fractures. Given these injuries, a novel hip distraction technique with a combination of postless traction and skeletal traction was used.
Conclusion:
Specific considerations for hip arthroscopy with concomitant acetabular fracture include alternate techniques for joint distraction, maintenance of low pump pressures, and technical pearls for clearing hemarthrosis. Orthopaedic surgeons familiar with hip arthroscopy can use these methods.
