Complications of Hip Arthroscopy: Prevention, Early Detection, and Management

Hip arthroscopy is technically demanding. Complication rates range between 1.3% and 4.2%, but vary with surgeon experience patient factors, and procedural complexity. Minor complications include temporary neuropraxia, chondrolabral injury, adhesions, hypothermia, and perineal skin damage. Major complications include fluid extravasation, avascular necrosis, femoral neck stress fractures, deep infection, venous thromboembolism, iatrogenic hip instability, and residual impingement. Prevention strategies include meticulous surgical technique, traction control, accurate positioning and portal placement, soft-tissue preservation, and both pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis. Early detection through continuous intra-operative monitoring, structured post-operative surveillance, and patient education enables timely intervention.