[Arthroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of hip joint disease].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of arthroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of hip joint disease.

METHODS

Arthroscopy was performed in 54 patients (68 hips) from July 1998 to September 2001. Of the 54 patients, 36 were male and 18 female, aged from 17 to 64 years. The disease was located on the left side in 18 patients, the right side in 22, and both sides in 14. In this group, osteoarthritis was noted in 21 patients, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 16, infection of the hip joint in 3, chondrosarcoma in 2, synovial-chondromatosis in 7, acetabular labral tears in 2, and spondylitis in 3. The procedures of arthroscopy consisted of removal of loose bodies, debridement, and biopsy.

RESULTS

The operation made accurate diagnosis possible for chondrosarcoma, acetabular labral tears, and infection of the hip joint. After debridement of the hip joint for avascular necrosis of the femoral head, osteoarthritis and spondylitis, most patients in this group were free from pain, function and range of the motion were restored and the pathological process was delayed. The Harris hip scores increased by 27 on average.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopy plays an important role in accurate diagnosis and treatment of hip joint.