Hip arthroscopy using a limited anterior exposure: an alternative approach for arthroscopic access.

Hip arthroscopy is a technically difficult procedure to perform. A limited anterior approach to the joint has made hip arthroscopy technically less difficult in our hands and has enabled us to treat a wide range of hip pathology. Five hip arthroscopies were performed using a modified 4-cm Smith-Petersen anterior approach to the hip exposing the joint capsule as manual traction is applied. The arthroscope is then easily introduced making visualization of the hip joint possible. The 5 hip arthroscopies resulted in either removal of loose bodies or debridement of an osteochondral fragment, synovitis, or cartilaginous debris. There were no complications postoperatively. We believe that hip arthroscopy through a limited anterior approach provides an easy and safe alternative method for arthroscopic access to the hip joint. Importantly, there is a decreased risk of neurovascular trauma and iatrogenic damage to the articular cartilage and acetabular labrum when introducing instruments into the hip joint.