Arthroscopy of the hip: 12 years of experience.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of and temporal trends in hip arthroscopy by reviewing 413 procedures performed over a 12-year period. The two anatomic areas of the hip can be examined separately, the periphery without distraction and the iliofemoral joint per se with distraction. Combined use of both these techniques should be decided preoperatively. Technical explanations and a description of three clearly demarcated portal site areas are given to improve standardization of the hip arthroscopy technique. Diagnostic use of hip arthroscopy (undiagnosed hip pain, catching, or popping of the joint) accounted for 68% of all procedures in our series, although this proportion declined over time. The main indication for operative hip arthroscopy was removal of loose bodies. Debridement is an important indication reported in the literature, but it was not performed in our patients. Numerous other operative procedures can be done but are indicated in smaller numbers of patients.