Diagnostic and operative arthroscopy of the hip.

Diagnostic and operative arthroscopies of the hip joint have been performed from an anterior approach after extension of the joint. The force needed to achieve a sufficient visualization of the hip joint was studied. In an anesthetized patient 300 Newtons (N) to 500 N was required, whereas up to 900 N was needed in an unanesthetized subject to achieve sufficient joint extension. Hip arthroscopy has been performed with a standard 5 mm Storz arthroscope. Alternatively, fluid and gas was used. It was possible to achieve good visualization of the anterior parts of the hip. Gas gave better information about the degree of degenerative arthritis while fluid was preferable for operative arthroscopy, eg, arthroscopic synovectomy. Synovial biopsies, removal of loose bodies, and partial arthroscopic synovectomy have been performed. The advantage was a very short time of rehabilitation. No serious complications occurred.