Arthroscopic hip surgery.

Many pathological entities that previously could be accessed only through large, open incisions now can be treated arthroscopically. Furthermore, arthroscopy has allowed certain conditions to be diagnosed that previously were unrecognized. Arthroscopic hip surgery has become an accepted surgical procedure with well-defined indications and expected outcomes, primarily because of recent advances in surgical instrumentation and techniques. Hip arthroscopy is performed as a same-day procedure using a fracture table to apply distraction to the hip joint. Coordination among surgeons and perioperative nursing staff members is essential for achieving consistent results and minimizing complications during this technically demanding procedure.