Early Experiences and Complications of Hip Arthroscopy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report our early experience of hip arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty one patients (45 hips) who underwent hip arthroscopy from November 2007 to February 2009 were enrolled in the study. The population was divided into 3 groups in sequence. The operation time, fluoroscopic time, traction time, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operation time and traction time between the three groups. The fluoroscopic time decreased from 41 minutes in group I to 11 minutes in group III (p<0.01). There were four cases of nerve palsy; 2 pudendal nerve palsy in group I, 1 pudendal nerve palsy in group II, and 1 peroneal nerve palsy in Group III. All cases recovered completely within few days after surgery. Iatrogenic labral injury occurred in 4, 3 and 0 hips in group I, II and III, respectively. Iatrogenic cartilage damage to the femoral head occurred in 2, 3 and 1 hip in group I, II and III, respectively, which did not affect the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Definite improvement in the hip arthroscopy technique was observed in the fluoroscopic time. No serious complications, such as death or permanent nerve palsy, were encountered.