Osteoarthritis

Hip arthroscopy may help, to some extent, in cases with early osteoarthritis, especially at an early age. The techniques that can be used include removal of osteophytes, the microfractures, removal of free bodies, removal of the FAI (femoroacetabular impingement) lesion, abrasion of chondral flaps (shaving) and wide capsulotomy to increase the range of motion of the joint.

Interventions in osteoarthritic hip. A: Removing central osteophyte, B: ossified labrum, C: after excision (FH: femoral head, CF: cotyloid fossa)

It is important to note that the selection of these patients for hip arthroscopy should be very careful by the surgeon, and not all patients have similar results.