Is diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip worthwhile? A prospective review of 328 adults investigated for hip pain

We describe a prospective study of 328 patients undergoing arthroscopy of t he hip. Arthrography, CT or MRI was performed when clinically indicated. A preoperative diagnosis was reached in 174 patients (53%), while the remaini ng 154 were diagnosed as having 'idiopathic hip pain'. In seven patients, access to the hip was inadequate. Arthroscopy altered th e diagnosis in 176 hips (53%), The new primary diagnoses were osteoarthriti s (75 patients), osteochondral defects (34), torn labra (23), synovitis (11 ) and loose bodies (9), In 172 hips (52%) an operative procedure was undert aken. In the remaining 84 patients (26%), arthroscopy neither changed the d iagnosis nor provided surgical treatment. Arthroscopy of the hip is considered to be of value in assessing and treati ng the adult patient with pain in the hip of uncertain cause.