Hip arthroscopy using a limited anterior exposure: An alternative approachfor arthroscopic access

Hip arthroscopy is a technically difficult procedure to perform, A limited anterior approach to the joint has made hip arthroscopy technically less di fficult in our hands and has enabled us to treat a wide range of hip pathol ogy. Five hip arthroscopies were performed using a modified 4-cm Smith-Pete rsen anterior approach to the hip exposing the joint capsule as manual trac tion is applied. The arthroscope is then easily introduced making visualiza tion of the hip joint possible. The 5 hip arthroscopies resulted in either removal of loose bodies or debridement of an osteochondral fragment, synovi tis, or cartilaginous debris. There were no complications postoperatively. We believe that hip arthroscopy through a limited anterior approach provide s an easy and safe alternative method for arthroscopic access to the hip jo int. Importantly, there is a decreased risk of neurovascular trauma and iat rogenic damage to the articular cartilage and acetabular labrum when introd ucing instruments into the hip joint.