Hip arthroscopy in osteoarthritis

Based on the development of surgical techniques the results of clinical studies and regular "hands-on" workshops, hip arthroscopy has become widely accepted. At the same time it is becoming more frequent especially in younger and active patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint to request a joint-preserving surgical treatment. In current retrospective clinical studies the results of hip arthroscopy were significantly worse with higher grades of osteoarthritis than with an intact joint cartilage. Nevertheless, some good indications for hip arthroscopy in cases of osteoarthritis were found. Mechanical symptoms are frequently improved by the removal of loose osteochondral fragments. A recontouration of the head/neck junction with subsequent anterolateral capsulotomy increases the range of motion in osteoarthritic patients with a femoroacetabular impingement. Patients have to achieve a realistic attitude towards the possibly minimal improvement in complaints in the clinical outcome of hip arthroscopy in cases of osteoarthritis.