Percutaneous Manipulation of Intra-articular Debris After Fracture-dislocation of the Femoral Head or Acetabulum

Traumatic fracture-dislocation of the hip usually warrants prompt management by closed manipulative reduction. In some patients, debris malpositioned between the femoral head and the acetabular dome obstructs a completely concentric reduction of the injured hip. To avoid damage to the articular surfaces, the debris between them should be removed in a timely fashion. Techniques for removal include open approaches with or without fracture fixation or hip arthroscopy. Fracture fixation and hip arthroscopy have associated risks and potential complications, may require special equipment, and may not be familiar to all surgeons. The authors present a simple fluoroscopically guided technique for the percutaneous removal of intra-articular debris between the femoral head and the acetabular dome after traumatic femoral head or acetabular fracture-dislocation.