Arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of hip disorders.

Fourteen hip arthroscopies between January 1985 and May 1988 were reviewed. Included were ten women and four men with an age ranging from 12 to 76 years. Indications were avascular necrosis; loose bodies; osteoarthrosis, arthritis, or pain; and snapping hip. The diagnosis was verified in five cases, including arthroscopic removal of a loose body in one and resection of a plica bridging the space between the femoral head and acetabular roof in two patients. The diagnosis was rejected in three cases. In five cases, no pathologic changes were found. One arthroscopy was inconclusive because of a narrow field of vision in a dysplastic hip. No serious complications occurred. Hip arthroscopy is useful in diagnostics and surgical treatment of selected hip disorders. The rehabilitation time is short. Hip arthroscopy is, however, a technically demanding procedure.