Arthroscopic techniques for treating ilio-psoas tendinopathy after hip arthroplasty.

Impingement of hip arthroplasty components on soft tissues may adversely affect outcomes. An example is impingement of the cup on the ilio-psoas tendon, which has been reported in 0.4% to 8.3% of patients. Contributors to ilio-psoas tendon impingement (IPTI) can be categorised as anatomic (hypoplastic anterior wall), technical (inadequate anteversion and/or lower inclination, oversized cup, cement in contact with the tendon, and intra-muscular screw), and prosthetic (e.g., aggressive cup design, large-diameter head, resurfacing, and collared femoral prosthesis). IPTI manifests as groin pain, raising diagnostic challenges since this symptom lacks specificity. Physical findings of value for the diagnosis include pain exacerbation during active hip flexion, groin pain upon straight-leg raise to 30°, and/or snapping hip syndrome. Confirmation is then provided by ultrasonography and, most importantly, computed tomography. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, non-operative treatment combining physical therapy and local corticosteroid injections is prescribed. When these measures fail, endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery is generally effective. In patients with major cup malposition, revision of the cup is the preferred option, despite the higher complication rate. When cup position is adequate, ilio-psoas tenotomy can be performed either extra-articularly at the lesser trochanter (by endoscopy) or intra-articularly (by arthroscopy). The arthroscopic technique is more demanding but useful when the diagnosis is in doubt, as it allows examination of the prosthetic bearing surfaces. Both techniques and the risks inherent in each are discussed in detail. Tenotomy, whether performed endoscopically or arthroscopically, promptly provides good outcomes in over 85% of patients, usually with full recovery of hip flexor strength over time. These minimally invasive techniques, while as effective as conventional surgery, are associated with lower morbidity rates.