Arthroscopic surgery of the hip joint.

Hip arthroscopic examination of 196 joints was performed in 104 patients treated during the past 4 years. Of these, 11 joints were treated by arthroscopic surgery. We have developed a technique using a two-directional approach that facilitates a global view of joint areas and allows simpler performance of surgical procedures. Removal of loose bodies, joint debridement in osteoarthritis, and synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis are good indications for arthroscopic surgery of the hip joint. Short-term follow-up was satisfactory, and a reduction of pain was obtained in all patients. Although the joint space of the hip is narrower and the operative technique is more difficult to perform than in the knee, we believe that arthroscopic surgery of the hip is a suitable method in selected cases.