[Complications in hip arthroscopy and follow-up therapy. Analysis over a 5-year time period with a total of 13,000 cases]

Abstract

Background: In recent years arthroscopic interventions of the hip joint have become increasingly more frequent. An advantage of the procedure is that open surgery can be avoided in many cases by using minimally invasive procedures. The spectrum of indications is becoming increasingly broader and more differentiated. Complications are rare.

Material and methods: According to the types of complications 13,154 cases from institutions having conducted approximately 470 hip arthroscopies per year between 2008 and 2012 were collated, observed and analysed. Intraoperative or postoperative complications were taken into account.

Results: According to our definition, the overall complication ratio came to 6.3%. Relatively frequent complications were damage caused by inadequate setup, nerve lesions and broken instruments. Severe complications such as vascular lesions, intra-or postoperative fractures, infections and avascular necrosis are rare.

Conclusion: In hip arthroscopy special attention has to be paid to patient positioning, traction performing and portal establishing. This procedure performed by an experienced surgeon resulted in a low ratio of complications.