The 2022 International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA) physiotherapy agreement on assessment and treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS): an international consensus statement.

The 2022 International Society of Hip Preservation (ISHA) physiotherapy agreement on assessment and treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) was intended to present a physiotherapy consensus on the assessment and surgical and non-surgical physiotherapy management of patients with GTPS. The panel consisted of 15 physiotherapists and eight orthopaedic surgeons. Currently, there is a lack of high-quality literature supporting non-operative and operative physiotherapy management. Therefore, a group of physiotherapists who specialize in the treatment of non-arthritic hip pathology created this consensus statement regarding physiotherapy management of GTPS. The consensus was conducted using a modified Delphi technique to guide physiotherapy-related decisions according to the current knowledge and expertise regarding the following: (i) evaluation of GTPS, (ii) non-surgical physiotherapy management, (iii) use of corticosteroids and orthobiologics and (iv) surgical indications and post-operative physiotherapy management.

Rehabilitation After Gluteus Medius and Minimus Treatment.

We reviewed the current literature regarding rehabilitation after gluteus medius and minimus tears as part of a conservative management or postoperative protocol. The greater trochanteric pain syndrome includes a constellation of pathologies that generate pain in the greater trochanteric region and may be accompanied by varying degrees of hip abductor disfunction. It may be related to tendinitis of the gluteus medius and minimus, greater trochanteric bursitis, or even formal tears of the hip abductor tendons. The initial management strategy of the hip abductor tears is conservative, including different anti-inflammatory therapies such as physical therapy and cortisone and platelet-rich plasma injections. The clearest indication for surgical management is failure of conservative management and loss of abductor muscle power. Surgical management has been performed both open and endoscopic with good reported clinical results. More severe tears typically require a more rigid and complex type of fixation. Exorcise intervention seem to improve symptoms after 4 months to a year of therapy therefore a very close supervision of the rehabilitation protocol is mandatory. Gluteus medius and minimus tears are frequent and may be not diagnosed timely. Treatment of these of lesions is based on the knowledge of pathomechanics involved and the extent of injury to the tendon and muscle tissue. Conservative management is based on protecting the hip abductor tendons from excessive tensile and compression stresses while applying progressive load in conjunction with physical and medical anti-inflammatory measures. Surgical treatment is indicated when conservative management fails or an abductor power deficit is associated with pain. Similar physical therapy protocols to those used in conservative management are used postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Criterion validity of ultrasound in the identification of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits at the knee: an OMERACT ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the discriminatory ability of ultrasound in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), using microscopic analysis of menisci and knee hyaline cartilage (HC) as reference standard. METHODS: Consecutive patients scheduled for knee replacement surgery, due to osteoarthritis (OA), were enrolled. Each patient underwent ultrasound examination of the menisci and HC of the knee, scoring each site for presence/absence of CPPD. Ultrasound signs of inflammation (effusion, synovial proliferation and power Doppler) were assessed semiquantitatively (0-3). The menisci and condyles, retrieved during surgery, were examined microscopically by optical light microscopy and by compensated polarised microscopy. CPPs were scored as present/absent in six different samples from the surface and from the internal part of menisci and cartilage. Ultrasound and microscopic analysis were performed by different operators, blinded to each other's findings. RESULTS: 11 researchers from seven countries participated in the study. Of 101 enrolled patients, 68 were included in the analysis. In 38 patients, the surgical specimens were insufficient. The overall diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for CPPD was of 75%-sensitivity of 91% (range 71%-87% in single sites) and specificity of 59% (range 68%-92%). The best sensitivity and specificity were obtained by assessing in combination by ultrasound the medial meniscus and the medial condyle HC (88% and 76%, respectively). No differences were found between patients with and without CPPD regarding ultrasound signs of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound demonstrated to be an accurate tool for discriminating CPPD. No differences were found between patents with OA alone and CPPD plus OA regarding inflammation.

Portal enlargement in hip arthroscopy preserving the iliofemoral ligament: a novel access technique protecting soft tissue restraints.

Capsulotomy in different modalities has been used to provide adequate exposure to access both the central and peripheral compartment in hip arthroscopy. Even though the hip joint has inherent bony stability, soft tissue restraints may be important in patients with ligaments hyperlaxity or in some cases with diminished bony stability. Biomechanical studies and clinical outcomes have shown the relevant role of the capsule in hip stability, mainly the role of the iliofemoral ligament. Although is not very common, iatrogenic post-arthroscopy subluxation and dislocation have been reported and many surgeons are concerned about the role aggressive capsulotomy or capsulectomy in this situation, thus capsule repair has become very popular. We present a novel technique to access the hip without cutting the iliofemoral ligament. With this technique we can obtain adequate arthroscopic access to the hip joint in order to treat adequately the central compartment pathologies reducing the risk of iatrogenic post-operative hip instability.

Endoscopic release of the piriformis tendon and sciatic nerve exploration.

Robinson, in 1947 introduced for the first time the term 'piriformis syndrome'. More recently, many etiologies of sciatic nerve entrapment around the gluteal region or the non-discogenic area have been identified, resulting in the use of a new term 'The Deep Gluteal Syndrome'. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes following the endoscopic release of sciatic nerve entrapment. Type of study is a consecutive case series. Fifteen patients were diagnosed with sciatic nerve entrapment from January 2012 to December 2015, all of them were treated with endoscopic release of the piriformis tendon and sciatic nerve exploration on lateral decubitus position. Every patient had a minimum follow-up to 2 years. The patient-reported outcome scores used included the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), pain was estimated on a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Benson outcomes questionnaire. The patient's mean age was 40.2 years (range, 28-50 years). The score improvement from pre-operative to 24-month follow-up was 46.8-84.9 for mHHS (P <0.05). The VAS decreased from pre-operative to 24-month follow-up was 7.4-1.86 (P < 0.05). The Benson outcome ratings were excellent for 11 patients, good for 3 and fair for 1. The Endoscopic Release of the Piriformis Tendon and Sciatic Nerve Exploration showed an improvement of functions, diminishing pain and allowing patients to return to daily activities without symptoms (Level of Evidence: IV).

Endoscopic Release of the Piriformis Tendon and Sciatic Nerve Exploration by the Lateral Decubitus Approach Through an Incision on the Iliotibial Band.

Entrapment of the sciatic nerve is considered a challenging problem for orthopaedic surgeons. Many surgical interventions (open or endoscopic) have been described as treatments. We describe an endoscopic technique for release of the piriformis tendon and sciatic nerve exploration by the lateral approach through an incision on the iliotibial band.

Incorporating Hip Arthroscopy Into A Practice.

Hip arthroscopy is one of the most rapidly growing areas in orthopaedic surgery because of increased awareness of nonarthritic hip pathologies, advanced imaging modalities, and advanced techniques to reproducibly manage nonarthritic hip pathologies within a deep soft-tissue envelope and a constrained joint. In addition, more academic medical centers are providing residents with education on hip arthroscopy, and many hip preservation fellowships and courses are helping increase awareness of nonarthritic hip pathologies. Nonarthritic hip pathologies currently managed via hip arthroscopy include nonrepairable labral lesions, femoroacetabular impingement, hip instability, and hip fractures. Periarticular hip pathologies currently managed via endoscopy include greater trochanteric pain syndrome, tendinopathy and tears of the gluteus medius and minimus, partial and complete hamstring avulsions, and sciatic nerve entrapment. Ischiofemoral impingement may be addressed endoscopically via the deep gluteal space. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand the role and safety of hip arthroscopy in the pediatric population, specifically in the management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and septic arthritis of the hip. The efficacy of hip arthroscopy is limited, and hip arthroscopy is relatively contraindicated in patients with osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Complications can occur and likely are underreported in patients who undergo hip arthroscopy. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand practical issues associated with incorporating hip arthroscopy into a practice, including the difficult learning curve associated with hip arthroscopy and the reluctance of some payors to reimburse procedures performed arthroscopically because hip arthroscopy is a relatively new technology.

Arthroscopic Decompression of a Type III Subspine Impingement.

Extra-articular hip impingement refers to a variety of hip disorders causing pain and limited function in young, non-arthritic patients. Recently, there has been an increased focus on analyzing the degree of anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) dysmorphism and its correlation with subspine impingement (SSI), defined as abutment between a prominent distal aspect of the AIIS and the anterior aspect of the femoral head-neck junction. Arthroscopic decompression of the AIIS is recognized as an effective treatment for SSI. However, there may be some inherent risks of performing this procedure arthroscopically that require further investigation.

Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome: Incidence of Multiple-Tendon Existence and Outcome After Endoscopic Transcapsular Release.

PURPOSE: To report the frequency of presentation of bifid or multiple iliopsoas tendons in patients who underwent endoscopic release for internal snapping hip syndrome (ISHS) and to compare both groups. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with ISHS were treated with endoscopic transcapsular release of the iliopsoas tendon at the central compartment and prospectively followed up. The inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of ISHS with failure of conservative treatment. During the procedure, the presence of a bifid tendon was intentionally looked for. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up. Four patients presented with a bifid tendon and one patient had 3 tendons. At a minimum of 12 months' follow-up, the presence of snapping recurrence was evaluated and the WOMAC scores were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Among 279 hip arthroscopies, 28 patients underwent central transcapsular iliopsoas tendon release. The mean age was 29.25 years (range, 16 to 65 years; 6 left and 22 right hips). Group 1 included 5 patients with multiple tendons; the remaining patients formed group 2 (n = 23). None of the patients presented with ISHS recurrence. The mean WOMAC score in group 1 was 39 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.2 to 55.4 points) preoperatively and 73.6 points (95% CI, 68.4 to 79.6 points) at last follow-up. In group 2 the mean WOMAC score was 47.21 points (95% CI, 44.4 to 58.2 points) preoperatively and 77.91 points (95% CI, 67.8 to 83.4 points) at last follow-up. We identified a bifid tendon retrospectively on magnetic resonance arthrograms in 3 of the 5 cases that were found to have multiple tendons during surgery. None of these were recognized before the procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In this series the surgeon intentionally looked for multiple tendons, which were found in 17.85% of the cases. Clinical results in patients with single- and multiple-tendon snapping seem to be similarly adequate. However, the possibility of a type II error should be considered given the small number of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Description and mid-term results of the 'over the top' technique for the treatment of the pincer deformity in femoroacetabular impingement.

Pincer impingement is often treated by surgical labral separation from the acetabular rim and rim reduction. A more recent technique the so-called 'over the top' involves reduction of the bony acetabular rim without separation of the labrum. Our purpose is to report mid-term results of the 'over the top' technique. Between January 2006 and January 2013 a consecutive series of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) diagnosis, treated with the 'over the top' technique were included, using the lateral approach. The Western Ontario and MacMaster (WOMAC) scores were evaluated. Fifty patients (20 males and 30 females) from the Hip and Knee Joint Reconstructive and hip arthroscopy division were included. The average age was 30.5 years old and the average follow-up was 48 months (range 70-90). Preoperative WOMAC average was 42. Post-operative WOMAC was 81.3 (P = 0.01). One patient required an arthroscopic revision due to adherences, but had a full recovery after the revision surgery. The 'over the top' technique is an excellent choice for the treatment of the pincer deformity in the FAI avoiding the injury of the chondrolabral union.

Central compartment release versus lesser trochanter release of the iliopsoas tendon for the treatment of internal snapping hip: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of 2 different techniques of endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release in the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome. METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2012, a consecutive series of patients with the diagnosis of internal snapping hip syndrome were treated with endoscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used. Group 1 was treated with endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release at the lesser trochanter, and group 2 was treated with iliopsoas release from the central compartment. Hip arthroscopy of both the central and peripheral compartments was performed in both groups by the lateral approach. Associated injuries were identified and treated arthroscopically. The postoperative physical therapy protocol was the same for both groups. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up at a minimum of 24 months. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the study: 6 in group 1 (4 male and 2 female patients; mean age, 35.6 years) and 14 in group 2 (5 male and 9 female patients; mean age, 32.7 years). Associated injuries were found and treated in 4 patients in group 1 and 10 patients in group 2. Every patient in both groups had an improvement in the WOMAC score. One patient in group 2 presented with recurrence of snapping that required surgical intervention. No complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Both central compartment release and release at the lesser trochanter produced favorable results, based on WOMAC scores, for the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Intra-abdominal fluid extravasation during hip arthroscopy: a survey of the MAHORN group.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to survey experts in the field of hip arthroscopy from the Multicenter Arthroscopy of the Hip Outcomes Research Network (MAHORN) group to determine the frequency of symptomatic intra-abdominal fluid extravasation (IAFE) after arthroscopic hip procedures, identify potential risk factors, and develop preventative measures and treatment strategies in the event of symptomatic IAFE. METHODS: A survey was sent to all members of the MAHORN group. Surveys collected data on general hip arthroscopy settings, including pump pressure and frequency of different hip arthroscopies performed, as well as details on cases of symptomatic IAFE. Responses to the survey were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen hip arthroscopists from the MAHORN group were surveyed. A total of 25,648 hip arthroscopies between 1984 and 2010 were reviewed. Arthroscopic procedures included capsulotomies, labral reattachment after acetabuloplasty, peripheral compartment arthroscopy, and osteoplasty of the femoral head-neck junction. Of the arthroscopists, 7 (47%) had 1 or more cases of IAFE (40 cases reported). The prevalence of IAFE in this study was 0.16% (40 of 25,650). Significant risk factors associated with IAFE were higher arthroscopic fluid pump pressure (P = .004) and concomitant iliopsoas tenotomy (P < .001). In all 40 cases, the condition was successfully treated without long-term sequelae. Treatment options included observation, intravenous furosemide, and Foley catheter placement, as well as 1 case of laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic IAFE after hip arthroscopy is a rare occurrence, with an approximate prevalence of 0.16%. Prevention of IAFE should include close intraoperative and postoperative monitoring of abdominal distention, core body temperature, and hemodynamic stability. Concomitant iliopsoas tenotomy and high pump pressures may be risk factors leading to symptomatic IAFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Hip arthroscopy after traumatic hip dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip joint usually results from high-energy trauma, which can cause additional injuries that may need to be addressed after reduction. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to present arthroscopic findings after traumatic posterior hip dislocation in patients with mechanical hip symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: All patients treated with hip arthroscopy between 2002 and 2006 for mechanical hip symptoms after traumatic posterior hip dislocation with subsequent closed reduction were included in this study. The time between closed reduction and arthroscopy, arthroscopic findings and treatment, preoperative and last follow-up WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores, and last follow-up radiographs were analyzed. Complications or the need for further surgical treatment are reported. RESULTS: There were 17 patients (13 male, 4 female) with an average age of 28.5 years (range, 19-37 years). The average time between closed reduction and arthroscopy was 3 months. Fourteen patients had anterior labral tears, 6 had posterior labral tears, 16 had acetabular chondral damage, all had femoral chondral damage, and 14 had intra-articular fragments. The preoperative WOMAC score was 46; the last follow-up (average 45 months) WOMAC score was 87 (range, 45-93); this was considered statistically significant (P = .001). One patient required total hip replacement for osteoarthritis and 1 presented with osteonecrosis and is waiting for hip replacement. CONCLUSION: The clearest indication for arthroscopy after traumatic posterior hip dislocation was loose fragments inside the joint. Arthroscopy was also performed in every patient with mechanical hip symptoms. Intra-articular damage was demonstrated in every case. Most of the patients had significant improvement after hip arthroscopy.

Soft tissue pathology around the hip.

Snapping hip syndromes have been treated with open surgery for many years. Recently, endoscopic techniques have been developed for treatment of snapping hip syndromes with results that are at least comparable if not better than those reported for open procedures. The greater trochanteric pain syndrome is well known by orthopedic surgeons. However, deep understanding of the pathologic conditions generating pain in the greater trochanteric region and endoscopic access to it has only recently been described. Although evidence regarding endoscopic techniques for the treatment of the greater trochanteric pain syndrome is mainly anecdotal, early published reports are encouraging.

Endoscopic treatment of snapping hips, iliotibial band, and iliopsoas tendon.

Indications for endoscopic surgery of the hip have expanded recently. The technique has found a clear indication in the management of snapping hip syndromes, both external snapping hip and internal snapping hip. Even though the snapping hips (external and internal) share a common name, they are very different in origin. The external snapping hip is produced by the iliotibial band snapping over the prominence of the greater trochanter during flexion and extension. Indication for surgical treatment is painful snapping with failure of conservative treatment. The endoscopic technique is designed to release the iliotibial band producing a diamond shape defect on the iliotibial band lateral to the greater trochanter. The defect allows the greater trochanter to move freely without snapping. The greater trochanteric bursa is resected through the defect and the abductor tendons inspected. This procedure is performed without traction and usually only the peritrochanteric space is accessed. If necessary, hip arthroscopy can also be performed. There is limited literature regarding the results of endoscopic treatment for the external snapping hip syndrome, but early reports are encouraging. The internal snapping hip syndrome is produced by the iliopsoas tendon snapping over the iliopectineal eminence or the femoral head. The snapping phenomenon usually occurs with extension of the hip from a flexed position of more than 90 degree. Two different endoscopic techniques have been described to treat this condition. Iliopsoas tendon release at the level of the hip joint, with this technique the iliopsoas bursa is accessed through an anterior hip capsulotomy and is frequently referred to as a transcapsular release. The second technique is a release at the insertion of the iliopsoas tendon on the lesser trochanter, with this technique the iliospaos bursa is accessed directly. In every report the iliopsoas tendon release has been combined with arthroscopy of the hip joint. It has been documented that more than half of the patients with internal snapping hip syndrome have intra-articular hip pathology. The results of endoscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon in the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome are encouraging and seem to be better than those reported for open procedures.

Prospective randomized study of 2 different techniques for endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release in the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term results of 2 different techniques of endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release for the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome. METHODS: Between January 2005 and January 2007, a consecutive series of patients with the diagnosis of internal snapping hip syndrome was treated with endoscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon. The patients were randomized into 2 different groups. Patients in group 1 were treated with endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release at the lesser trochanter, and patients in group 2 were treated with endoscopic transcapsular psoas release from the peripheral compartment. Hip arthroscopy of both the central and peripheral compartments was performed in both groups using the lateral approach. Associated injuries were identified and treated arthroscopically. Postoperative physical therapy was the same for both series, and each patient received 400 mg of celecoxib daily for 21 days after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) scores and imaging studies were evaluated. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in the study: 10 in group 1 (5 male and 5 female; average age, 29.5 years) and 9 in group 2 (8 female and 1 male; average age, 32.6 years). No statistical difference was found in group composition. Associated injuries were found and treated in 8 patients in group 1 and 7 patients in group 2. No statistical difference was found between groups in preoperative WOMAC scores, and every patient in both groups had an improvement in the WOMAC score. Improvements in WOMAC scores were statistically significant in both groups, and no difference was found in postoperative WOMAC results between groups. No complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Iliopsoas tendon release at the level of the lesser trochanter or at the level of the hip joint using a transcapsular technique is effective and reproducible. We found no clinical difference in the results of both techniques.

Complications of arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement treatment: a review.

Recent developments in hip arthroscopy techniques and technology have made it possible in many cases to avoid open surgical technique for treating pincer-type and cam-type femoroacetabular impingement and rather treating it arthroscopically. Early reports suggest favorable results using arthroscopic techniques. The frequency of complications reported for hip arthroscopy for all indications is generally less than 1.5%, suggesting the procedure is safe. Little information is available on complications directly related to the arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. Failure to recognize and treat or incompletely reshape impingement deformities may be the most frequent cause for a second hip arthroscopy and redébridement of the deformity. There has been no report of avascular necrosis related to the arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement; only one femoral neck fracture after arthroscopic cam remodeling has been reported in a large series of patients. Other clinical concerns include hip dislocation secondary to extensive capsulotomies or overresection of the anterior acetabular rim in the case of pincer impingement.

A geographic zone method to describe intra-articular pathology in hip arthroscopy: cadaveric study and preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to develop an alternative method to divide the acetabulum and femoral head into different zones based on anatomic landmarks clearly visible during arthroscopy to facilitate reporting the geographic location of intra-articular injuries. METHODS: Two vertical lines are positioned across the acetabulum aligned with the anterior and posterior limits of the acetabular notch. A horizontal line is positioned aligned with the superior limit of the notch perpendicular to the previous lines. The lines divide the acetabulum into 6 zones. Numbers are assigned to each zone in consecutive order. Zone 1 is the anterior-inferior acetabulum. The numbers progress around the notch until zone 5 is assigned to the posterior-inferior acetabulum. Zone 6 is the acetabular notch. The same method is applied to the femoral head. Six experienced hip arthroscopists were instructed in the zone and clock-face methods and were asked to identify and describe the geographic locations of lesions at the acetabular rim, acetabular cartilage, and femoral head in the same cadaveric specimen. RESULTS: The zone method was more reproducible than the clock-face method in the geographic description of intra-articular injuries on the acetabulum and the femoral head. CONCLUSIONS: Among a group of expert hip arthroscopists, the zone method was more reproducible than the clock-face method. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented method divides the acetabulum into 6 different zones based on the acetabular notch. The zones are the same for right- and left-side hips. The same method is applied for the femoral head allowing, for the first time, a geographic description of pathology.

Arthroscopic treatment of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement: preliminary report at 2 years minimum follow-up.

Femoroacetabular impingement is defined as anterior hip abutment between the acetabular rim and proximal femur. When it is secondary to acetabular overcoverage, it is pincer impingement. When it is secondary to femoral head and neck deformity, it is cam impingement. Open remodeling of impinging deformities is the standard treatment of this condition. We describe arthroscopic treatment of cam impingement in 19 patients using standard hip arthroscopy portals by the lateral approach. Sixteen patients improved their symptoms after the procedure; and 3 patients deteriorated, with 1 needing a total hip arthroplasty at 2 years follow-up. We had no cases with postoperative femoral neck fractures or avascular necrosis. Hip arthroscopy can be successfully used to treat cam impingement. The precautions used in open surgery to preserve femoral neck bone stock and hip vascularity should be followed.

A minimalist approach to hip arthroscopy: the slotted cannula.

Adequate patient positioning with a traction device to provide sufficient distraction of the hip to access the femoral-acetabular joint is the first and most important step in hip arthroscopy. Cannulated instruments provide reproducible access to the hip joint from every portal by following guidewires into the joint. These guidewires are positioned through long spinal needles via fluoroscopic navigation and, subsequently, direct arthroscopic vision. By using these techniques adequately, the risk of iatrogenic damage to the hip joint is reduced. The traditional option for introduction of instruments to the hip joint has been the use of closed working cannulas of increasing diameters to accommodate instruments of different sizes. Curved instruments usually require large-diameter standard cannulas or flexible plastic cannulas. Large cannulas increase the risk of damage to the articular cartilage and may not accommodate every curved instrument. Flexible cannulas may leave debris inside the joint if damaged. Slotted cannulas allow curved instruments to be introduced into the hip joint by sliding them through their open side. With the instrument inside the joint, the slotted cannula can be slid out for better instrument mobility. It can also be reinserted around the previous instrument for instrument or portal exchange.