Extract
Hip arthroscopy allows thorough visualization of the acetabular labrum,
femoral head, and acetabular chondral surfaces as well as of the fovea,
ligamentum teres, and adjacent synovium. Microsurgical tools developed
specifically for arthroscopic hip surgery can be used to provide the least
intrusive means of diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the
above-mentioned structures (Table
I). No radiographic study, including high-contrast
gadolinium-enhanced arthrography-magnetic resonance imaging, is entirely
sensitive or specific for the diagnosis of labral tears or chondral lesions.
Thus, a high level of clinical suspicion based on the patient's symptoms and
positive physical findings is paramount for the clinician to recognize subtle
abnormalities in the hip joint.