Hip Arthroscopy: Surgical Approach, Positioning, and Distraction

The hip is the most deeply recessed joint in the body making it difficult to access arthroscopically. However, for the patient with a symptomatic loose body or labral tear open techniques are less advantageous. It is for this reason that, however difficult, minimally-invasive approaches to the hip have been developed. Meticulous attention to proper positioning and portal placement is paramount for safe and successful arthroscopy of the hip. The current authors will review the seminal features of positioning and minimally-invasive surgical approaches to the hip.