Gross anatomy

Abstract

Anatomical knowledge of the joint characteristics and surrounding structures (anatomical constraints, capsular reinforcements, peritrochanteric space, etc.) is basic for the surgical team to achieve good results avoiding iatrogenic lesions. The hip can be divided arthroscopically into three compartments that comprise different anatomical structures. The first compartment was the first described in hip arthroscopy to diagnose and treat the different pathologies that affect the hip joint, and today this space is commonly known as the central compartment. The central compartment comprises the acetabular fossa, the lunate cartilage, the ligamentum teres, and the articular area of the femoral head. The peripheral compartment includes the femoral neck, the outer acetabular rim, synovial membrane, and the capsule including its capsular reinforcements (i.e., orbicularis zone). The acetabular labrum acts as a separator between central and peripheral compartment. The last compartment corresponds to the peritrochanteric compartment that lies between the iliotibial band and the proximal femur and gives us the possibility to reach the deep gluteal region. Thanks to the technical development, the knowledge of the surrounding anatomical structures (sciatic nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, etc.) to the peritrochanteric space is necessary. A review of the different anatomical structures related with the hip arthroscopy has been performed.