Hip instability

Abstract

Although the hip depends primarily on its osseous anatomy for stability, its unique soft tissue envelope also plays a role in its stability, particularly when there are variants from normal. The spectrum of hip instability is wide, and therefore a complete history and physical examination combined with the appropriate imaging studies are essential in determining where on this spectrum any given patient fits. It is critical to recognize the patients that have obvious bony findings leading to the instability in order to appropriately manage them without simply resorting to simple arthroscopic repair, which may not suffice for the treatment of the underlying instability.