The role of hip arthroscopy in the management of osteonecrosis

Abstract

Hip arthroscopy has emerged as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head. Direct visualization of the joint, aids the staging of the disease, while mechanical symptoms and pain can be alleviated by addressing the often coexisting intra-articular pathology (labral tears, chondral delamination, loose bodies and synovitis) thereby improving the clinical outcome in some patients. The article explores the role and possible value of hip arthroscopy as a surgical technique in the treatment of hip ON.