To survey high-volume hip arthroscopists regarding their current indications for labral reconstruction, graft preference and technique. In May 2018, a cross-sectional based survey was conducted on high-volume hip arthroscopists. A high-volume surgeon was defined as an orthopaedist who had case experience ranging from 50 to 5000 hip arthroscopies performed annually. The survey included their current indications for labral reconstruction, graft preference and technique. Twelve high-volume surgeons successfully completed the questionnaire. The mean arthroscopic procedures performed by the surgeons annually was 188.7 (range 60–350). Four surgeons (33.3%) performed <5 labral reconstruction cases per year, three (25.0%) 5–10 cases per year, two (16.7%) 11–15 cases per year and three (25.0%) over 20 cases per year. Of the 12 surgeons, 11 (91.6%) would reconstruct in certain primary settings and 100% would reconstruct in revision settings. In the primary setting, the main indications for reconstruction were poor quality labral tissue, calcified labrum and hypoplastic labrum. None of the surgeons recommended labral reconstruction for reparable labral tears in primary cases. In primary cases of irreparable labra, 58.3% of the surgeons favoured reconstruction over debridement. In revisions, 100% of the surgeon favoured reconstruction over debridement; 91.7% chose an allograft option versus an autograft alternative. Amongst high-volume arthroscopists, labral reconstruction was considered a valuable technique to restore labral function. Labral reconstruction was more often advocated in revision than in primary settings. Allograft was the preferred choice for reconstruction. Excision of the labral tissue prior to reconstruction was favoured over augmentation. Fewer surgeons performed circumferential reconstruction than segmental reconstruction.

Most surgeons rely on the greater trochanter as the reference point to establish the anterolateral portal. Nevertheless, we believe that the anterosuperior iliac spine is a more reliable landmark. Unlike the greater trochanter, it is unaffected by leg rotation and is more easily identified by palpation. Abiding by the central tenet of medicine to “do no harm,” the technique described herein presents in detail the concept of the 12 o’clock portal placement, a hip joint access method based on identifying specific anatomic points under fluoroscopy and by palpation. To accomplish this goal, this Technical Note presents a step-by-step approach, including tips and pearls for patient positioning and fluoroscopic guidance. We believe this method ensures a reproducible and safe way to start hip arthroscopy in the supine position.

Introduction: The direct anterior approach (DAA) has gained popularity in recent years for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Several authors reported significantly better early outcomes when compared to the posterior approach (PA). Nevertheless, controversy exists regarding longer-term benefits of the DAA. Methods: Data was prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for primary THAs conducted between July 2008 and July 2016. Patients who underwent DAA and PA with minimum 2-year follow-up for Harris Hip Score (HHS), Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Veteran RAND 12 Mental (VR-12 Mental), Veteran RAND 12 Physical (VR-12 Physical), 12-Item Short Form Survey Mental (SF-12 Mental), 12-Item Short Form Survey Physical (SF-12 Physical), visual analogue scale, and patient satisfaction were included. Propensity score matching was performed on the DAA and PA cohorts (1:1) based on the following variables: age, sex, body mass index, and laterality. Results: 205 DAA hips were satisfactorily matched to 205 PA hips. The DAA group had higher scores at final follow-up for VR-12 Mental ( p = 0.0145), VR-12 Physical ( p = 0.0236), SF-12 Mental ( p = 0.0393), and SF-12 Physical ( p = 0.0391). The DAA and PA groups had comparable HHS ( p = 0.0737) and FJS-12 ( p = 0.2900). Conclusions: Although the DAA and PA groups had different follow-up periods, both the DAA and PA groups reported favourable outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up. While both groups achieved comparable scores for the majority of PROs including VAS and patient satisfaction, the DAA group achieved superior quality of life outcomes when compared with a propensity score matched group of PA surgeries.

Femoroacetabular impingement describes a pathologic interaction between the bony femoral head/neck junction and acetabulum. Cam-type femoroacetabular impingement results from an aspherical femoral head architecture, which increases early contact along the acetabular surface during hip range of motion. Errant arthroscopic femoroplasty recently has been discussed within the literature to describe a preventable etiology of failed hip arthroscopy, most notably cam over-and under-resection. We present an arthroscopic surgical technique for achieving the perfectly spherical femoroplasty, meant to minimize complications and improve postoperative outcomes.