Abstract
Background
Hip arthroscopy is highly challenging with a long learning curve, and approach establishment is the first technical hurdle. Due to thick muscles, abundant vessels and nerves around the hip joint, puncturing into the joint cavity is difficult, and improper operation may cause injuries.
Based on previous research, the "Thumb Localization Method" was named, where the surface landmark of the hip joint space center after traction is about 3 cm inward and 2 cm caudally from the inferior edge of the anterior superior iliac spine.
Objective
The study aimed to verify this method's feasibility and accuracy for anterolateral (AL) and modified anterior (MA) portals.
Methods
From Jan 2021 to Jun 2022, 53 hip arthroscopy patients were recruited. The method was used in operation, with puncture at the determined point. Fluoroscopy verified the acetabular sourcil midpoint was 5 mm above.
Results
Results showed the puncture accuracy rate for AL portal was 94.3% and for MA portal was 90.6%. The horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) distances followed normal distributions and had no significant correlations with patients' info and X-ray parameters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the "Thumb Localization Method" can accurately locate the puncture direction, and the landmark point can be preliminarily determined by X and Y values.