title: Capsulotomy first: a novel concept for hip arthroscopy.
abstract: Capsulotomy during hip arthroscopy improves the mobility of arthroscopic instruments and helps gain greater access to key areas of the hip. During the past decade, its use has expanded dramatically as the complexity of hip arthroscopy has advanced. We report a novel approach for hip arthroscopy that consists of performing an extra-articular capsulotomy under endoscopic control before exploration of the hip joint. The principle of this new concept is to replicate an anterior Hueter approach of the hip joint. We describe the surgical technique and discuss its advantages compared with conventional hip arthroscopy techniques using either a peripheral- or central-compartment starting point. This new approach is easy to master, can be performed with a 30° optic system, does not require fluoroscopic assistance, allows a reduction in both the force and duration of traction, and reduces the risk of labral or chondral damage.
authors.affiliation: Centre Orthopédique Santy, Hopital Privé Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thaunat
authors.affiliation: Centre Orthopédique Santy, Hopital Privé Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Colin G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.affiliation: Centre Orthopédique Santy, Hopital Privé Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chatellard
authors.affiliation: Centre Orthopédique Santy, Hopital Privé Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sonnery-Cottet
authors.affiliation: Centre Médico Chirurgical Paris V, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Graveleau
authors.affiliation: Centre Médico Chirurgical Paris V, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Centre Médico Chirurgical Paris V, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Laude