To evaluate the effectiveness of the hip arthroscopy in degenerative osteoarthritis.

Thirty four patients who were treated by hip arthroscopy under the impression of osteoarthritis were reviewed. We arbitrarily classified the patients into 4 groups based on plain radiographic and arthroscopic findings. Group I: radiographic findings were normal, but arthroscopic evidence of degeneration (11 cases), Group II: symptomatic mild dysplastic osteoarthritis (6 cases), Group III: symptomatic early osteoarthritis (13 cases), Group IV: moderate osteoarthritis (4 cases). We removed torn labra, loose bodies and osteophytes and performed synovectomy during the arthroscopy. Mean follow-up was 32.1 months (12-62).

The mean HHS improved from 55.2 points to 80.3 points at a postoperative 6 months and to 80.6 points after 1 year. The mean improvement was 25.4 points. The corresponding improvement in JOA pain scores was 0.9 to 2.2. The results of the subjective satisfaction were Good: 25 cases (75%), Stationary: 7 cases (20.6%), Poor: 2 cases (5.9%). In case of dysplastic and moderate arthritis, results were poor or stationary.

Arthroscopic labrectomy and synovectomy proved effective in early osteoarthritis, and in moderate cases, reduced pain temporarily.