Editorial Commentary: Hip Arthroscopy Will Replace Open Surgical Dislocation as the Procedure of Choice for Global Acetabular Overcoverage.

Abstract

Traditionally, acetabular global overcoverage had been treated by open surgical dislocation of the hip and was a relative contraindication for hip arthroscopy. With advancing arthroscopic techniques, hip arthroscopy can successfully treat acetabular global overcoverage with less morbidity for the patient than an open hip procedure. Successful arthroscopic treatment of this condition is not for the beginner hip arthroscopist. Pitfalls of an arthroscopic technique include difficult entry into the joint and labral insufficiency with the inability to perform a repair, and these difficulties should be understood ahead of the procedure. However, with careful, thoughtful technique, arthroscopic treatment of acetabular global overcoverage has successful outcomes and now should be considered the preferred option instead of open surgical dislocation of the hip.