Computer Navigation-Assisted Osteochondroplasty May Improve Accuracy of Resection Planning With Limited Outcome Differences Compared With Freehand Hip Arthroscopic Technique in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

Abstract

To evaluate the achievement of the preoperative plan and clinical outcomes in patients with cam- or combined-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome undergoing computer navigation-assisted arthroscopic osteochondroplasty compared with freehand techniques. This retrospective study included patients treated between 2020 and 2024 who met the following criteria: (1) primary hip arthroscopic surgery for cam- or combined-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, (2) availability of pre- and postoperative computed tomography imaging, and (3) minimum 12-month follow-up. Patients were divided into a navigation-assisted group and a freehand group. In the navigation group, a computed tomography-based system was used, enabling real-time tracking of the abrader burr during resection. Achievement of the preoperative plan was assessed by comparing postoperative 3-dimensional range of motion simulations to preoperative targets at 90°, 70°, and 45° of hip flexion. Clinical outcomes included the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Fifty-five hips were included (25 in the navigation-assisted group and 30 in the freehand group). Mean follow-up was 14.7 ± 4.4 months (range, 12-25 months) in the navigation group and 31.3 ± 11.2 months (range, 12-58 months) in the freehand group. The navigation group had greater achievement rates of the preoperative range of motion plan at 90° (92.0% vs 46.7%, P < .001) and 70° (80.0% vs 50.0%, P = .027). At 1 year, NAHS was greater in the navigation group (88.6 ± 9.2 vs 79.8 ± 18.9, P = .037), with more patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (76.0% vs 46.7%, P = .032). There were no significant differences in mHHS, revision arthroscopy, or conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Computer navigation-assisted osteochondroplasty may improve the accuracy of cam resection and contribute to better short-term outcomes such as the NAHS at 1 year. However, clinical benefits over freehand technique were limited in other measures such as mHHS, revision, or conversion rates. Level Ⅲ, retrospective comparative study.