ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF SYNOVIAL OSTEOCHONDROMATOSIS OF THE HIP

Objective: The objective of this study is to show the results achieved in the treatment of hip osteochondromatosis by arthroscopy. Methods: Six patients submitted to hip arthroscopy for synovial osteochondromatosis have been assessed for pre- and postoperative function and pain. The time of preoperative complaint ranged from nine to 48 months, in an average of 28.2 months and the follow-up ranged from eight to 25 months (mean: 17.1 months). Mean age was 45.1 years, with four female patients (66.6%) and the right side affected in five cases (83.3%). Results: Concerning the results according to Byrd-modified Harris' criteria, the mean score evolved from 54.1 to 90.4, and the mean score on the face expressions scale for pain assessment ranged from 1.7 to 5.1. Conclusion: arthroscopy is a good alternative for hip osteochondromatosis treatment, although longer follow-up times are required to strictly stating this. The results found so far are encouraging, constituting a littleinvasive procedure allowing good recovery.