Arthroscopic Hip Capsule Reconstruction for Anterior Hip Capsule Insufficiency in the Revision Setting

Abstract

Iatrogenic hip instability is increasingly recognized as a cause of persistent pain and disability after hip arthroscopy. Many authors currently advocate capsular repair to reduce postoperative instability. However, anatomic deficiencies in the anterosuperior capsule can prevent a functional capsular repair, particularly in the revision setting. Capsular reconstruction has been shown to restore biomechanical stabilization in cadaveric models and improve short-term patient outcomes in patients with primary hip arthroscopy failure. Arthroscopic hip capsular reconstruction is technically challenging, largely owing to complex suture management and difficulties with graft placement and sizing. This article describes the capsular reconstruction technique, detailing the technical aspects of anterosuperior capsular defect identification; capsular preparation; suture management; and dermal allograft sizing, preparation, and positioning.