Impact of Capsulotomy on Hip Biomechanics during Arthroscopy

Background and Objectives: Anterior capsulotomy is routinely performed in hip arthroscopy to improve joint visualization; however, this can partly or completely disrupt the stabilizing ligaments of the hip. This study aimed to report the effects of conventional and extensive arthroscopic capsulotomies on hip stability. Materials and Methods: Eight freshly frozen cadaveric pelvises were used in this study. The range of motion and translation were measured and compared among different capsular conditions utilized in hip arthroscopy, with a special interest in the iliofemoral ligament (IFL) and zona orbicularis (ZO). The conditions included intact capsule, interportal capsulotomy, T-capsulotomy, complete IFL disruption, and complete IFL and ZO disruption. Internal rotation at three flexion planes (−10°, 0°, and 30°) and external rotation at six flexion planes (−10°, 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 110°) were measured with corresponding femoral head translation distance at the application of 2.5 Nm torque. Results: As compared to an intact capsule, a significant increase in external rotation was observed after interportal capsulotomy from −10° to 60° and after T-capsulotomy from −10° to 110° flexion. A significant translation was observed only with a T-capsulotomy, which ranged from 1.9 to 2.3 mm across the flexion angles. Compared with conventional interportal capsulotomy, disruption of the entire IFL resulted in a significant increase in external rotation in all flexion planes, and significant translation was accompanied by disruption of the ZO. Conclusions: Interportal capsulotomy can result in an increase in range of motion, and T-capsulotomy can lead to significant translation. Partial or complete tears of the IFL and ZO can result in further external rotation and translation.