What is a common indication for hip arthroscopy?

• A. Acetabular fracture
• B. Osteoarthritis progression
• C. Displaced femoral neck fracture
• D. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with labral tear

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that hip arthroscopy is most commonly used for intra-articular problems that cause mechanical symptoms, especially femoroacetabular impingement with a labral tear. In FAI, abnormal contact between the femoral head-neck area and the acetabulum irritates and tears the labrum, often with cartilage damage, leading to groin pain and catching or locking sensations. Arthroscopy lets the surgeon address both issues: repair or debridement of the torn labrum and reshaping of the impinging bone (cam osteoplasty or pincer rim trim) to restore smooth joint motion and reduce symptoms. The other scenarios are not typical indications: fractures like an acetabular fracture or a displaced femoral neck fracture require fracture fixation or arthroplasty, not a primary arthroscopic treatment; progression of osteoarthritis is generally not treated with arthroscopy as a primary approach.