Technique of Arthroscopically Assisted Transtrochanteric Drilling for Femoral Head Chondral Defects

Technique of Arthroscopically Assisted Transtrochanteric Drilling for Femoral Head Chondral Defects

Citation

Chandrasekaran S, Lindner D, Martin TJ, Lodhia P, Suarez-Ahedo C, Domb BG.
Arthrosc Tech. 2015 Jul 6;4(4):e287-91.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2015.02.007

Purpose

To describe a surgical technique for treating femoral head cartilage defects using arthroscopically assisted transthorchanteric drilling (microfracture) to stimulate cartilage repair.

Methods

• Technique involves drilling the femoral head cartilage defects using a 2.7-mm K-wire via transthorchanteric approach under arthroscopic and imaging guidance.
• Designed for medial and parafoveal cartilage defects that are difficult to access arthroscopically.

Key Findings

• Microfracture stimulates formation of fibrocartilage in cartilage defects.
• Arthroscopic transthorchanteric drilling is minimally invasive and reduces risks compared to open procedures.
• Allows treatment of hard-to-reach cartilage defects with faster recovery and fewer complications.

Conclusion

This arthroscopic transthorchanteric drilling technique is an effective and safe method for microfracture treatment of challenging femoral head chondral defects.

What This Means for Patients

If you have cartilage damage in your hip, this less invasive technique may help repair your cartilage and relieve symptoms with quicker recovery and less risk.