Portal Placement in Hip Arthroscopy: Anatomic Considerations and Access to the Central, Peripheral, and Peritrochanteric Spaces

In performing hip arthroscopy, portal placement is arguably the most important component of the procedure. Given the constrained nature of the hip joint, even small errors in the location of the portals can limit access to intra- and extra-articular structures. Anatomic landmarks are used, and fluoroscopy is commonly used to ensure accurate portal placement. This allows the surgeon to access all areas of the hip joint and surrounding structures while avoiding iatrogenic injury to the cartilage and neurovascular structures. Numerous portals have been described for hip arthroscopy in the central and peripheral compartments.