Intraoperative Monitoring and Intra-abdominal Fluid Extravasation During Hip Arthroscopy

Making the Case for Hyperosmolar Saline Arthroscopic Irrigation Fluids: A Systematic Review of Basic Science, Translational, and Clinical Evidence

Commonly used isotonic arthroscopic irrigation fluids, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's, were initially formulated for intravenous administration so they do not replicate the physiologic properties of healthy synovial fluid. Synovial fluid plays an important role in regulating joint homeostasis such that even transient disruptions in its composition and physiology can be detrimental. Previous studies suggest that hyperosmolar solutions may be a promising alternative to traditional isotonic fluids. This manuscript sought to systematically review and synthesize previously published basic science, translational, and clinical studies on the use of hyperosmolar arthroscopic irrigation fluids to delineate the optimal fluid for clinical use. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search phrases were: ("cartilage" AND "hyperosmolar"); ("arthroscopy" OR "arthroscopic" AND "hyperosmolar"). The titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened for studies on hyperosmolar solutions and articular cartilage. Study quality was assessed, and relevant data were collected. A meta-analysis was not performed due to study heterogeneity. A risk of bias assessment was performed on the included translational and clinical studies. There were 10 basic science studies, 2 studies performed in translational animal models, and 2 clinical studies included in this review. Of the basic science studies, 7 utilized a mechanical injury model. The translational studies were carried out in the canine shoulder and equine stifle (knee) joint. Clinical studies were performed in the shoulder and knee. Multiple basic science, translational, and clinical studies highlight the short-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential benefits associated with use of hyperosmolar solutions for arthroscopic irrigation. Further work is needed to develop and validate the ideal formulation for a hyperosmolar irrigation solution with proven long-term benefits for patients undergoing arthroscopic surgeries.

Calculating Intraoperative Fluid Deficit to Prevent Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Hip Arthroscopy

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication that can occur during hip arthroscopy. This usually occurs as a result of arthroscopic fluid passing into the retroperitoneal space through the psoas tunnel. From the retroperitoneal space, the fluid can then enter the intraperitoneal space through defects in the peritoneum. Previous studies have identified female sex, iliopsoas tenotomy, pump pressure, and operative time as potential risk factors for fluid extravasation. We present a method to measure intraoperative fluid deficit during hip arthroscopy to alert surgeons to possible ACS. Our proposed technique requires diligent intraoperative monitoring of fluid output through various suction devices, including suction canisters, puddle vacuums, and suction mats. The difference is then calculated from the fluid intake from the arthroscopic fluid bags. If the difference is greater than 1500 mL, then the anesthesiologist and circulating nurse are instructed to examine the abdomen for distension every 15 minutes. This, combined with other common symptoms such as hypotension and hypothermia, should alert the surgical team to the development of ACS. Despite limitations to this technique, this approach offers an objective method to calculate intra-abdominal fluid extravasation.

Pain relief and good functional outcomes after hip endoscopy via posterior approach in patients with ischiofemoral impingement

PURPOSE

Ischiofemoral impingement is considered to be an uncommon and difficult pathology to diagnose with respect to hip pain etiology. The objective was to describe the clinical results of endoscopic lesser trochanter resection via a posterior approach in patients with Ischiofemoral impingement.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with Ischiofemoral impingement, who underwent endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter via a posterior approach, between 2015 and 2018. Clinical results were evaluated using the ischiofemoral impingement test, long-stride walking test, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Oxford scale to assess the strength of the iliopsoas muscle as well as the presence of complications. Preoperative and postoperative ischiofemoral space was measured to assess whether the resection of the lesser trochanter was adequate.

RESULTS

16 hips in 13 patients (mean age: 34.4 ± 12.1 years, 11 women) with a follow-up period between 24 and 59 months were included. Preoperative ischiofemoral space ranged from 6.4 to 22.4 mm, a measure > 17.0 mm was achieved in 15 hips without the presence of pain in IFI test and long-strides walking test. Function improved postoperatively, as reflected by a higher mean mHHS (preoperative: 44.6 ± 21.5, postoperative: 81.2 ± 15.1, p < 0.05). After surgery, the strength of the iliopsoas muscle was not decreased compared to the preoperative measure. Three complications were reported, including two cases that required revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter via posterior approach provides satisfactory outcomes with symptom relief and good functional results in patients with Ischiofemoral impingement. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks when offering this treatment choice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Complications of Hip Endoscopy in the Treatment of Subgluteal Space Pathologies

PURPOSE

To assess complications of hip endoscopy in patients with subgluteal space pathologies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with sciatic nerve entrapment (SNE), ischiofemoral impingement (IFI), and rupture of the proximal origin of the hamstring muscles (RHM) who underwent a hip endoscopy from January 2012 to December 2018, after a minimum of 3 months of conservative management without satisfactory results. Complications were documented and graded using the adapted system of Clavien-Dindo. Revision surgeries were classified as treatment failures. Function was evaluated by the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index before and 12 months after the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 97 hips with subgluteal space pathologies were treated with hip endoscopy. This total consisted of 77 hips with SNE, 5 with IFI, 12 with SNE + IFI, and 3 hips with RHM. Minor (Clavien-Dindo I-II) and major (Clavien-Dindo III-V) complications occurred in 7.22% (7) (95% confidence interval 3.54%-14.15%) and 12.37% (12) (95% confidence interval 7.22%-20.39%). Grade II, III, and IV complications were reported in 7.22% (7), 7.22%, and 5.15% (5) hips, respectively. Temporary nerve injury of the sciatic nerve, hematoma, and permanent nerve injury of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were the most common grade II, grade III, and grade IV complications, respectively. The revision rate was 6.19% (6) and entrapment of the sciatic nerve was the main cause of reoperation. No statistically significant differences were found between cases with and without complications in the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores evaluated before and after surgery (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of complications associated with hip endoscopy were observed in patients with SNE, IFI, and RHM. Sciatic nerve and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury were the most frequent events.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series type.

Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopy of the Hip (Not the Abdomen!)

Hip arthroscopists and the surgical team should be aware of the potential complication of intra-abdominal fluid extravasation (IAFE). Fluid extravasation may be relatively common. Fortunately, symptomatic IAFE remains rare but can be serious. Increased peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) should be a parameter that we follow and discuss with our anesthesia colleagues. This would be an excellent point to bring up during the mandatory preoperative time out. Increased PIP or hemodynamic instability should warrant a consideration of IAFE.