To introduce the longitudinal capsulotomy technique with preservation of the iliofemoral ligament and to report its preliminary clinical results.

The cases that underwent hip arthroscopic surgery in the Department of Sports Medicine of the Second Hospital of Shandong University between October 2018 and October 2019 were reviewed. All the included cases adopted the longitudinal capsulotomy technique and were followed up for at least six months. The patients’ informations were recorded, as well as the operation time of capsulotomy, traction time, total operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy, whether the joint capsule was closed, and the incidence of postoperative complications. The preoperative and postoperative hip function scores were compared. Statistical analysis was performed with independent t test.

A total of 62 cases were enrolled, among which the labral injury caused by hip impingement and borderline dysplasia of the hip were 53 cases. It took an average of (12±4)min to complete the capsulotomy with the longitudinal technique, and the average traction time during the procedure was (39±9) min; the total operation time was(127±15)min. Fluoroscopic positioning assistance was not required in 30.6% of the cases(19 cases), and closure of the joint capsule was performed in 72% of the cases(45 cases). There was no serious surgical complications, no reoperation, nor revision. The hip function score improved from (45±10)points before surgery to (77± 9)points six months after the surgery (t=17.889, P<0.001).

The use of a longitudinal incision technique outside the hip capsule, together with the closed management of the joint capsule, can better maintain the integrity of the joint capsule with good surgical safety and positive clinical outcome.