The Practice of Computer-Assisted Planning and Navigation for Hip Arthroscopy

Despite significant developments in hip arthroscopic surgery in recent years, precise preoperative planning and accurate performance remain challenging. Preoperative planning is particularly important in cases of osteochondroplasty for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and can be aided by several computer-assisted tools, including three-dimensional imaging analysis or kinematic analysis. Initially, the exact point of the bony impingement is identified using simulation analysis; then, virtual osteochondroplasty is performed. Improvements in the range of motion can then be evaluated using computer simulation again. In this way, the required area and depth of bone resection can be assessed pre-operatively. In addition, computed tomography-based navigation assistance can be used to complete the osteochondroplasty in accordance with the preoperative planning. After surgery, postoperative evaluation provides valuable feedback to improve future planning and procedures. In this chapter, we describe the practice of computer-assisted planning and navigation for hip arthroscopy.