Editorial Commentary: Subgluteal Hip Arthroscopy for Sciatic Nerve Entrapment, Ischiofemoral Impingement, or Proximal Hamstring Tears: Beyond the Comfort Zone

Abstract

Advancements in hip arthroscopy are astounding. Circumferential labral reconstruction, labral augmentation, and capsular reconstruction are valuable tools. Beyond the “comfort zone” of the hip intra-articular realm, new frontiers include the peritrochanteric space, and a similarity to the subacromial space of the shoulder makes the transition attainable. In contrast, the subgluteal space is seen as outside the box. Sciatic nerve entrapment (SNE), ischiofemoral impingement (IFI), and tears of the proximal origin of the hamstring are among the subgluteal space pathologies. Clinical assessment of deep gluteal syndrome, defined as nondiscogenic sciatic nerve entrapment, can be particularly difficult but is critical and one of the skills that we as hip sports surgeons need to master. The respective treatments for SNE, IFI, and hamstring tears are nerve decompression, lesser trochanteric resection, and hamstring repair. Complications can occur, most commonly temporary injury of the sciatic nerve and permanent injury of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. While all located in the deep gluteal space, SNE, IFI, and proximal hamstring tears are unique entities. When thinking outside the box, it's important to consider the complicated contents of Pandora’s box.