The Yoga Mat Technique in Postless Hip Arthroscopy

Abstract

Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with anti-sliding techniques and without the use of a perineal post to achieve hip distraction has increased greatly in the past 5 to 10 years. To access the hip joint, distraction is mandatory to treat intra-articular disorders such as labral tears, acetabular cartilage defects, loose bodies, ligamentum teres tears, and avascular necrosis of the hip. In hip distraction, counter-distraction is needed, and this is achieved with a bulky and cushioned perineal post. Most of the described techniques in hip arthroscopy worldwide use a perineal post, but iatrogenic pudendal nerve, genital lacerations, hematomas, and groin complications have been reported to occur. In Latin American countries, disposable hip pad devices are expensive, and not all the arthroscopic companies provide them. Our yoga mat technique provides enough countertraction to achieve adequate hip distraction. Labral repair, labral reconstruction, and decompression of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome have been achieved properly, reliably, and reproducibly, and no Trendelenburg position is needed. Postless hip arthroscopy is made simple, and positioning the patient is not difficult. Hip surgeons can adapt this technique to a fracture table, a hip distractor, and a standard operating room table.