Evaluation of a Computed Tomography–Based Navigation System Prototype for Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Cam Impingement

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a new computed tomography–based computer navigation system on the accuracy of arthroscopic offset correction in patients with cam type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and to evaluate if the accuracy of offset restoration compromises the early clinical outcome.MethodsWe prospectively treated 50 patients (25 navigated and 25 non-navigated) by hip arthroscopy and arthroscopic offset restoration for cam FAI. The patients were a mean age 42.9 years, and the average follow-up was 26.7 months, with no patients lost to follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. A postoperative alpha angle of less than 50° or a reduction of the alpha angle of more than 20° was considered to be successful offset restoration. Outcomes were measured with a visual analogue scale for pain, range of motion, and the nonarthritic hip score.ResultsThe mean alpha angle improved from 76.5° (range, 57° to 110°) to 54.2° (range, 40° to 84°). In both the navigated and the non-navigated groups, 6 patients (24%) showed insufficient offset correction. Range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain scores, and nonarthritic hip scores significantly improved in all subgroups. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference regarding the clinical outcome between patients with sufficient and insufficient correction of the alpha angle.ConclusionsIn this series, a significant percentage of patients (24%) showed an insufficient correction of the alpha angle after hip arthroscopy for cam FAI. This study shows that the presented navigation system could not improve this rate and that the insufficient accuracy of reduction of the alpha angle does not appear to compromise the early clinical outcome.Level of EvidenceLevel II, prospective comparative study.