Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Lower-Extremity Amputations: Patient Positioning and Traction Technique

Improved battlefield survival rates have resulted in a significant number of young active patients with lower-extremity amputations. Because of the increased demands placed on their hips, patients with amputations may be more susceptible to the sequelae of hip pathology and femoroacetabular impingement. Arthroscopic management of hip pathology may be successfully performed in patients with ipsilateral, contralateral, or bilateral lower-extremity amputations. We describe our experience in this unique patient population. A technique for secure patient positioning that provides sufficient countertraction in the case of contralateral amputation is described, as is the use of skeletal traction with a temporary external fixator for joint distraction in patients with ipsilateral amputations. Considerations specific to patients with high transfemoral amputations are discussed as well.