Mixed-type femoroacetabular impingement associated with subspine impingement: recognizing the trifocal femoropelvic impingement

Abstract

To describe the arthroscopic surgical technique for subspine impingement (SSI) of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) associated with mixed type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), through two standard arthroscopic portals (anterolateral and distal mid-anterior) in two patients with trifocal impingement. The authors report the cases of two young male patients, aged 32 and 36 years old, with trifocal femoropelvic impingement (TFPI). The technique consists of segmental capsulectomy, arthroscopic dissection of the AIIS, partial release of the direct head of the rectus femoris, resection of the AIIS projection with a burr and with fluoroscopic aid, correction of the pincer deformity, repair of the labrum with bioabsorbable anchors, and femoral osteoplasty. Details of the diagnostic workup and of the surgical technique are provided and discussed. In these cases, full range of motion was regained after surgery, as well as complete relief of pain, which was sustained in the last follow-up, one year post-operatively. Radiographs show adequate correction of the deformities in all three impingement sites. Simultaneous correction of the three sites (cam, pincer, and subspinal) provided full relief of symptoms and allowed return to work and sports. The authors propose that when approaching the symptomatic SSI, the possibility of concomitant FAI should always be considered and, in those cases, the approach must be comprehensive.