Physician reported outcomes of hip arthroscopy without a perineal post: an international survey

Although the current literature reports an acceptable rate of complications with the use of a perineal post in hip arthroscopy, they are still possible and preventable. The purpose of this study was to survey International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) members on their use of postless distraction in hip arthroscopy. A 19-question survey was emailed to hip preservation surgeons that are members of ISHA. The questions examined surgeons’ location, experience, utilization of a perineal post or postless distraction and any complications they may have encountered. In all, 145 respondents completed the survey. Regarding complications encountered when using a perineal post, the most frequent responses were temporary nerve damage (115, 80.6%), temporary genitourinary complications (39, 27%), temporary genital skin injury (35, 24%) and permanent nerve injury (12, 8%). Regarding the postless technique, of the 60 respondents who noted they have utilized postless distraction, 9 (15%) reported complications, with 7 (12%) reporting temporary nerve damage being the most common and 0 reporting cases of permanent nerve injury. These were statistically significantly less than those reported with a perineal post. Ninety-seven percent reported that after utilizing postless distraction, their patients were recovering better than or the same as when using a perineal post. This survey had excellent international participation by experienced hip arthroscopists. There were a statistically significantly decreased number of complications reported by the surgeons utilizing postless distraction. This survey highlights that postless distraction is being done successfully with lower reported complications and excellent patient recovery.