For the hip, published literature reports approximately 50% successful outcome of operative arthroscopy in the presence of arthritis. These results are not very promising but some patients respond remarkably well. Careful patient selection is paramount to a potentially successful outcome. General parameters include: younger patients; mechanical joint symptoms; partial joint space preservation; adequate rotational motion; reasonable expectations; and failure of conservative treatment.

Arthroscopy has helped to understand the pathological process associated with various forms of osteoarthritis. We are now capable of recognizing these at earlier stages in the disease. However, it remains to be seen whether we can change the natural history of the disease process. Despite increasingly sophisticated technology with MRI, MRA, etc., radiographs remain the most important tool in assessing arthritic changes. Radiographs have traditionally been poor at detecting early degenerative disease, but with the information from arthroscopy, we are now more capable of recognizing the clinical importance associated with subtle radiographic findings.