Objective: To study the effect of arthroscopy debridement for adolescent ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with early hip-joint disease.
Methods: A total of 22 cases (26 hips) of adolescent AS were recruited. There were 15 males and 7 females. The distribution was as follows: left side (n = 10), right side (n = 8) and bilateral (n = 4). The average age was 16 (14 - 19) years old. The procedures included adhesion relief of hip joint, removal of hyperplasic synovial membrane, degenerated cartilage debris and repairing exfoliated debris or exposed subchondral bone on hip joint.
Results: All patients were followed up for an average of 26 (6 - 84) months. Most patients experienced pain relief, restored function and the range of motion. According to Harris hip joint score and VAS pain score evaluation system, the outcomes were excellent (n = 6) fair (n = 14) and poor (n = 2). There was no case of total hip replacement.
Conclusion: Arthroscopic debridement for adolescent ankylosing spondylitis with early hip joint disease is effective to improve joint motion and relieve pain.