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When making posterior portal for hip arthroscopy in what position should the hip be in to reduce risk to the sciatic nerve?

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Final answer:

For hip arthroscopy, the hip should be flexed and potentially internally or externally rotated to reduce tension on the sciatic nerve, considering the relationship of the sciatic nerve to the ischial spine and ischial tuberosity, which bound the lesser sciatic notch.

Step-by-step explanation:

When making a posterior portal for hip arthroscopy, the hip should be in a position that minimizes the risk to the sciatic nerve. This nerve extends across the hip joint and gluteal region, implying its proximity to the arthroscopic entry points. The hip is often flexed slightly to help move the femoral head away from the acetabulum, which, along with a combination of internal or external rotation, can help reduce the tension on the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, during the procedure, the location of bony landmarks such as the ischial spine and ischial tuberosity are taken into account since these define the boundary of the lesser sciatic notch and greater sciatic notch, areas which are closely related to the path of the sciatic nerve.

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