Abstract:Objective To explore the effect and method of treating adult moderate and severe gluteal muscle contracture by arthroscopy with modified approach.Methods 288 cases of gluteal muscle contracture treated by arthroscopy were analyzed retrospectively, including 101 cases of degree II (moderate) and 19 cases of degree III (severe). The contracture band was exposed under arthroscopic monitoring and released by plasma knife. Functional exercise was performed early after operation. Then compare the curative effect before and after operation with the quantitative score of gluteal muscle contracture and investigate the patients' subjective satisfaction.Results 120 cases (240 hips) of adult patients with moderate or severe bilatral gluteal muscle contracture were treated with arthroscopy. The unilateral operation time range from 10 to 30 minutes, with an average of 18 minutes. During the operation, there was about 2~10 mL blood flow from unilateral wound, and the average flow volume was 40 mL after the operation. There were 2 cases complicated with incision hematoma and ecchymosis, 2 cases of local subcutaneous effusion, all of which were cured by conservative treatment, without the complications of neurovascular injury, wound infection, reduction of abductor strength of hip. The average follow-up time was 36 months. In the 102 patients who were followed up, the adduction and rotation of hip joint in all patients were significantly improved compared with that before operation, 100 patients (98.0%) could squat with their knees closed, 98 patients (96.1%) could cross their legs. The quantitative score of gluteal muscle contracture function in the last follow-up was significantly higher than that before operation, from (55.0 ± 10.0) points before operation to (90.0 ± 5.0) points after operation, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). 97 patients were very satisfied with the effect of the operation and 5 patients were satisfied.Conclusion The treatment of adult moderate and severe gluteal muscle contracture by arthroscopy with modified approach has the advantages of less trauma, less bleeding, less complications, shorter operation and hospitalization time, and beautiful wound. Combined with early functional exercise and rehabilitation after operation, the treatment effect is excellent.