What is the most commonly damaged nerve during hip arthroscopy?

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is the most commonly damaged nerve during hip arthroscopy due to its anatomical location and the nature of the surgical approach. During hip arthroscopy, the position of the patient and the instruments used can create risks for nerve injury. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve runs close to the antero-lateral aspect of the hip, making it susceptible to being compressed or injured during procedures that require access to that area.

The other nerves mentioned are indeed important and can be impacted in various situations. The obturator nerve is mostly related to medial structures and is typically at less risk during hip arthroscopy. The sciatic nerve, while a significant nerve in the vicinity of the hip, is primarily at risk during posterior approaches, which are less common in hip arthroscopy. Lastly, the femoral nerve, which lies more anteriorly, can also be at risk in certain procedures but is not the most commonly affected.

In essence, the anatomical path and proximity of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve to the surgical field in hip arthroscopy make it the one most frequently affected during these procedures.