Achieving Successful Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in the Setting of Generalized Ligamentous Laxity With Labral Preservation and Appropriate Capsular Management: A Propensity Matched Controlled Study

Achieving Successful Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in the Setting of Generalized Ligamentous Laxity With Labral Preservation and Appropriate Capsular Management: A Propensity Matched Controlled Study

Authors

Maldonado DR, Chen JW, Yelton MJ, Rosinsky PJ, Shapira J, Brayboy C, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/0363546520914604

Background

Generalized ligamentous laxity (GLL), where joints are overly flexible, can lead to hip instability and contribute to pain. While hip arthroscopy is an effective treatment for labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), it is unclear how GLL affects outcomes.

Methods

This study compared the outcomes of patients with GLL who underwent hip arthroscopy for labral tears and FAI to a matched group without GLL. The study followed patients for at least 2 years and measured improvements in pain and hip function.

Key Findings

Both groups showed significant improvements in hip function and pain relief after surgery. The GLL group did not experience worse outcomes compared to the control group, despite having more extensive capsular procedures.

Conclusions

Hip arthroscopy can be successful in patients with GLL if labral tears and the hip capsule are managed appropriately during surgery.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If you have generalized ligamentous laxity and are considering hip arthroscopy for FAI, the surgery can still provide significant improvements in pain and function, with similar results to patients without GLL.