Do Larger Acetabular Chondral Defects Portend Inferior Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Acetabular Microfracture? A Matched-Controlled Study

Do Larger Acetabular Chondral Defects Portend Inferior Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Acetabular Microfracture? A Matched-Controlled Study

Authors

Chaharbakhshi EO, Hartigan DE, Spencer JD, Perets I, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.01.047

Background

Acetabular chondral defects can be treated with arthroscopic microfracture in patients with labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study investigates if the size of these defects affects surgical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with acetabular chondral defects were divided into two groups: smaller defects (SCDs) and larger defects (LCDs). They were matched based on several factors and followed for at least two years. Their outcomes and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were compared.

Key Findings

Both groups showed significant improvements in hip function and pain. However, patients with larger defects had a higher risk of requiring THA, though the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The size of acetabular chondral defects does not significantly affect the outcome of microfracture surgery, although larger defects may have a slightly higher risk of needing THA later.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If you have a chondral defect in your hip, microfracture surgery can improve your symptoms regardless of the defect size. However, larger defects may have a higher risk of needing a hip replacement in the future.