Hip arthroscopy for labral tears in workers' compensation: a matched-pair controlled study
Authors
Stake CE, Jackson TJ, Stone JC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/0363546513496055
Purpose
To compare 2-year clinical outcomes of hip arthroscopy for labral tears between patients with workers' compensation (WC) claims and matched controls without WC status.
Methods
Cohort study including 21 hips in WC patients matched 1:1 by age, sex, surgery, and radiographic findings to 21 non-WC patients. Patient-reported outcomes (mHHS, NAHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS), pain (VAS), and satisfaction were assessed preoperatively and at 2 years post-op.
Key Findings
- WC patients had significantly lower baseline scores on all measures.
- Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all scores after surgery.
- WC group improved but still had lower absolute scores than controls at 2 years.
- Pain reduction and patient satisfaction were similar between groups.
- 86% of WC patients returned to work at a median of 82 days post-op.
Conclusion
Although patients with workers’ compensation start and end with lower functional scores, they still benefit significantly from hip arthroscopy for labral tears. Surgery can improve pain and function in this population.
What this means for patients
Even if you are under a workers’ compensation claim, hip arthroscopy can provide meaningful improvement in pain and hip function, and most patients return to work within a few months after surgery.