Is Labral Size Predictive of Failure With Repair in Hip Arthroscopy?
Authors
Brinkman JC, Domb BG, Krych AJ, Levy BA, Makovicka JL, Neville M, Hartigan DE
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.04.022
Background
The size of the hip labrum (cartilage ring around the hip socket) has been proposed as a factor influencing the success of labral repairs in hip arthroscopy. This study investigates whether labral size can predict repair failure or affect patient outcomes.
Methods
The study reviewed patients who had undergone arthroscopic hip labral repair. The size of the torn labrum was measured, and the outcomes were evaluated based on patient-reported outcomes, such as pain reduction and functional improvements. The failure rate was also examined.
Key Findings
Larger labral sizes (specifically those in the upper 10th percentile) showed decreased improvement in patient-reported outcomes compared to the middle 50% of labral sizes. However, there was no clear correlation between labral size and the need for revision surgery or clinical failure.
Conclusions
While larger labral sizes may result in slightly worse outcomes, labral size alone does not predict failure or the need for additional surgery in most patients.
What Does This Mean for Patients
Labral size is not a major factor affecting the success of labral repair in hip arthroscopy. Even if your labrum is large, you can still expect good outcomes, though some individuals may experience less improvement than others.