Labral injury: radiographic predictors at the time of hip arthroscopy
Authors
Redmond JM, Gupta A, Hammarstedt JE, Stake CE, Dunne KF, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.07.002
Purpose
To identify demographic and radiographic factors that predict the size of labral tears found during hip arthroscopy.
Methods
Prospective data collection from 392 patients undergoing arthroscopic labral repair or debridement. Radiographic parameters (Tönnis grade, neck-shaft angle, alpha angle, lateral and anterior center edge angles, acetabular inclination, crossover sign) and demographic data were analyzed using multiple linear regression.
Key Findings
- Labral tear size was significantly associated with male sex, older age, and increased alpha angle.
- In female patients, higher Tönnis grade and lower neck-shaft angle correlated with larger labral tears.
- Acetabular coverage and version showed no correlation with tear size.
- The model explained only 26% of tear size variability.
Conclusion
Certain demographic and radiographic factors can predict labral tear size, but much variation remains unexplained.
What This Means for Patients
Older male patients and those with specific hip morphology may have larger labral tears, which could impact surgical planning and prognosis.