Microfracture in the Hip: Results of a Matched-Cohort Controlled Study With 2-Year Follow-up

Microfracture in the Hip: Results of a Matched-Cohort Controlled Study With 2-Year Follow-up

Authors

Domb BG, Gupta A, Dunne KF, Gui C, Chandrasekaran S, Lodhia P
DOI: 10.1177/0363546515588174

Purpose

To compare outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with microfracture for full-thickness cartilage damage to those without such damage and no microfracture treatment.

Methods

79 hips treated with microfracture were matched 1:2 with 158 control hips without full-thickness defects. Patient-reported outcomes and pain scores were evaluated preoperatively and up to 2 years post-op.

Key Findings

• Both groups improved significantly after surgery.
• Microfracture patients had slightly higher pain and lower satisfaction at 2 years.
• No significant difference in final functional outcome scores.

Conclusion

Microfracture leads to meaningful improvement in patients with full-thickness cartilage defects, though some pain and satisfaction differences remain compared to those without such defects.

What This Means for Patients

Patients with cartilage damage undergoing microfracture can expect good overall improvements, but may have slightly more pain and slightly less satisfaction than patients without cartilage defects. Still, microfracture is a beneficial treatment option.