Primary Labral Reconstruction in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement, Irreparable Labral Tears, and Severe Acetabular Chondral Defects Decreases the Risk of Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Pair-Matched Study
Authors
Maldonado DR, Go CC, Laseter JR, Lall AC, Kopscik MR, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnz028
Background
Patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and severe labral tears or cartilage defects often face the risk of needing a total hip replacement (THA). This study compares the outcomes of labral reconstruction versus labral resection in patients with severe cartilage damage.
Methods
The study followed patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI with severe labral tears and acetabular cartilage defects. Patients who had labral reconstruction (RECON) were compared to those who had labral resection (RESEC) in terms of their risk of needing a hip replacement and improvement in pain and function.
Key Findings
Labral reconstruction significantly reduced the risk of needing a total hip replacement (THA) compared to labral resection. Patients who underwent reconstruction were four times less likely to need a THA conversion.
Conclusions
Labral reconstruction is a better option for preserving the hip joint and reducing the need for a total hip replacement in patients with FAI and severe cartilage damage.
What Does This Mean for Patients
If you have severe labral tears or cartilage defects due to FAI, labral reconstruction may offer better long-term outcomes and reduce the likelihood of needing a total hip replacement in the future compared to labral resection.