Outcome Data for Arthroscopic Hip Labral Augmentation

A new study provides updated outcome data for arthroscopic hip labral augmentation as a treatment for labral insufficiency after previous hip arthroscopy.

In the study, “Midterm Outcomes After Hip Labral Augmentation in Revision Hip Arthroscopy,” published on March 2, 2022, in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, the researchers evaluated the midterm outcomes of arthroscopic hip labral augmentation for labral insufficiency after previous hip arthroscopy.

“Labral augmentation has emerged as an essential procedure to address a deficient or irreparable labrum while preserving native labral tissue and restoring the hip suction seal mechanism,” the researchers wrote.

Seventy-seven patients who underwent hip labral augmentation between January 2011 and January 2017 were included in the study. Each patient has a minimum of 3 years of follow-up.

The researchers compared pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores including the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summaries, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, modified Harris Hip Score and Hip Outcome Score (Activities of Daily Living and Sport). They also evaluated postoperative Tegner Activity Scale and patient satisfaction scores.

The average age of the patients was 32.8 ± 11 years. The survivorship or absence of conversion to total hip arthroplasty at 3 years and 5 years was 93% at both time points. Mean survival time was 8.5 years (95% CI, 8.0-8.9).

Eleven of the patients required revision arthroscopic surgery for continued pain. Revisions occurred at a mean of 2.6 ± 1.4 years after augmentation. The mean follow-up was 5.2 ± 1.2 years (range, 3-9 years).

For the patients who didn’t require additional surgery, all patient-reported outcomes measures were significantly improved including a 20-point increase in Hip Outcome Scores-Activities of Daily Living and modified Harris Hip Score.

The median postoperative Tegner score was 4 (range, 1-10). The median postoperative Tegner score was 4 (range, 1-10). The median postoperative patient satisfaction score was 9 out of 10 (range, 1-10).

“Arthroscopic hip labral augmentation is a successful treatment option for patients with labral insufficiency after previous hip arthroscopy, demonstrating improved patient-reported outcomes and survivorship of 93% at 3 years and 5 years. This technique provides a valuable labral preservation option when addressing hip labral pathology when viable native labral tissue remains,” the researchers wrote.

The study authors included Rui W. Soares, M.D., Joseph J. Ruzbarsky, M.D., Justin W. Arner, M.D., Spencer M. Comfort, Karen K. Briggs, M.P.H., M.B.A, and Marc. J. Philippon, M.D., all of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado.