Indications and Outcomes for Microfracture as an Adjunct to Hip Arthroscopy for Treatment of Chondral Defects in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

UTE T2* cartilage mapping in the hip: a pilot study assessing cartilage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement

BACKGROUND

UTE T2* cartilage mapping use in patients undergoing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been lacking but may allow the detection of early cartilage damage.

PURPOSE

To assess the reproducibility of UTE T2* cartilage mapping and determine the difference in UTE T2* values between FAI and asymptomatic patients and to evaluate the correlation between UTE T2* values and patient-reported symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective evaluation of both hips (7 FAI and 7 asymptomatic patients). Bilateral hip 3-T MRI scans with UTE T2* cartilage maps were acquired. A second MRI scan was acquired 1-9 months later. Cartilage was segmented into anterosuperior, superior, and posterosuperior regions. Assessment was made of UTE T2* reproducibility (ICC). Mean UTE T2* values in patients were compared (t-tests) and correlation was made with patient-reported outcomes (Spearman's).

RESULTS

ICCs of mean UTE T2* were as follows: acetabular, 0.82 (95% CI=0.50-0.95); femoral, 0.76 (95% CI=0.35-0.92). Significant strong correlation was found between mean acetabular UTE T2* values and iHOT12 (ρ = -0.63) and moderate correlation with mHHS (ρ = -0.57). There was no difference in mean UTE T2* values between affected vs. non-affected FAI hips. FAI-affected hips had significantly higher values in acetabulum vs. asymptomatic patients (13.47 vs. 12.55 ms). There was no difference in mean femoral cartilage values between the FAI-affected hips vs. asymptomatic patients. The posterosuperior femoral region had a higher mean value in non-affected FAI hips vs. asymptomatic patients (12.60 vs. 11.53 ms).

CONCLUSION

UTE T2* cartilage mapping had excellent reproducibility. Affected FAI hips had higher mean acetabular UTE T2* values than asymptomatic patients. Severity of patient-reported symptoms correlates with UTE T2* acetabular cartilage values.

Hip Disorders in Bull Riders: Clinical Observations and Outcomes of Arthroscopy

Bull riders represent a microcosm of athletes in whom severe consequences of femoroacetabular impingement may challenge the limits of arthroscopic intervention. Observations of this cohort may provide meaningful insight into the treatment of other populations. All patients undergoing hip arthroscopy are prospectively assessed with a modified Harris Hip Score. Sixteen consecutive bull riders (21 hips) with minimum 2-year follow-up are reported. The average age was 26 years, duration of symptoms was 33 months, and follow-up was 57 months. Arc of rotational hip motion averaged 31°. All had femoroacetabular impingement (17 combined and 4 cam impingements). Among the cam impingements, 1 also had dysplasia and 1 also had borderline dysplasia. Radiographic Tönnis grades were as follows: 2 Tönnis 1; 18 Tönnis 2; and 1 Tönnis 3. All had acetabular articular damage (14 Outerbridge grade 4; 6 Outerbridge grade 3; and 1 Outerbridge grade 1). Nine underwent microfracture. Four had accompanying femoral chondral lesions (3 grade 3; 1 grade 4). There were 20 labral tears (14 repaired and 6 debrided). All but 1 (95%) improved after surgery. One bilateral case underwent conversion to resurfacing arthroplasty on one side and revision arthroscopy on the other. The average improvement was 21.3 points. Thirteen (81.25%) returned to bull riding at an average of 7 months. Among the 3 who did not return, each had undergone bilateral procedures. There were no complications. Femoroacetabular impingement can be a significant problem among bull riders. Limited range of motion, grade 4 articular damage, and Tönnis 2 radiographic changes may not preclude successful arthroscopic treatment, but advanced bilateral disease may be too much even for these hardened athletes. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(2):79-82.].

Editorial Commentary: Standardized Evaluation of Cartilage Damage and Restoration in Hip Arthroscopy Requires Consideration of Clinical, Imaging, and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Articular cartilage lesions of the acetabulum may result in significant pain and dysfunction for patients with treatment options consisting of either microfracture or various forms of cartilage restoration procedures. A systematic review of 529 patients demonstrated similar, if not lower, reoperation rates and patient-reported outcomes in patients receiving cartilage restoration procedures compared with microfracture. The primary outcomes examined in this review were reoperation rates and patient-reported outcomes with no clear mention of radiographic outcomes and no clearly defined indications as to who would benefit from a cartilage-based procedure. This raises the question as to whether there should be a consensus-based and standardized criteria established and standardized among the hip preservation expert community to evaluate the success of these cartilage restoration procedures from an imaging standpoint. These criteria can also be incorporated into a composite evaluation that combines clinical, imaging, and patient-reported outcomes to determine optimal patient candidacy for cartilage procedures as well. This would be a very useful steppingstone for much-needed future Level I randomized studies or prospective, registry-based data on this topic.

Microfracture of Acetabular Chondral Lesions Is Not Superior to Other Cartilage Repair Techniques in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review to compare clinical outcomes of hip arthroscopy patients undergoing microfracture (MFx) versus other cartilage repair procedures for chondral lesions of the acetabulum.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify comparative studies that directly compared outcomes between MFx and other cartilage repair procedures for full-thickness chondral lesions of the acetabulum identified during hip arthroscopy. The search phrase used was: hip AND arthroscopy AND microfracture. Patients were evaluated based on reoperation rates and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Six studies (all Level III evidence) met inclusion criteria, including a total of 202 patients undergoing microfracture (group A) and 327 patients undergoing another cartilage repair procedure (group B). Mean patient age ranged from 35.0 to 45.0 years. Mean follow-up time ranged from 12.0 to 72.0 months. Significantly better patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were found in patients undergoing treatment with bone marrow aspirate concentrate, microfragmented adipose tissue concentrate, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis, and a combination of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis and bone marrow aspirate concentrate compared with MFx. No studies found significantly better postoperative PROs in group A. The reoperation rate ranged from 0% to 34.6% in group A and 0% to 15.9% in group B. Three of 5 studies reporting on reoperation rate found a significantly greater reoperation rate in group A, with no difference in the other 2 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature on MFx of acetabular chondral lesions is limited and heterogeneous. Based on the available data, MFx alone results in a greater or equivalent reoperation rate and inferior or equivalent PROs compared with other cartilage repair procedures for acetabular chondral lesions in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of level III studies.

Hip Arthroscopic Microfracture Augmented With Platelet-Rich Plasma-Infused Micronized Cartilage Allograft Significantly Improves Functional Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate functional outcomes and survivorship in patients at 1 year after undergoing arthroscopic microfracture augmented with hyaline allograft for symptomatic chondral defects of the hip.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with and without prior hip procedures presenting with Outerbridge grade IV chondral lesion of the acetabulum or femoral head were prospectively followed. Patients underwent hip microfracture augmented with hyaline allograft suspended in autologous platelet-rich plasma between October 2016 and April 2018. Extent of cartilage degeneration was quantified using the chondromalacia severity index (CMI). Patient functional scores, including Tegner, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were collected preoperatively and at minimum 1-year postoperatively. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was analyzed. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. Pearson's coefficient analysis was performed to identify preoperative variables correlated with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients (86.4%) had minimum 1-year follow-up and were included in the final analysis, with a mean age and body mass index (BMI) of 38.3 ± 9.1 years and 27.7 ± 4.9 kg/m², respectively. Comparison of baseline and postoperative score averages demonstrated significant improvements in Tegner scores (3.7 ± 2.9 vs 5.1 ± 2.6; P = .003), HOS-ADL (63.3 ± 16.4 vs 89.1 ± 14.5; P < .001), HOS-SSS (40.8 ± 20.4 vs 79.5 ± 21.6; P < .001), mHHS (61.5 ± 16.2 vs 87.0 ± 17.7; P < .001), and NAHS (56.6 ± 14.9 vs 78.7 ± 18.3; P < .001). The percentage of patients who achieved MCID for HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, mHHS, and NAHS were 89.8%, 83.0%, 75.6%, and 81.6%, respectively. Overall, 91.8% of patients met the threshold for achieving MCID in at least one outcome score. Of the 57 patients, 5 (8.8%) failed clinically, with 1 (1.8%) undergoing revision surgery and 4 (6.9%) undergoing conversion to total hip arthroplasty. There was a direct correlation between preoperative alpha angle and postoperative HOS-ADL. Femoral chondral lesion size and CMI inversely correlated with postoperative HOS-ADL.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of hip chondral defects with microfracture and hyaline allograft augmentation demonstrated excellent survivorship and significantly improved patient report outcomes at 1 year.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective case series.

Therapeutic application of hydrogels for bone-related diseases

Bone-related diseases caused by trauma, infection, and aging affect people’s health and quality of life. The prevalence of bone-related diseases has been increasing yearly in recent years. Mild bone diseases can still be treated with conservative drugs and can be cured confidently. However, serious bone injuries caused by large-scale trauma, fractures, bone tumors, and other diseases are challenging to heal on their own. Open surgery must be used for intervention. The treatment method also faces the problems of a long cycle, high cost, and serious side effects. Studies have found that hydrogels have attracted much attention due to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability and show great potential in treating bone-related diseases. This paper mainly introduces the properties and preparation methods of hydrogels, reviews the application of hydrogels in bone-related diseases (including bone defects, bone fracture, cartilage injuries, and osteosarcoma) in recent years. We also put forward suggestions according to the current development status, pointing out a new direction for developing high-performance hydrogels more suitable for bone-related diseases.

Younger Age, Capsular Repair, and Larger Preoperative Alpha Angles Are Associated With Earlier Achievement of Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to analyze demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative factors that influence the time to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold (MOIT) after primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear.

METHODS

Included patients had undergone hip arthroscopy with labral repair or reconstruction for FAIS with labral tear between February 2008 and October 2018. Patients were excluded if they had a prior ipsilateral hip surgery, prior hip conditions, a Tonnis grade > 1, or were unwilling to participate. Multiple demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative variables were collected. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were collected before surgery and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The MCID and MOIT for the mHHS and NAHS were either calculated or determined through previously published values. A time-to-event analysis was performed to determine variables predictive of early or delayed achievement of MCID or MOIT. Early achievement was defined as achieving MCID or MOIT at the 3-month timepoint.

RESULTS

Six hundred thirty-two hips (632 patients) were included. Of those that achieved MCID and MOIT, 428 (73.0%) and 414 (73.0%) patients achieved MCID and 253 (47.9%) and 264 (52.5%) patients achieved MOIT by 3 months after surgery for mHHS and NAHS, respectively. Younger age, capsular repair, and increasing alpha angle were associated with earlier achievement for either MCID or MOIT. Increasing age, worker's compensation claims, and higher baseline patient-reported outcome measure scores were associated with delayed achievement for either MCID or MOIT.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the patients who achieved MCID and MOIT for mHHS and NAHS did so by 3 months after surgery. Younger age, capsular repair, and increasing alpha angle were associated with earlier achievement of MCID and MOIT after hip arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Lower Center Edge Angle and Bioipolar Cartilage Lesions Are Associated With Conversion to Hip Arthroplasty Within 2 Years Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Matched Cohort Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographic parameters, intraoperative findings, patient-reported outcome measures, or intraoperative interventions that were performed differentiate those patients with >2 mm of joint space who convert under two years to total hip arthroplasty (THA) after undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) when compared to those converting after 2 years.

METHODS

Included in this study were patients who underwent conversion to THA within 2 years of primary hip arthroscopy from a prospectively collected patient registry from 2007 to 2017. Patients who underwent early conversions to arthroplasty were matched 1:1 with patients who converted after 2 years, based upon age and gender. Preoperative outcome scores were collected, including Short Form-12, modified Harris Hip Score, and Hip Outcome Score. Additionally, variables from the preoperative radiographic evaluation, surgical findings, and procedures performed were also compared.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were included in the early conversion group and were matched with 49 patients in the later conversion group. Patients with lateral center edge angles of less than 25° were more likely to be in the early failure group [OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.01 to 15]. Patients with unipolar chondral defects on either the femoral (P = .128) or acetabular side (P = .656) were not at increased odds for early conversion compared to later conversion; however, those with bipolar chondral lesions at the time of surgery had increased odds of early conversions [OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4 to 8] (P = .01). Neither surgical treatment nor preoperative patient-reported outcome measures were associated with early conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

In patient with >2 mm of joint space, lateral center edge angles of less than 25° and those with bipolar articular cartilage lesions seen at the time of hip arthroscopy are at increased risk for conversion to total hip arthroplasty within two years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparison study.

Nonoperative and Operative Bone and Cartilage Regeneration and Orthopaedic Biologics of the Hip: An Orthoregeneration Network (ON) Foundation Hip Review

Orthoregeneration is defined as a solution for orthopaedic conditions that harnesses the benefits of biology to improve healing, reduce pain, improve function, and, optimally, provide an environment for tissue regeneration. Options include drugs, surgical intervention, scaffolds, biologics as a product of cells, and physical and electromagnetic stimuli. The goal of regenerative medicine is to enhance the healing of tissue after musculoskeletal injuries as both isolated treatment and adjunct to surgical management, using novel therapies to improve recovery and outcomes. Various orthopaedic biologics (orthobiologics) have been investigated for the treatment of pathology involving the hip, including osteonecrosis (aseptic necrosis) involving bone marrow, bone, and cartilage, and chondral injuries involving articular cartilage, synovium, and bone marrow. Promising and established treatment modalities for osteonecrosis include nonweightbearing; pharmacological treatments including low molecular-weight heparin, prostacyclin, statins, bisphosphonates, and denosumab, a receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand inhibitor; extracorporeal shock wave therapy; pulsed electromagnetic fields; core decompression surgery; cellular therapies including bone marrow aspirate comprising mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs aka mesenchymal stem cells) and bone marrow autologous concentrate, with or without expanded or cultured cells, and possible addition of bone morphogenetic protein-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor; and arterial perfusion of MSCs that may be combined with addition of carriers or scaffolds including autologous MSCs cultured with beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramics associated with a free vascularized fibula. Promising and established treatment modalities for chondral lesions include autologous platelet-rich plasma; hyaluronic acid; MSCs (in expanded or nonexpanded form) derived from bone marrow or other sources such as fat, placenta, umbilical cord blood, synovial membrane, and cartilage; microfracture or microfracture augmented with membrane containing MSCs, collagen, HA, or synthetic polymer; mosaicplasty; 1-stage autologous cartilage translation (ACT) or 2-stage ACT using 3-dimensional spheroids; and autologous cartilage grafting; chondral flap repair, or flap fixation with fibrin glue. Hip pain is catastrophic in young patients, and promising therapies offer an alternative to premature arthroplasty. This may address both physical and psychological components of pain; the goal is to avoid or postpone an artificial joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Controversial Issues in Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of painful hip in the young and middle-aged population. This condition frequently leads to a labral tear, damage of acetabular cartilage, and secondary arthritis of the hip. When nonsurgical managements are not effective, surgical procedures (open surgery and hip arthroscopy) are indicated. Due to its less invasiveness, hip arthroscopy has replaced open surgery during the last two decades. The effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery in pain relief for FAI syndrome has been well established. The procedure is also expected to slow or prevent further progression to hip arthritis. In this review, we provide the updated knowledge of arthroscopic procedures for the management of FAI syndrome.

Is Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair/Reconstruction Surgery Effective for Treating Femoroacetabular Impingement in the Presence of Osteoarthritis?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic labral preservation surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in the presence of osteoarthritis (OA) compared with FAI without significant OA.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Hospital of Academic Institute.

PATIENTS

Femoroacetabular impingement patients (n = 97; ≥35 years) undergoing arthroscopic FAI correction with labral preservation surgery from March 2009 to April 2014 were enrolled in this study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were divided into 2 groups: FAI group (79 patients), with Tonnis grade 0 or 1, and FAI + OA group (18 patients), with Tonnis grade 2 or 3.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We examined the clinical outcomes using the Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and the conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

RESULTS

No significant differences existed between the 2 groups with respect to age, sex, follow-up period, or preoperative MHHS or NAHS. The mean MHHS and NAHS at the final follow-up were significantly lower in the FAI + OA group than in the FAI group. There was a significant difference in the rate of conversion to THA and failure between the 2 groups (THA 5% vs 50%) (failure 15% vs 67%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with FAI in the presence of OA did not improve after arthroscopic labral preservation surgery and had a high conversion rate to THA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

[Update on the Operative Treatment of Cartilage Defects]

Focal cartilage defects lead to swelling, significant pain and loss of function of the affected joint. Additionally, they are linked to early onset of osteoarthritis. Often young and active patients are especially susceptible due to the high stress placed on their joints. A vast amount of treatment options is available to orthopaedic surgeons to cure cartilage defects of the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and ankle joints. This article serves to give an overview of these available treatment options and to explain the expected outcomes.

Tratamento da lesão em onda do quadril através da microfratura reversa: Estudo clínico retrospectivo

Objective  The present study aims to evaluate the treatment of hip wave lesion using reverse microfracture, which is a simple and cheap surgical procedure.

Methods  We retrospectively analyzed 19 patients with acetabular wave lesion treated with reverse microfracture. The patients were assessed by magnetic nuclear resonance imaging (MRI) at the time of diagnosis and 6 months after the surgery and functionally evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in the preoperative period, and 3 and 6 months after the surgery.

Results  The statistical data showed a significant improvement in HHS and VAS 6 months after the surgery. Six months after the surgery, the MRI revealed that the area subjected to reverse microfracture presented cartilage with the same visual characteristics observed in areas with no chondral injury.

Conclusion  We conclude that the reverse microfracture proved to be an effective, reproducible method for the treatment of wave lesion.

Why Does Hip Arthroscopy Fail? Indications and PEARLS for Revision Success

The surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has been shown to have successful early and mid-term clinical outcomes. Despite these favorable clinical outcomes that have been published in the literature, there is a subgroup of patients that present with continued or recurrent symptoms after surgical treatment. Not only has there been an increase in the number of hip arthroscopy procedures, but also there has been a corresponding increase in the number of revision hip arthroscopy and hip preservation surgeries. Previous studies have reported residual deformity to be the most common reason for revision hip arthroscopy. However, chondral, labral, and capsular considerations also are important when addressing patients not only in the primary but also, the revision setting. In this review, we outline the evaluation and treatment of the patient that presents with continued hip and groin pain after undergoing a hip.

Recent Progress in 3D Printing of Elastic and High-Strength Hydrogels for the Treatment of Osteochondral and Cartilage Diseases

Despite considerable progress for the regenerative medicine, repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects and osteochondral interface remains challenging. This low efficiency is largely due to the difficulties in recapitulating the stratified zonal architecture of articular cartilage and engineering complex gradients for bone-soft tissue interface. This has led to increased interest in three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in the field of musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Printable and biocompatible hydrogels are attractive materials for 3D printing applications because they not only own high tunability and complexity, but also offer favorable biomimetic environments for live cells, such as porous structure, high water content, and bioactive molecule incorporation. However, conventional hydrogels are usually mechanically weak and brittle, which cannot reach the mechanical requirements for repair of articular cartilage defects and osteochondral interface. Therefore, the development of elastic and high-strength hydrogels for 3D printing in the repairment of cartilage defects and osteochondral interface is crucial. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in elastic and high-strength hydrogels for 3D printing and categorized them into six groups, namely ion bonds interactions, nanocomposites integrated in hydrogels, supramolecular guest-host interactions, hydrogen bonds interactions, dynamic covalent bonds interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. These 3D printed elastic and high-strength hydrogels may provide new insights for the treatment of osteochondral and cartilage diseases.

Acetabular cartilage repair: state of the art in surgical treatment

Hip preservation has emerged as a developing surgical subspecialty with a variety of tools to address hip joint pain and dysfunction. Cartilage tears and delamination are caused by injury to the hip and can ultimately progress to osteoarthritis. It has been established that the acetabulum is particularly at risk of cartilage injury secondary to trauma, hip dysplasia and hip impingement. In spite of the high frequency of acetabular cartilage lesions based on our experience and the literature, there is no consensus as to the optimal treatment of these lesions. This review article highlights the challenges in treating cartilage injuries of the acetabulum with a particular emphasis on published studies and technical considerations in performing these procedures.

Better Clinicoradiological Results of BST-CarGel Treatment in Cartilage Repair Compared With Microfracture in Acetabular Chondral Defects at 2 Years

BACKGROUND

BST-CarGel (CarGel) is an injectable chitosan scaffold that is mixed with fresh, autologous blood and injected into the site of microfracture (MF) to physically stabilize clots and enhance cartilage repair.

PURPOSE

To evaluate short-term clinicoradiological outcomes of patients treated arthroscopically for acetabular chondral defects with CarGel in conjunction with MF compared with those treated with MF alone.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

All patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and received MF with or without CarGel for acetabular chondral defects between 2014 and 2018 with a minimum 2-year clinicoradiological follow-up were included. Intraoperative details, postoperative complications, and clinical outcome scores, including the international Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Profile, were analyzed. Serial plain radiographs were assessed independently by 2 blinded observers. A survival analysis was performed to identify the number of cases converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in both groups, which was correlated with the cartilage defect size at the time of surgery.

RESULTS

Eighty patients (54 CarGel and 26 MF) were evaluated, including 56 men (70%) and 48 right hips (60%). Three patients were lost to follow-up. There were no major adverse events in either group. The average defect size was 3.63 and 4.97 cm² in MF and CarGel, respectively (P = .002). There was a statistically significant improvement in iHOT-33 (from 43.24 to 60.17 in MF and from 41.13 to 58.39 in CarGel) and HOS-ADL (from 62.25 to 76.75 in MF and from 44.69 to 79.16 in CarGel) scores. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the outcome scores after adjusting for covariates. Survival analysis showed 34.6% of MF cases and 5.9% of CarGel cases were converted to THA (P = .001). The mean defect size of the failure group was higher in CarGel than in MF (8.83 and 3.72 cm², respectively). Mean joint space reduction was 1.41 mm in MF and 0.19 mm in CarGel (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Two-year clinicoradiological results were promising in these lesions that are difficult to treat. Arthroscopic treatment of chondral acetabular defects with CarGel demonstrated a significant decrease in progressive loss of joint space and conversion to THA compared with MF as an isolated procedure.

Identifying the Most Successful Procedures in Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy for femoral and acetabular pathologies has increased dramatically. However, there is little literature analyzing procedures as predictors of revision arthroscopy or arthroplasty. From February 2008 to November 2015, patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for a labral tear with minimum 2-year follow-up and between 18 and 60 years old were retrospectively reviewed. Those with previous surgeries, Tönnis grade greater than 1, and previous hip conditions were excluded. Follow-up was obtained for 1118 patients (1249 hips; 81.7%) with a mean age of 38.7 years (range, 18.0-60.0 years), mean body mass index of 26.4 kg/m² (range, 16.3-48.9 kg/m²), and mean follow-up of 50.2 months (range, 24.0-111.9 months). A total of 122 (9.8%) patients converted to total hip arthroplasty (mean, 35.3 months; range, 1.4-95.2 months). Multivariate analysis for predictors of total hip arthroplasty found age at surgery (hazard ratio, 1.064/y; P<.05), body mass index (nonlinear; P<.05), labral debridement (HR, 1.558; P=.03), and notchplasty (HR, 2.128; P<.05), with trochanteric bursectomy (HR, 0.367; P<.05) identified as associated with higher survivorship. A total of 124 (9.9%) patients underwent revision hip arthroscopy at a mean of 21.7 months (range, 0.10-83.3 months). Multivariate analysis for predictors of revision surgery found workers' compensation (HR, 3.352; P<.05), capsular repair (HR, 1.950; P<.05), and femoral head microfracture (HR, 2.844; P=.04) to be significant, with age at date of surgery (HR, 0.973/y; P<.05) and femoral head chondroplasty (HR, 0.241; P=.05) associated with higher survivorship. Understanding risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty or revision is paramount during discussions with patients. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):173-181.].

Post-Treatment Classification for Acetabular Chondral Lesions in Hip Arthroscopy

Objective  To describe a postarthroscopic treatment classification system for acetabular chondral damage in the hip and to report the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of such classification. Methods  This is a retrospective review of ninety-nine digital video recordings made during arthroscopic surgery. Patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement and evaluated at the hip arthroscopy outpatient clinic between March 2015 and March 2016 were included in the study. Patients with a history of previous hip surgery, radiologic evidence of advanced osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade > 2), who underwent labral resection, or whose digital recordings were incomplete or of insufficient quality for adequate review were excluded. Two orthopedic surgeons, who did not participate in the surgery, independently reviewed the video recordings and classified the remaining acetabular cartilage using the post-treatment classification system. Intraobserver and interobserver analysis was then conducted using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results  Excellent intraobserver reliability (ICC = 0.790; p  < 0.001) and interobserver reliability (ICC = 0.882; p  < 0.001) were observed. Both ICC values were statistically significant. Conclusion  The posttreatment classification of the remaining acetabular cartilage has excellent intra and interobserver reliability.

Findings on repaired full-thickness acetabular articular cartilage defects during revision hip arthroscopy allowing a second look

Full-thickness acetabular articular cartilage defects (FAACD) are found on most hips with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with a wave sign in the acetabulum. When not repaired it can produce pain and catching sensation. Multiple arthroscopic techniques for repairing this chondral lesion exist, but only few show the quality of the repair on a second look. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of the repaired cartilage during revision hip arthroscopy (RHA) allowing a second look in patients treated of FAACD. A total of 13 hips with FAACD repaired in the past underwent RHA for ongoing pain. Signs of persistent chondral defects or the ability to elevate the articular cartilage from subchondral bone were evaluated by zones. Those with persistent defects were re-repaired. All patients had FAACD lesions in zones I, II and III diagnosed in the index hip arthroscopy. The most common finding at the RHA was the presence of bone growth or residual impingement. Before FAACD repair, 11 (85%) hips had the wave sign, while 2 (15%) hips had it in RHA. Five (38%) hips had residual delamination in the second look, these patients had residual FAI, were ≥58 years or waited >6 months to be revised. The wave sign was not observed in 85% of the revised hips, indicating the technique was successful in most cases and was not the principal cause of their ongoing pain. This technique achieved the stated goal of stabilizing the articular cartilage seen in the wave sign.

Outcome Trends After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: When Do Patients Improve?

PURPOSE

To determine when patients reach critical thresholds of clinical improvement after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) using previously defined cutoffs for the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) and to identify risk factors for prolonged recovery.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FAI who underwent unilateral hip arthroscopy between January 2010 and January 2015 with at least 2 years of clinical follow-up were studied. The modified Harris Hip Score was collected prospectively at 6 consecutive time points. The number of patients reaching the MCID and PASS at each time point was determined.

RESULTS

During the study period, 340 consecutive hip arthroscopies were performed in 316 patients with a mean final follow-up period of 50 months (range, 29-84 months). The mean modified Harris Hip Score and percentage of patients reaching the MCID and PASS increased at each time point. At 2 years, 271 patients (93%) surpassed the MCID and 212 patients (73%) achieved the PASS. Female sex, age of 40 years or older, and body mass index of 30 or greater were associated with lower rates of achieving the MCID and PASS at set time points. Patients undergoing labral repair had superior PASS rates at 3 months and beyond than patients undergoing labral debridement alone. Patients who did not achieve the PASS by 3 months were more likely to require reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy for FAI results in increased patient-reported outcome measures at interval follow-up. Most patients reach critical thresholds of minimal and satisfactory clinical improvement. Patients who are female, older, or obese or who undergo labral debridement alone are less likely to reach these milestones at major time intervals. Patients who do not reach the PASS by 3 months are more likely to require reoperation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Microfracture in Hip Arthroscopy. Keep It Simple!

Despite all the advances in hip arthroscopy, microfracture is still the workhorse for treating focal and full-thickness cartilage lesions. The success of this treatment is owed to its reliability and simplicity. Given the structure of the hip joint, however, there are challenges to this procedure using a conventional microfracture pick. This note presents our current and preferred microfracture technique using a curve drill guide and flexible drill. This method offers greater range of access to different regions of the joint with ease, thus ensuring a reproducible and quicker procedure with less risk.

Current surgical options and innovation for repairing articular cartilage defects in the femoral head

Total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical technique, yet it has severe complications, such as loosening and repeated revision. Thus, hip-preserving surgical options should be considered first to treat cartilage defects in the femoral head, especially for younger patients. Current surgical options for chondral repair of the femoral head include microfracture, trapdoor procedure, transplantation of osteochondral allografts and autografts, and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Each of these techniques has unique advantages and limitations; however, none of them have been consented as the best practice for cartilage defects. In this review article, we also introduced a novel technique for repairing osteochondral defects of the femoral head using autologous costal cartilage grafts that may have good translational potential for cost-effective and safe applications.

The translational potential of this article

This review updates current surgical options for reparing articular cartilage defects in the femoral head. We also introduce a novel technique for repairing osteochondral defects of the femoral head using autologous costal cartilage grafts.

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

In the presence of severe acetabular cartilage defects, the benefits of labral reconstruction (RECON) versus labral resection (RESEC) have not been determined. Prospectively collected data between October 2008 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were hip arthroscopy, acetabular Outerbridge grade III/IV, irreparable labral tears that underwent RECON or RESEC, and minimum 2-year postoperative measures for the modified Harris Hip Score, Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale, International Hip Outcome Tool, Patient Satisfaction and Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Exclusion criteria included Tönnis grade >1, previous hip conditions or previous ipsilateral hip surgeries. A 1:1 matched-pair analysis was performed based on age ±5 years, sex, body mass index ±5 kg/m², Tönnis grade, acetabular microfracture, femoral Outerbridge grade (0 or I compared with II, III or IV). Relative risk (RR) and conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were calculated. A total of 38 RECON hips were successfully matched. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). THA conversion was 5.3% and 21.1% for the RECON and RESEC groups, respectively (P = 0.04). RECON was four times less likely to require THA conversion than the RESEC group (RR=4.0; 95% CI 0.91-17.63). In the setting of primary arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement, irreparable labral tears and acetabular chondral lesions of Outerbridge III/IV, patients that underwent RECON and RESEC experienced significant improvement in PROs at minimum 2-year follow-up, and these functional scores were comparable when groups were matched. However, RR and rate to THA conversion were significantly higher in the RESEC group.

Impacto femoroacetabular – Fatores associados à presença de lesões profundas da junção condrolabral

Objective  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with the presence of deep chondral lesions (Konan/Haddad grades III and IV) in patients submitted to hip arthroscopy to treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Method  This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of a series of 125 consecutive hip arthroscopies performed between May 2016 and May 2017. After applying the exclusion criteria, 107 hips of 92 patients submitted to surgical treatment for mixed and CAM FAI were analyzed. For purposes of analysis, the present study considered groups with lesions considered mild and deep, which were associated with symptom score, lateral coverage angle, α angle, age, gender, and radiological classification of arthrosis. Results with a p -value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results  Patients whose hips had lesions considered deep had significantly higher nonarthritic hip scores (NAHSs) than those whose hips presented lesions considered mild or who did not present chondral lesions (67.9 ± 19.4 versus 57.0 ± 21.9, p  = 0.027). The prevalence of deep lesions was higher in hips with Tonnis 1 compared with hips with Tonnis 0: 15 (55.6%) versus 10 (12.7%), respectively, p  < 0.001. Men presented a higher prevalence of grades III and IV lesions than women, 23 (34.3%) versus 2 (5.0%), p  = 0.001, and had significantly higher functional scores (65.6 ± 19.6 versus 49.3 ± 21.6, p  < 0.001).

Conclusion  Men presented a higher prevalence of deep lesions. Hips classified as Tonnis 1 presented a 4.4-fold higher probability of presenting these lesions. Patients with deep chondrolabral lesions had a better preoperative functional score.

Predictors of Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

Background

The benefits of hip arthroscopic surgery in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have been well established; however, some patients may experience a greater degree of improvement than others. Identifying positive and negative predictors of outcomes would assist the orthopaedic surgeon's management algorithm for patients with FAI.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The objective of this systematic review was to identify demographic, radiographic, and other operative predictors of positive and negative outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery for patients with FAI. It was hypothesized that factors including FAI morphology, age, body mass index (BMI), sex, dysplasia, articular cartilage damage, radiographic joint space, and labral treatment would predict outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Three databases (Embase, PubMed, and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched on May 19, 2018, using terms including "hip," "arthroscopy," and "FAI." Studies were screened and data extracted in duplicate.

Results

A total of 39 studies were included in this systematic review, comprising 9272 hips with a mean age of 36.5 years (47.2% female). Younger age, male sex, lower BMI (<24.5 kg/m²), Tönnis grade 0, and preoperative pain relief from diagnostic intra-articular hip injections predicted positive outcomes. Female sex, older age (>45 years), longer duration of preoperative symptoms (>8 months), elevated BMI, increased Tönnis grade (≥1), chondral defects, decreased joint space (≤2 mm), increased Kellgren-Lawrence grade (>3), increased lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), and undergoing labral debridement alone were predictors of negative outcomes.

Conclusion

In patients with FAI, younger age, male sex, lower BMI (<24.5 kg/m²), Tönnis grade 0, and pain relief from preoperative intra-articular hip injections are significantly more likely to achieve positive outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery. On the other hand, older age (>45 years), female sex, elevated BMI, osteoarthritic changes, decreased joint space (≤2 mm), chondral defects, increased LCEA, and undergoing labral debridement compared with labral repair are associated with negative outcomes.

Chondral lesions in the hip: a review of relevant anatomy, imaging and treatment modalities

The diagnosis and treatment of chondral lesions in the hip is an ongoing challenge in orthopedics. Chondral lesions are common and several classification systems exist to classify them based on severity, location, radiographic parameters, and potential treatment options. When working up a patient with a potential hip chondral lesion, a complete history, thorough physical exam, and ancillary imaging are necessary. The physical exam is performed with the patient in standing, supine, prone, and lateral positions. Plain film radiographs are indicated as the first line of imaging; however, magnetic resonance arthrogram is currently the gold standard modality for the diagnosis of chondral lesions outside of diagnostic arthroscopy. Multiple treatment modalities to address chondral lesions in the hip exist and new treatment modalities continue to be developed. Currently, chondroplasty, microfracture, cartilage transplants (osteochondral autograft transfer, mosaicplasty, Osteochondral allograft transplantation) and incorporation of orthobiologics (Autologous chondrocyte implantation, Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis, Mononuclear concentrate in platelet-rich plasma) are some techniques that have been successfully applied to address chondral pathology in the hip. Further refinement of these modalities and research in novel techniques continues to advance a surgeon’s ability to address chondral lesions in the hip joint.

Subchondral drilling for chondral flaps reduces the risk of total hip arthroplasty in femoroacetabular impingement surgery at minimum five years follow-up

INTRODUCTION:

The best treatment of acetabular chondral flaps during surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is unknown. We asked if subchondral drilling improves clinical and radiographic outcome and if there are factors predicting failure.

METHODS:

We treated 79 patients with symptomatic FAI and acetabular chondral flaps with surgical hip dislocation between January 2000 and December 2007. Exclusion of all patients with previous hip pathology or trauma resulted in 62 patients (80 hips). The chondral flap was slightly debrided in 43 patients/51 hips (control group). In 28 patients/29 hips (study group), additional osseous drilling was performed. 4 patients (5 hips, 6%) were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 9 years (5-13 years). The groups did not differ in demographic data, radiographic parameters or follow-up. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Merle d'Aubigné score, modified Harris Hip Score and University of California Los Angeles activity score and progression of osteoarthritis with the Tönnis grade.

RESULTS:

No patient underwent conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the drilling group compared to 7 patients (8 hips, 16%) in the control group ( p = 0.005); in the remaining hips, clinical scores and progression of Tönnis grade did not differ. Increased acetabular coverage, age and body mass index were univariate predictive factors for conversion to THA. No drilling was as an independent predictive factor for conversion to THA (hazard ratio 58.07, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION:

Subchondral drilling under acetabular chondral flaps during surgical treatment of FAI is an effective procedure to reduce the rate of conversion to THA.

Acetabular Chondral Lesions Associated With Femoroacetabular Impingement Treated by Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis or Microfracture: A Comparative Study at 8-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate, at 8 years, the clinical follow-up and failure rate (revision rate/conversion to arthroplasty) of patients with hip chondral lesions associated with femoroacetabular impingement and to compare over time the treatment by microfracture (MFx) and autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC).

METHODS

Patients aged between 18 and 55 years, with acetabular grade III and IV chondral lesions (Outerbridge), measuring 2 to 8 cm² operated on at least 8 years before enrollment. Exclusion criteria were rheumatoid arthritis, dysplasia, or axial deviation of the femoral head. There were no arthritic lesions, Tonnis < 2, or joint space of at least 2 mm. MFx was performed with an awl, and the Chondro-Gide membrane used for the AMIC procedure was placed without glue. Outcomes used modified Harris hip score (mHHS) at 6 months and yearly for 8 years and patient acceptable symptomatic state.

RESULTS

Among 130 patients, 109 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Fifty were treated by MFx and 59 by AMIC. The mHHS significantly improved in both groups from 46 ± 6.0 to 78 ± 8.8 for mHHS at 6-12 months, even for lesions > 4 cm². From 2 to 8 years, mHHS in the AMIC group was better than in the MFx group (P < .005). This mHHS improvement in the AMIC group was maintained through the 8-year follow-up period, whereas it deteriorated after 1 year in the MFx group (P < .005). Eleven patients (22%) in the MFx group required total hip arthroplasty (THA); none in the AMIC group did. Patient acceptable symptomatic state analysis confirmed similar short-term improvement, but a significant (P < .007) degradation after 2-8 years in MFx patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MFx and AMIC techniques led to marked clinical short-term improvement in patients with chondral defects resulting from femoroacetabular impingement in the first 2 years. However, AMIC gave significantly better results as measured by mHHS, which were maintained after 8 years, the results of MFx in the hip deteriorated over time with 22% of patients undergoing conversion to THA. No patient in the AMIC group was converted to THA; the results of AMIC appeared stable over time and independent of lesion size.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective patient group study.

[Cartilage regeneration surgery on the hip : What is feasible?]

Localized cartilage defects at the hip are mainly caused by pre-arthritic deformities, particularly by cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Timely elimination of symptomatic deformities can prevent further progression such as cartilage defects. As the defects mostly occur in the anterolateral part of the acetabulum, they can be easily treated either by open surgery or by arthroscopy. To date the most effective methods of treatment are bone marrow stimulation, with or without a covering of biomaterials, and autologous chondrocyte transplantation. In selected cases, readaptation of the damaged cartilage can be attempted by biological procedures. In the present article, the findings reported in current studies on these procedures are summarized and discussed in detail. An outlook is given regarding possible future treatment concepts.

Arthroscopic Repair of Acetabular Cartilage Lesions by Chitosan-Based Scaffold: Clinical Evaluation at Minimum 2 Years Follow-up

PURPOSE

To evaluate the functional outcome of using chitosan-based material in our patients after 2 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Nonarthritic nondysplastic femoroacetabular impingement patients with an acetabular chondral lesion, 18 to 55 years of age, were included for arthroscopic repair between May 2013 and July 2015. Full-thickness chondral defects ≥2 cm² were filled with chitosan-based implant after microfractures. Follow-up consisted of alpha angle assessment and clinical outcome in the form of the Non Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT33), Hip Outcome Score of Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score of Sports Specific Scale (HOS-SSS).

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were included. The mean follow-up was 38.4 ± 7.0 months (range, 24-50 months). The mean defect size was 3.5 ± 1.0 cm², principally involving zone 2 and to a lesser extent in zones 1 and 3. Using femoroplasty, the alpha angle was corrected from a mean 70.5 ± 6.3° to 44.3 ± 4.9° (P = .00001). Significant improvement occurred comparing the preoperative to the first-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes: P = .00001 for the NAHS, P = .00004 for the iHOT33, P = .00005 for the HOS-ADL, and P = .0002 for the HOS-SSS. No statistically significant change has been observed in the patient-reported outcomes obtained at the endpoint when compared with the first-year values (P = .13 for the NAHS, P = .21 for the HOS-ADL, and P = .29 for the HOS-SSS), except for the iHOT33, which showed further significant improvement (P = .02). Up to 91% of the patients met or exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. One patient needed total hip arthroplasty. Perineal hypoesthesia occurred in 3 patients, who recovered within 2 to 6 weeks, and 1 patient needed a prolonged physiotherapy program for postoperative muscular stiffness.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic combined treatment of microfractures and chitosan-based scaffold has maintained satisfactory clinical outcomes in 91% of the patients with s large (≥2 cm²) full-thickness acetabular chondral defect associated with femoroacetabular impingement at a mean follow-up of 38.4 months. The study could not definitely draw any conclusion regarding the safety of chitosan-based material for use in the hip joint.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From the Cotyloid Fossa Synovium Have Higher Self-renewal and Differentiation Potential Than Those From the Paralabral Synovium in the Hip Joint

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown the relationship between poorer clinical outcomes of arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome surgery and focal chondral defects or global chondromalacia/osteoarthritis. Although recent studies described good outcomes after the conjunctive application of synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), none demonstrated the application of synovial MSCs for cartilaginous hip injuries.

PURPOSE

To compare the characteristics of MSCs derived from the paralabral synovium and the cotyloid fossa synovium and determine which is the better source.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Synovium was harvested from 2 locations of the hip-paralabral and cotyloid fossa-from 18 donors. The number of cells, colony-forming units, viability, and differentiation capacities of adipose, bone, and cartilage were collected and compared between groups. In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the differentiation capacity of adipose, bone, and cartilage tissue from both samples.

RESULTS

The number of colonies and yield obtained at passage 0 of synovium from the cotyloid fossa was significantly higher than that of the paralabral synovium ( P < .01). In adipogenesis experiments, the frequency of detecting oil red O-positive colonies was significantly higher in the cotyloid fossa than in the paralabral synovium ( P < .05). In osteogenesis experiments, the frequency of von Kossa and alkaline phosphatase positive colonies was higher in the cotyloid fossa synovium than in the paralabral synovium ( P < .05). In chondrogenic experiments, the chondrogenic pellet culture and the gene expressions of COL2a1 and SOX9 were higher in the cotyloid fossa synovium than in the paralabral synovium ( P < .05).

CONCLUSION

MSCs from the cotyloid fossa synovium have higher proliferation and differentiation potential than do those from the paralabral synovium and are therefore a better source.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Synovial cells from the cotyloid fossa synovium of patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome are more robust in vitro, suggesting that MSCs from this source may be strongly considered for stem cell therapy.

A Systematic Summary of Systematic Reviews on the Topic of Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

BACKGROUND

There is a rapidly growing body of literature on the topic of hip arthroscopic surgery.

PURPOSE

To provide an overall summary of systematic reviews published on the indications, complications, techniques, outcomes, and information related to hip arthroscopic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of all hip arthroscopic surgery-related systematic reviews published between January 2000 and May 2018 was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Narrative reviews and non-English articles were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 837 articles were found, of which 85 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were summarized and divided into 6 major categories based on the subject of the review: femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), non-FAI indications, surgical technique, outcomes, complications, and miscellaneous.

CONCLUSION

A summary of systematic reviews on hip arthroscopic surgery can provide surgeons with a single source for the most current synopsis of the available literature. As the prevalence of orthopaedic surgeons performing hip arthroscopic surgery increases, updated evidence-based guidelines must likewise be advanced and understood to ensure optimal patient management.

Orthopedic Surgical Options for Joint Cartilage Repair and Restoration

The limited natural capacity for articular cartilage to regenerate has led to a continuously broadening array of surgical interventions. Used once patients' symptoms are not relieved by nonoperative management, these share the goals of joint preservation and restoration. Techniques include bone marrow stimulation, whole-tissue transplantation, and cell-based strategies, each with its own variations. Many of these interventions are performed arthroscopically or with extended-portal techniques. Indications, operative techniques, unique benefits, and limitations are presented.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Hip Chondral Defect With Microfracture and Platelet-Rich Plasma-Infused Micronized Cartilage Allograft Augmentation

Over the past decade, arthroscopic microfracture has become increasingly popular to treat full-thickness (Outerbridge grade IV) chondral defects of the hip. This procedure borrows marrow stimulation treatment principles and techniques from knee arthroscopy, with similar mixed clinical outcomes that may be more favorable in the short term (<2 years) and poorer in the long term. Despite these varied outcomes, microfracture remains the most frequently used technique to treat small focal chondral defects because of the relative ease and cost-effectiveness of the procedure. Consequently, recent efforts have been aimed at improving or augmenting traditional microfracture to achieve more consistent success. BioCartilage (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is a biologically active scaffold containing allograft cartilage that, when combined with autologous conditioned platelet-rich plasma and placed in a defect in which microfracture was performed, may provide a superior repair that mimics native hyaline cartilage rather than the less-durable fibrocartilage that is formed with microfracture alone. This Technical Note and accompanying video review the pertinent techniques, pearls, and potential pitfalls of the microfracture procedure augmented with BioCartilage in the treatment of symptomatic full-thickness chondral defects of the hip.

Arthroscopic hip surgery with a microfracture procedure of acetabular full-thickness chondral damage. Cohort study with a 3-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Management of injuries to the articular cartilage is complex and challenging. Our purpose was to assess outcomes of a cohort of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with full-thickness chondral damage treated with microfracture and compare these outcomes with those from a similar cohort of patients who did not.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively gathered the data of 31 hips treated with microfracture from January 2009 to January 2016. In the cohort of hips without chondral damage there were 49 hips. All patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively with 4 patient-reported outcome instruments.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 36.2 months in the cohort of patients with full-thickness chondral damage, and 36.6 months in the cohort of patients without chondral damage. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in all patient-reported outcome instruments between preoperative and final follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between both cohorts at final follow-up.

DISCUSSION

This study showed that patients undergoing microfracture during hip arthroscopy had significant improvement in all patient-reported outcome instruments during follow-up. The greatest improvement was noted at 6 months postoperatively. Both groups showed no significant difference in final patient-reported outcome instruments scores.

Outcomes of Femoral Head Marrow Stimulation Techniques at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

This study compared patients who underwent femoral head microfracture with a control group of patients who did not require microfracture. Patients had more than 2 years of follow-up. The patient groups had similar demographic and radiographic features, including sex, age within 5 years, body mass index within 5 points, equal Tönnis grade, lateral center edge angle within 5°, labral treatment, and capsular closure vs release. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, Outerbridge grade IV cartilage damage, and femoral head marrow stimulation technique performed at the time of arthroscopy. Exclusion criteria were revision surgery, dysplasia, Tönnis grade of greater than 1, protrusio or profunda acetabuli, Perthes disease of the hip, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, abductor tear, and avascular necrosis of the hip. Patient-reported outcomes included modified Harris hip score, nonarthritic hip score, hip outcome score-activity of daily living subscale, hip outcome score-sports subscale, and visual analog scale score for pain. Fifteen patients had femoral head microfracture with more than 2 years of follow-up. Mean improvements in modified Harris hip score, nonarthritic hip score, hip outcome score-sports subscale, and visual analog scale score were 17.1, 19.4, 30.5, and 2.8, respectively, for the microfracture group compared with 11.8, 18.5, 22.2, and 3.0, respectively, for the control group. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement (P<.05) for all patient-reported outcomes, and no significant difference was found between the 2 patient groups at latest follow-up. Two patients in the microfracture group vs 3 patients in the control required hip arthroplasty. Femoral head microfracture is a technically difficult procedure, but when performed correctly, the results are similar to those of patients who do not require microfracture. Further study of femoral head microfracture is necessary to confirm these encouraging short-term outcomes. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(1):e70-e76.].

ASCOT: Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Use for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb-First Carpometacarpal Joint

Background:

The first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) in the hand is a commonly affected joint by osteoarthritis. It causes significant thumb base pain, limiting functional capacity. Microfracturing and application of autologous stem cells has been performed on large joints such as the knee but has never been evaluated for use in the smaller joints in the hand. Our aim was to determine the potential benefit of microfracturing and autologous bone marrow stem cells for treatment of osteoarthritis of the first CMCJ in the hand.

Methods:

All inclusion criteria were satisfied. Preoperative assessment by the surgeon, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist was performed. The first CMCJ was microfractured and the Bone Marrow Stem Cells were applied directly. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up for 1 year.

Results:

Fifteen patients met inclusion criteria; however, 2 patients were excluded due to postoperative cellulitis and diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The mean scores of the 13-patient preoperative and 1 year follow-up assessments are visual analog score at rest of 3.23–1.69 (P = 0.0292), visual analog score on activity of 7.92–4.23 (P = 0.0019), range of motion 45.77o–55.15o (P = 0.0195), thumb opposition score 7.62–9.23 (P = 0.0154), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 51.67–23.08 (P = 0.0065). Strength improved insignificantly from 4.7 kg preoperatively to 5.53 kg at 12 months (P = 0.1257). All patients had a positive Grind test preoperatively and a negative test after 12 months.

Conclusions:

This innovative pilot study is a new approach to osteoarthritis of the thumb.

Indications for Hip Arthroscopy

CONTEXT

Hip arthroscopy is gaining popularity within the field of orthopaedic surgery. The development and innovation of hip-specific arthroscopic instrumentation and improved techniques has resulted in improved access to the hip joint and ability to treat various hip pathologies.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Electronic databases, including PubMed and MEDLINE, were queried for articles relating to hip arthroscopy indications (1930-2017).

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

RESULTS

Initially used as a technique for loose body removal, drainage/debridement of septic arthritis, and treatment of pediatric hip disorders, hip arthroscopy is currently used to treat various hip conditions. The recognition of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as a source of hip pain in young adults has rapidly expanded hip arthroscopy by applying the principles of osseous correction that were previously described and demonstrated via an open surgical dislocation approach. Hip pathologies can be divided into central compartment, peripheral compartment, peritrochanteric space, and subgluteal space disorders.

CONCLUSION

Although hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that may offer decreased morbidity, diminished risk of neurovascular injury, and shorter recovery periods compared with traditional open exposures to the hip, it is important to understand the appropriate patient selection and indications.

A Critical Review: Management and Surgical Options for Articular Defects in the Hip

Patients with articular cartilage lesions of the hip may present with pain and symptoms that may be vague in nature and onset. Therefore, a thorough history and physical examination should be performed for every patient presenting with hip pain and/or disability. The management may be operative or nonoperative. Nonoperative management includes a trial of rest and/or activity modification, along with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and biologic injections. Operative treatment in the form of arthroscopic techniques continues to decrease morbidity and offer innovative solutions and new applications for microfracture, ACT, and AMIC.

Hip arthroscopy protocol: expert opinions on post-operative weight bearing and return to sports guidelines

The objectives of this study are to survey the weight-bearing limitation practices and delay for returning to running and impact sports of high volume hip arthroscopy orthopedic surgeons. The study was designed in the form of expert survey questionnaire. Evidence-based data are scares regarding hip arthroscopy post-operative weight-bearing protocols. An international cross-sectional anonymous Internet survey of 26 high-volume hip arthroscopy specialized surgeons was conducted to report their weight-bearing limitations and rehabilitation protocols after various arthroscopic hip procedures. The International Society of Hip Arthroscopy invited this study. The results were examined in the context of supporting literature to inform the studies suggestions. Four surgeons always allow immediate weight bearing and five never offer immediate weight bearing. Seventeen surgeons provide weight bearing depending on the procedures performed: 17 surgeons allowed immediate weight bearing after labral resection, 10 after labral repair and 8 after labral reconstruction. Sixteen surgeons allow immediate weight bearing after psoas tenotomy. Twenty-one respondents restrict weight bearing after microfracture procedures for 3–8 weeks post-operatively. Return to running and impact sports were shorter for labral procedures and bony procedures and longer for cartilaginous and capsular procedures. Marked variability exists in the post-operative weight-bearing practices of hip arthroscopy surgeons. This study suggests that most surgeons allow immediate weight bearing as tolerated after labral resection, acetabular osteoplasty, chondroplasty and psoas tenotomy. For cartilage defect procedures, 6 weeks or more non-weight bearing is suggested depending on the area of the defect and lateral central edge angle. Delayed return to sports activities is suggested after microfracture procedures. The level of evidence was Level V expert opinions.

Analysis of the Current Indications for Microfracture of Chondral Lesions in the Hip Joint

BACKGROUND

Data on the efficacy of microfracture for treatment of chondral defects in the hip are currently limited, and the recommended criteria for its use (minimal osteoarthritis; a focal, contained lesion <4 cm² in size) have been taken from those that were established for the knee.

PURPOSE

To determine if the current microfracture (ie, knee) criteria are appropriate for chondral lesions in the hip.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Seventy patients who had hip arthroscopy and 2 years of follow-up after treatment of labral tears and cam and pincer bony deformities, as well as microfracture of full-thickness chondral defects, are the basis of this study. The size and location of the chondral defects were recorded on each patient's "hip sheet" and operative note at the time of hip arthroscopy and were confirmed from intraoperative photographs. The chondral defects were debrided and microfractured regardless of their size. All hips were assessed with the 100-point modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) before arthroscopy and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Patients who had a total hip arthroplasty or repeat arthroscopy during their 2-year follow-up period were assigned poor results.

RESULTS

The average age of the 70 patients was 41 years, and the average size of the lesions microfractured was 143 mm². Outcomes, based on patients' 2-year mHHS or being assigned a poor result for revision surgery, were as follows: 32 excellent, 11 good, 6 fair, and 21 poor; overall, 43 patients (61%) had good and excellent results, and 27 (39%) had fair and poor results. The revision surgery rate was 24%. Seven of the 70 patients had chondral lesions greater than the recommended size for microfracture in the hip (>400 mm) and ranged from 430 to 750 mm². Their 2-year outcomes included 3 excellent, 1 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result; the outcomes were the same as for the 8 patients with medium (200-400 mm²) and the 55 patients with smaller (<200 mm²) lesions (P = .25). There also was no difference in the 2-year outcomes of the older patients (age ≥50 years; P = .91).

CONCLUSION

Microfracture in the hip should not be limited to the criteria of knee lesions (<400 mm²) or to younger patients (age <50 years). However, the results also indicate that patients with full-thickness cartilage defects can anticipate a high rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty within 2 years of their microfracture surgery and that only 60% of them will have good/excellent results over that time period.

Management of Hip Pain in Young Adults

The diagnosis and treatment of hip pain in the young adult remains a challenge. Recently, understanding of a few specific hip conditions has improved; most notably femoroacetabular impingement. The differential diagnosis of hip pain has also expanded significantly, offering new challenges and opportunities. Along with the diagnostic dilemma, optimal treatment strategies for many conditions have yet to be proven and are current areas of important inquiry. This article reviews the current research on hip pain in the young adult and presents an overview of diagnostic and management strategies.

Outerbridge Grade IV Cartilage Lesions in the Hip Identified at Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To determine factors associated with grade IV cartilage defects in the hip in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with joint pain.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy performed by a single surgeon over a period of 4 years were included in this study. The study group included 1,097 patients (491 women and 606 men; mean age, 37 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy for pain, had no prior hip surgery, and were aged 18 years or older. Preoperative radiographs, patient demographic characteristics, and operative details were used to identify risk factors for cartilage defects.

RESULTS

Grade IV chondral defects were present in 308 of 1,097 hips (28%). Isolated chondral lesions were more frequently observed on the acetabulum (76%) than on the femoral head (24%). Defects of the acetabulum were more commonly anterosuperior (94.7%) and less commonly posterolateral (5.3%). Patients with less than 2 mm of joint space on preoperative radiographs were 8 times more likely to have a grade IV lesion than those with more than 2 mm. Men were more likely than women to have grade IV lesions (35% v 19%, P = .0001); patients with grade IV lesions were older than those without (42 years v 34 years, P = .0001). Hips with grade IV lesions had significantly higher alpha angles than those without (74° v 70°, P = .0001). Patients with grade IV defects reported a longer duration of symptoms than those without (37 months v 27 months, P = .007). Independent risk factors for the presence of grade IV chondral defects were less than 2 mm of joint space, male gender, increasing age, larger alpha angle, and longer duration of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Grade IV chondral defects in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were associated with decreased joint space, increased time from symptom onset to arthroscopy, male gender, and larger alpha angles associated with femoroacetabular impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic case series.

Editorial Commentary: Microfracture for Focal Cartilage Defects: Is the Hip Like the Knee?

Reading about microfracture for focal cartilage defects of the hip, we ponder whether the hip resembles the knee with regard to focal cartilage defects. Minimally invasive microfracture has been a first-line therapy for focal cartilage defects. Microfracture results in fibrous cartilage and unpredictable repair volume, which could be better than absent cartilage, particularly if knee symptoms abate. However, of late, microfracture is not recommended because destruction of subchondral anatomy may result in subchondral cyst formation.