Surgical Treatment of Labral Tears: Debridement, Repair, and Reconstruction

Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair With Knotless FiberTak Suture Anchor

We describe a modification to a standard labral repair technique that uses a knotless suture anchor. This technique modification allows for improved suture management and maneuverability during suture passing and tensioning. This technique can be reproduced and has the potential to be implemented in other procedures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Approximates Labral Width at the 9-, 12-, and 3-O'Clock Positions in the Setting of Revision Hip Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To compare preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative measurements of labral width and determine whether MRI can reliably predict labral width in the setting of revision surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy with labral repair performed by a single surgeon from January 2008 to December 2015 were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. The width of the labrum was measured intraoperatively at the time of surgery. Two orthopaedic surgeons performed labral width measurements on MRI scans at 3 standardized locations using the clock-face method. Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated, and comparisons between intraoperatively measured labral widths and MRI measurements were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy were enrolled in the study. The average labral width measurements at the 3-, 12-, and 9-o'clock positions were 7.4 mm (standard deviation [SD], 1.2 mm), 7.5 mm (SD, 1.4 mm), and 6.6 mm (SD, 1.2 mm), respectively, on MRI compared with 6.7 mm (SD, 2.1 mm), 6.5 mm (SD, 2.5 mm), and 7.0 mm (SD, 1.9 mm), respectively, when measured intraoperatively. The average intraoperative measurements were smaller than the MRI measurements at the 3-o'clock (P = .03) and 12-o'clock (P = .01) positions. The inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficients between the 2 surgeons exhibited good agreement (0.612) at the 3-o'clock position, fair agreement (0.498) at the 12-o'clock position, and poor agreement (0.171) at the 9-o'clock position. The positive predictive values of the MRI measurements were 72% at the 3-o'clock position, 68% at the 12-o'clock position, and 88% at the 9-o'clock position for identifying a labral width of 6 mm or greater.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that MRI-measured labral width and actual labral width measured at the time of revision arthroscopy are usually within 1 mm of each other.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, diagnostic study investigating diagnostic test.

Paralabral Cyst of the Hip Causing Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated with Arthroscopic Decompression and Labral Repair

In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement of the hip joint, paralabral cysts are well-documented sequelae. These cysts are typically associated with labral tears caused by CAM and/or pincer-type bony lesions. Synovial fluid extravasation through a tear in the labrum, similar to a popliteus cyst, leads to formation of a capsular-based cyst that is usually self-limiting. Few documented cases of these cysts causing compression of nearby neurovascular structures exist. There are several studies documenting arthroscopic decompression of these cysts, but none reporting compression of the femoral vein by a paralabral cyst resulting in deep vein thrombosis. We present the case of a large anterior paralabral cyst causing compression of the right femoral vein in a patient presenting with deep vein thrombosis and hip pain. Treatment consisted of arthroscopic decompression, followed by definitive aspiration by interventional radiology after labral repair and bipolar hip osteoplasty. The purpose of this case report was to document this rare presentation and offer learning points from our experience.

Does response to preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections predict outcomes of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

Some patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) who undergo surgery do not show satisfactory outcomes. Reliable tests that can inform prognosis of FAIS surgery are needed for optimized indications and contraindications to surgery. We aimed to review and critically appraise available literature on the capability of patient response to preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections (PIAI) to predict post-surgical outcomes in patients with FAIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that assessed the patient pain response to PIAI and post-surgical outcomes in patients with FAIS were considered eligible. Study selection and data collection were performed by three independent reviewers. Main outcomes evaluated were those measured by hip outcome scales often used in assessing postoperative pain and functional recovery, such as the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT). The likelihood ratio of achieving satisfactory postoperative outcomes at the mHHS (LHR) was extracted or calculated-for patients with significant response to PIAI and for those without a significant response to PIAI. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.

RESULTS

Six studies were considered eligible for analysis. Five studies indicated that patient response to PIAI are associated to surgical outcomes for patients with FAIS, with a greater reduction in pain typically indicating a better surgical outcome. Additionally, the LHR ranged from 1.15 to 1.92 for patients with significant response to PIAI (I2 = 90.6%). For patients without a significant response, the LHR ranged from 0.18 to 0.65 (I2 = 87.5). An overall high risk of bias was observed for all studies included in the analysis. Study attrition, the prognostic factor measurement and the presence of confounding factors were the main sources of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater reductions in pain with preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections were found to be associated to better outcomes after FAIS surgery, but all available studies contain a high risk of bias.

Modified Loop Suture Technique in Arthroscopic Labral Repair of the Hip

Hip arthroscopy is rapidly increasing in case volume annually in the United States. However, it remains a challenging surgery with a steep learning curve. Labral repair is commonly performed to preserve the labrum rather than labral debridement or reconstruction. Many techniques have been described for labral repair. In this technical note, we describe our technique for a modified loop suture technique for arthroscopic labral repair of the hip.

Sustained-Drug-Release, Strong, and Anti-Swelling Water-Lipid Biphasic Hydrogels Prepared via Digital Light Processing 3D Printing for Protection against Osteoarthritis: Demonstration in a Porcine Model

Osteoarthritis is a serious disease affecting joint cartilage. Owing to poor blood supply, the meniscus and acetabular labrum of joints heal poorly after injury. However, the development of artificial alternatives to these components that have similar mechanical properties and cartilage-protection ability is challenging. In this study, a strong hydrogel with a biomimetic microstructure is prepared with an emulsion-type photosensitive resin, where both hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, photo-initiator, and drugs can be adopted. In this system, the hydrophobic monomer forms uniformly dispersed aggregates after curing, improving the mechanical properties of the hydrogel significantly. Furthermore, the coordination bonds between nontoxic Zr4+ cations and sulfonic acid groups prevent hydrogel swelling. In addition, the water-oil biphasic hydrogel ink enables the loading of water- and lipid-soluble drugs, yielding hydrogel scaffolds with sustained dual-drug release ability. Crucially, hydrogel scaffolds having excellent mechanical properties, low swelling, and sustained biphasic drug release ability can be prepared using digital light processing 3D printing technology, owing to the high curing rate of the hydrophobic photo-initiator. These hydrogel scaffolds are applied as meniscal and labral replacements in a porcine model and show great promise for the prevention of secondary osteoarthritis, demonstrating the broad potential clinical applications of this material.

Midterm results after arthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty combined with labral debridement for cam type femoroacetabular impingement in active adults

INTRODUCTION

Arthroscopic labral procedures are frequently undertaken in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The role of arthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty is well established, but less is known about labral procedures. This study evaluates the midterm efficacy and feasibility of arthroscopic osteoplasty with concomitant labral debridement for cam impingement in active adults.

METHODS

The present study was conducted according to the STROBE Statement. All 108 patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for cam type FAI combined with labral debridement were considered. Axial and anteroposterior plain radiographs of the pelvis were obtained preoperatively to identify the cam deformity and assess the presence of osteoarthritis, the lateral centre-edge angle, and the alpha angle. The ROM (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and intra/extra rotation) was evaluated. The following PROMs were administered: visual analogic scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Scale, non-arthritic hip score (NAHS), the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) overall score, and related subscales: symptoms and functional limitations, sports and recreational activities, job-related concerns, and social, emotional, and lifestyle concerns.

RESULTS

At a mean of 2.0 ± 1.1 months, all 108 patients returned to their daily activities with no limitation. At a mean of 2.6 ± 1.4 months, all 108 patients were able to return to sport with no limitation. At 11.9 ± 2.1-month follow-up, no differences were reported in the range of motion compared to baseline: flexion (P = 0.3), extension (P = 0.09), abduction (P = 0.1), adduction (P = 0.3), internal rotation (P = 0.4), and external rotation (P = 0.6). At 72.8 ± 21.7-month follow-up, the mean VAS score was 1.7 ± 3.0, Tegner Activity Scale 3.5 ± 1.4, NAHS 92.1 ± 21.5, iHOT33 83.3 ± 27.2. At a mean of 21.7 ± 15.5 months following the index procedure, 14 of 108 patients had undergone total hip arthroplasty. No further revisions or complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty with concomitant labral debridement for cam type of FAI in active adults yields the reliable results, with a rate of progression to total hip arthroplasty of 13% (14 of 108) at 3-year follow-up. All patients returned to their daily activities with no limitation 2 months postoperatively. Within 3 months, all patients returned to sport with no limitations. No complication related to the index procedure was reported, and no further arthroscopic procedures were necessary.

Editorial Commentary: Surgeons Planning Hip Labral Arthroscopic Repair Should Have a Backup Plan of Labral Reconstruction or Augmentation Based on Intraoperative Labral Degeneration, Hypoplasia, or Ossification

The arena of hip arthroscopy has seen leaps in practices over the past decade, evolving from surgical debridement of the labrum to improvements in techniques which now allow repair, augmentation, and circumferential reconstruction. But as the operating theater continues to change its act, so too must the preoperative choreography. Recent advancements in the understanding of preoperative risk factors for failure of primary labral repair have identified the diminutive or hypoplastic labra on prescreening magnetic resonance imaging as a negative predictor of success. While this quantitative assessment predicts the anatomical coverage of the labrum, we are still limited in our ability to qualify the latter's tissue substance preoperatively. Ossified or degenerative labra may not have the inherent functional capacity to restore the suction seal of the hip in a primary repair setting. If the applause from the audience fails to reach a significant threshold, we must rethink our act, and that begins with the choreography. The next step in hip arthroscopy is determining if a primary augmentation or reconstruction, in lieu of primary repair, warrants further consideration. Until we develop reliable methods of quantifying and qualifying the labral tissue, both preoperatively and optimally, we should establish backup for surprises encountered while on the "stage."

Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State After Endoscopic Gluteus Medius or Minimus Repair With or Without Labral Treatment and Routine Capsular Closure at Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information in the literature on midterm outcomes of endoscopic gluteus medius and/or minimus repair with concomitant labral treatment using only modern surgical techniques.

PURPOSE

To define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively for patients undergoing endoscopic hip abductor repair with routine capsular closure.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent primary endoscopic repair of gluteus medius and/or minimus tears between January 2012 and December 2015 by the senior author were eligible for inclusion. Patient-reported outcome scores were assessed preoperatively and at 5 years postoperatively: Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), HOS-Sport Specific (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The MCID was uniquely calculated using the distribution method, and the PASS was determined via the anchor-based method utilizing receiver operating characteristic curves and Youden index.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were included in the study. The majority were female (87.0%), with a mean ± standard deviation age of 59.1 ± 8.9 years and body mass index of 27.3 ± 6.9. Significant postoperative improvements (P < .001) in each of the 5 patient-reported outcomes were observed at 5 years postoperatively. The MCID threshold values were calculated as follows: HOS-ADL, 11.5; HOS-SS, 15.1; mHHS, 13.3; iHOT-12, 11.8; and VAS, 15.8. The PASS thresholds were calculated as follows: HOS-ADL, 75.7; HOS-SS, 79.7; mHHS, 81.2; and iHOT-12, 60.8. A majority of patients achieved a clinically significant outcome, with 96.2% of patients reaching a threshold score for the MCID or PASS for at least 1 patient-reported outcome.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic hip abductor repair with concomitant arthroscopic labral treatment has a high rate of achievement of clinically significant outcomes and survivorship at a minimum 5-year follow-up. We defined the MCID for the HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, mHHS, iHOT-12, and VAS outcome scores to be 11.5, 15.1, 13.3, 11.8, and 15.8, respectively. The PASS threshold scores for the HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, mHHS and iHOT-12 scores of 75.7, 79.7, 81.2, and 60.8, respectively. Future researchers and clinicians can use the MCID and PASS values established in this study to better evaluate mid-term outcomes of patients undergoing hip abductor repair.

Inconclusive and Contradictory Evidence for Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement and Osteoarthritis of Tönnis Grade 2 or Greater: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To investigate whether hip arthroscopy (HA) is effective in patients with femoroacetabular impingement and concomitant hip osteoarthritis (OA) of Tönnis grade 2 or greater.

METHODS

This review was registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PROSPERO, CRD42020210936). It followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines and included multiple databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library. All studies in English or German from database inception to December 1, 2020, that investigated outcomes of HA in patients with OA of Tönnis grade 2 or greater were considered eligible. The risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies) tool. Data heterogeneity was explored using the I² test in a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria. The MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies) score averaged 68% (range, 46%-81%). A total of 616 hips, consisting of 247 hips of interest (Tönnis grade 2 or greater) and 369 controls, were included. The weighted estimated follow-up averaged 29.1 months (range, 12-84 months). Data on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) could be extracted for 6 of 11 studies, and date on conversion to total hip arthroplasty were available for 8 of 11. Four studies reported an overall improvement in PROMs after HA, and 2 highlighted a failure of improvement in PROMs. Failure of HA with conversion to total hip arthroplasty was observed at a rate of 0% to 9% in 4 studies, as opposed to proportions as high as 35% to 70% in the other 4 studies. There was a high level of heterogeneity, with a calculated I² value of 89%.

CONCLUSIONS

There is currently contradictory and insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy of HA for hips with femoroacetabular impingement and concomitant OA of Tönnis grade 2 or greater. This is in the context of data with low levels of evidence, mainly consisting of retrospective case series (Level IV) with a high risk of bias and high heterogeneity (I² of approximately 90%).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Program for Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Repair: A Comprehensive 5-Phase Patient-Guided Program

Background:

Many of the current rehabilitation programs for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy fail to consider the progression of soft tissue healing and inflammation that can be heightened due to aggressive therapy to the operative hip in the immediate postoperative period.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that introducing conservative physical therapy (PT) preoperatively along with a slow progression to return to activity using a structured, patient-guided postoperative program would improve patient outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients who received a hip arthroscopy, were at least 18 years old, and who had completed the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 1-year follow-up: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, International Hip Outcome Tool-33, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Patients who underwent previous surgery on the ipsilateral hip and those with cartilage erosion down to exposed subchondral bone (Outerbridge grade 4) were excluded. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare the change in PRO scores at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up, and the percentage of patients who achieved minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) thresholds on the mHHS were stratified according to their Outerbridge grade (0-3).

Results:

Overall, 202 patients (53% female, 47% male) were included in the analysis. Significant improvement was seen from 3 to 6 months on all PRO measures and from 6 months to 1 year on all but the mHHS (P < .05 for all except the mHHS). A significantly smaller percentage of patients with Outerbridge grade 3 cartilage damage achieved the MCID and SCB on the mHHS compared with those with grade 0, both at 6 months (grade 3 vs 0: 20% vs 63.2% [MCID]; 18.0% vs 52.6% [SCB]; both P = .03) and 1 year (grade 3 vs 0: 22.0% vs 57.9% [MCID]; 14.0% vs 52.6% [SCB]; both P < .05).

Conclusion:

A structured, patient-guided PT protocol after arthroscopic acetabular labral repair can significantly improve postoperative outcomes.

Revision Hip Arthroscopy in the Native Hip: A Review of Contemporary Evaluation and Treatment Options

Hip arthroscopy is a reproducible and efficacious procedure for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Despite this efficacy, clinical failures are observed, clinical entities are challenging to treat, and revision hip arthroscopy may be required. The most common cause of symptom recurrence after a hip arthroscopy that leads to a revision arthroscopy is residual cam morphology as a result of inadequate femoral osteochondroplasty and restoration of head–neck offset, though several other revision etiologies including progressive chondral and labral pathologies also exist. In these cases, it is imperative to perform a comprehensive examination to identify the cause of a failed primary arthroscopy as to assess whether or not a revision hip arthroscopy procedure is indicated. When a secondary procedure is indicated, approaches may consist of revision labral repair, complete labral reconstruction, or labral augmentation depending on labral integrity. Gross instability or imaging-based evidence of microinstability may necessitate capsular augmentation or plication. If residual cam or pincer morphology is present, additional resection of the osseous abnormalities may be warranted. This review article discusses indications, the evaluation of patients with residual symptoms after primary hip arthroscopy, and the evaluation of outcomes following revision hip arthroscopy through an evidence-based discussion. We also present a case example of a revision hip arthroscopy procedure to highlight necessary intraoperative techniques during a revision hip arthroscopy.