Our Summary

This research paper reviews the occurrence rate of capsulolabral adhesions (scar tissue that forms between the hip joint capsule and its labrum) following hip arthroscopy, which is a surgery performed to address a hip condition called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The study used data from English-language studies and assessed risk factors such as the type of anchor used in the surgery and how the capsule was closed.

The study found that the occurrence of these adhesions was relatively low after the initial hip arthroscopy. However, it was more common in patients who had to have the surgery again. It was also found that patients reported an improvement in their hip function after having these adhesions surgically removed. This suggests that while the risk of developing these adhesions is low after the first surgery, it is more likely after a repeat surgery, and removing these adhesions can improve patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is the occurrence rate of capsulolabral adhesions following hip arthroscopy?
  2. What are the risk factors for developing capsulabral adhesions after hip arthroscopy?
  3. Can the removal of capsulabral adhesions improve hip function?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing arthroscopy to follow their post-operative rehabilitation plan closely to reduce the risk of developing adhesions and to improve their overall hip function. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can help support the healing process and prevent future complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy include those who have a variety of joint conditions, such as:

  1. Meniscal tears in the knee
  2. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the knee
  3. Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
  4. Labral tears in the hip
  5. Cartilage damage in the knee, shoulder, or hip
  6. Loose bodies in the joint
  7. Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)

Arthroscopy is often recommended for patients who have not had success with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. It is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to visualize and treat joint problems with small incisions and specialized tools. Arthroscopy can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and prevent further damage to the joint.

Timeline

Before hip arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences hip pain and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, and physical examination to determine the cause of the hip pain.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends hip arthroscopy as a treatment option for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparation for the surgery.

After hip arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes hip arthroscopy surgery to address FAI.
  2. Patient may experience pain and swelling in the hip joint post-surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the hip.
  4. Patient follows a recovery plan prescribed by the orthopedic surgeon to ensure proper healing.
  5. Patient may undergo a second hip arthroscopy if necessary, due to the development of capsulolabral adhesions.
  6. Removal of the adhesions leads to an improvement in hip function and overall patient outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the likelihood of developing capsulolabral adhesions following hip arthroscopy?
  2. Are there any specific risk factors that may increase the chances of developing these adhesions?
  3. How are capsulolabral adhesions typically diagnosed and treated?
  4. What is the success rate of surgically removing capsulolabral adhesions in improving hip function?
  5. If capsulolabral adhesions do develop, what are the treatment options available?
  6. How does the type of anchor used in the surgery and the method of closing the capsule impact the risk of developing these adhesions?
  7. What are the potential complications associated with capsulolabral adhesions post-hip arthroscopy?
  8. Are there any specific post-operative rehabilitation protocols that can help prevent or minimize the formation of these adhesions?
  9. How often do patients need to undergo repeat surgeries for capsulolabral adhesions after hip arthroscopy?
  10. What are the expected outcomes in terms of hip function and overall recovery if capsulolabral adhesions occur post-hip arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Den Hartog TJ, Leary SM, Schaver AL, Parker EA, Westermann RW. Journal: Iowa Orthop J. 2023 Dec;43(2):146-155. PMID: 38213862