Our Summary

This research paper is about a condition called os acetabuli, thought to be caused by an unfused bone growth center or a fracture in the hip joint. Traditionally, treatment involved removing the affected part. However, this can lead to hip instability and other issues, especially in patients with large bone fragments or those who already had less bone coverage in their hip joint prior to the surgery. The authors suggest a different approach for patients suffering from os acetabuli, a torn hip labrum (a type of cartilage), and another condition called cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. They suggest fixing the os acetabuli in place, reshaping the femur bone, and repairing the torn labrum. They propose an efficient and cost-effective surgical technique that uses a screw and suture to fix both the labral tear and the os acetabuli at the same time, reducing the need for multiple suture anchors. In simple terms, the authors propose a new way to treat a certain hip condition that can save time and money.

FAQs

  1. What is os acetabuli and how is it traditionally treated?
  2. What surgical intervention is proposed for patients with an acetabular os, labral tearing, and cam-type femoroacetabular impingement?
  3. How does the “suture-on-screw” arthroscopic technique improve the treatment of patients with labral tear and os acetabuli?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing labral repair to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including physical therapy exercises and restrictions on weight-bearing activities to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. It is important for the patient to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients with labral tearing, acetabular os (os acetabuli), and cam-type femoroacetabular impingement are typically recommended for labral repair. These patients may have large bone fragments or reduced acetabular coverage, which can lead to iatrogenic dysplasia and structural instability if treated with resection alone. Therefore, a combination of internal fixation of the os acetabuli, femoral osteochondroplasty, and labral repair may be necessary to address these issues and provide optimal outcomes for these patients. The “suture-on-screw” arthroscopic technique described in the study offers a cost-effective and efficient approach to simultaneously address both the labral tear and os acetabuli in these patients.

Timeline

  • Patient experiences pain and limited range of motion in the hip joint
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic imaging to confirm the presence of an acetabular os, labral tearing, and cam-type femoroacetabular impingement
  • Patient undergoes arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum, internal fixation of the os acetabuli, and femoral osteochondroplasty
  • “Suture-on-screw” arthroscopic technique is used to address both the labral tear and os acetabuli simultaneously
  • Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the hip joint
  • Patient experiences reduced pain and improved function in the hip joint after surgery and rehabilitation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of labral repair in my case?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of undergoing labral repair surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after labral repair surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to labral repair that I should consider?
  7. What is the success rate of labral repair surgery for patients with my specific condition?
  8. How many times have you performed labral repair surgery, and what is your success rate?
  9. Are there any specific precautions or limitations I should follow after the surgery to ensure proper healing?
  10. How long will it take for me to return to my normal daily activities after labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: DeFroda SF, Wichman D, Browning R, Alter TD, Nho SJ. Journal: Arthrosc Tech. 2021 May 7;10(6):e1491-e1496. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2021.02.015. eCollection 2021 Jun. PMID: 34258195