Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the outcomes for patients who had one of two types of hip surgeries: labral repair or labral reconstruction. These surgeries are often done for people who have a condition known as femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tears.

A total of 10 studies with 582 reconstruction cases and 631 repair cases were reviewed. The age of the patients in these studies ranged from 27 to 52 years old for the reconstruction group and 27 to 47 years old for the repair group. The follow-up period after the surgeries varied from 24 to 66 months for the reconstruction group and 24 to 71 months for the repair group.

Two types of scores were used to measure the outcome of the surgeries: the modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) and the North American Hip Score (NAHS). In most studies, both scores were higher in the repair group compared to the reconstruction group, indicating better outcomes. However, the difference was not statistically significant, meaning it could have happened by chance.

Interestingly, the study found that patients who had a reconstruction surgery were slightly more likely to need a total hip replacement later on.

In conclusion, both types of surgeries can significantly improve patient outcomes at short-term follow-up. However, the repair surgery might lead to slightly better results and a lower risk of needing a total hip replacement.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of hip surgeries discussed in the study and who typically needs them?
  2. How were the outcomes of the hip surgeries measured in the study and what were the results?
  3. Did the study find any differences in the likelihood of needing a total hip replacement between the two types of surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that while both labral repair and labral reconstruction surgeries can improve outcomes for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and labral tears, the repair surgery may have slightly better results and a lower risk of needing a total hip replacement in the future. It is important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each surgical option with their doctor to determine the best course of treatment for their individual situation.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for labral repair surgery are those who have femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tears. These patients are usually relatively young, with ages ranging from 27 to 47 years old, and are experiencing hip pain, limited range of motion, and/or difficulty with daily activities. Labral repair surgery is often considered as a first-line treatment option for these patients, as it can help to restore function and alleviate symptoms associated with FAIS and labral tears. Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for needing a total hip replacement in the future may be recommended for labral repair surgery, as it has been shown to potentially reduce the likelihood of needing a total hip replacement compared to labral reconstruction surgery.

Timeline

Before labral repair:

  1. Patient experiences hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI or X-ray), and possibly a diagnostic hip injection to confirm the diagnosis of labral tear.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their orthopedic surgeon, including the possibility of labral repair surgery.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as blood tests, medical evaluation, and anesthesia consultation.

After labral repair:

  1. Patient undergoes labral repair surgery, which involves arthroscopic techniques to repair the torn labrum.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and then transferred to a hospital room or discharged home.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the hip joint.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Over time, patient experiences reduced pain, improved hip function, and increased activity levels.
  6. Patient continues with ongoing physical therapy and exercises to maintain hip health and prevent future injuries.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of labral repair surgery compared to labral reconstruction surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with labral repair surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after labral repair surgery?
  4. How long do the effects of labral repair surgery typically last?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. What is the likelihood of needing a total hip replacement in the future after labral repair surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after undergoing labral repair surgery?
  8. What is the rate of re-tearing the labrum after repair surgery, and how can this be prevented?
  9. How experienced are you in performing labral repair surgeries, and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions that I need to follow for a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Maldonado DR, Kyin C, Chen SL, Rosinksy PJ, Shapira J, Meghpara MB, Lall AC, Domb BG. Journal: Hip Int. 2021 Nov;31(6):704-713. doi: 10.1177/1120700020965162. Epub 2020 Oct 22. PMID: 33090881