Our Summary

This study followed up on patients who had undergone a specific type of hip surgery, called arthroscopic labral repair, for a condition known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The surgery was performed between 2008 and 2010, and 41 of the original 45 patients were included in the study. The researchers compared the long-term results of the surgery, with an average follow-up of over 7 years, to the results shortly after the surgery.

To evaluate the results, they used several scoring systems that measure things like pain, hip function in daily life and in sports, patient satisfaction, and the presence of early osteoarthritis. They found that on average, patients reported less pain, better hip function, and high satisfaction after the surgery. The average score for early osteoarthritis was not significantly different before and after the surgery.

Only one patient needed a total hip replacement because their osteoarthritis got worse 8 years after the surgery. Five patients needed a second, smaller surgery within 5 years because of complications like tissue adhesion or issues with the surgical materials.

Overall, the study found that the improvements seen shortly after the surgery were generally maintained in the long term. The successful recovery of the damaged hip structure was associated with improvement of the patients’ symptoms. The study suggests that this type of surgery can effectively treat FAI without significantly increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

FAQs

  1. What is arthroscopic labral repair surgery and what condition does it treat?
  2. What were the long-term results of the arthroscopic labral repair surgery performed between 2008 and 2010?
  3. Does arthroscopic labral repair surgery significantly increase the risk of osteoarthritis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to follow a personalized rehabilitation plan after surgery to ensure proper healing and to prevent complications. This may include physical therapy exercises, activity modifications, and avoiding high-impact activities. It is important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for labral repair surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are those who have persistent hip pain, limited range of motion, and/or difficulty with daily activities or sports due to the condition. These patients may have been diagnosed with FAI through imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and have failed to respond to conservative treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a hip specialist to determine if they are a good candidate for labral repair surgery. Factors such as the severity of the labral tear, the presence of other hip joint abnormalities, the patient’s age and activity level, and their overall health and medical history will be taken into consideration when determining if surgery is the best treatment option.

Overall, patients who are recommended for labral repair surgery are those who are motivated to improve their hip function and quality of life, and are willing to commit to the post-operative rehabilitation process to achieve the best outcomes.

Timeline

In summary, a patient who undergoes arthroscopic labral repair can expect to experience immediate relief of symptoms such as pain and improved hip function. Over time, they may need additional surgeries for complications, but overall, the surgery can provide long-term benefits and improve quality of life for patients with FAI.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about labral repair include:

  1. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery impact my long-term hip function and risk of osteoarthritis?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. How frequently do patients need additional surgeries or treatments after undergoing labral repair?
  8. What can I do to maximize the success of the surgery and my recovery process?
  9. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy recommendations to help improve my hip function post-surgery?
  10. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery to monitor my progress and address any concerns?

Reference

Authors: Lee JW, Hwang DS, Kang C, Hwang JM, Chung HJ. Journal: Clin Orthop Surg. 2019 Mar;11(1):28-35. doi: 10.4055/cios.2019.11.1.28. Epub 2019 Feb 18. PMID: 30838105