Our Summary

This research paper explores the importance of the acetabular labrum, a type of cartilage found in the hip joint. The labrum helps increase the surface area and volume of the hip joint, making it stable and robust. It’s usually capable of a lifetime of normal function, unless there are significant bone issues.

However, certain conditions, such as femoroacetabular impingement (a condition where the bones of the hip are abnormally shaped and do not fit together perfectly) or dysplasia (abnormal growth or development of a tissue or organ), can cause injury to the labrum. These injuries may cause symptoms in patients and can lead to joint degeneration in the long term.

The paper then discusses labral preservation surgery, which aims to keep the shape and function of the labrum intact. The paper highlights that repairing the labrum, when possible, is better than removing damaged tissue (debridement). Patient surveys have shown better results following labral repair compared to debridement.

Moreover, along with fixing bone abnormalities, labral surgery can help improve short-term results and potentially reduce the risk of long-term osteoarthritis, a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of the acetabular labrum in the hip joint?
  2. What is the difference between labral repair and labral reconstruction?
  3. How does labral preservation surgery help in reducing the risk of long-term osteoarthritis?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might recommend to a patient undergoing labral repair to follow a post-operative rehabilitation program prescribed by a physical therapist to ensure proper healing and restoration of hip function. This may include specific exercises to strengthen the hip muscles and improve range of motion, as well as guidance on gradually returning to normal activities. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to avoid high-impact activities that could put stress on the hip joint and risk re-injury. It is important for the patient to follow these recommendations to optimize the success of the labral repair surgery and prevent further complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended labral repair are those who have:

  1. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or dysplasia, which may cause labral injury
  2. Labral tears that are deemed to be reparable
  3. Symptoms related to labral tears, such as hip pain, clicking, or locking
  4. Long-term consequences of labral tears, such as joint degeneration
  5. Patients who have failed conservative treatment options for labral tears

Timeline

Before labral repair:

  • Patient may experience hip pain, clicking, catching, or locking
  • Patient may undergo physical examination, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scan), and possibly diagnostic injections to determine the cause of symptoms
  • Diagnosis of labral tear or other hip pathology is made
  • Patient may undergo non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, activity modification, and medications to manage symptoms

After labral repair:

  • Patient undergoes hip arthroscopy surgery to repair the labrum
  • Post-operative rehabilitation program is initiated, including physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function
  • Patient may experience initial pain and discomfort, which gradually improves over time
  • Patient gradually returns to normal activities and sports, with a focus on preventing future hip injuries
  • Long-term follow-up may include monitoring for signs of hip joint degeneration and osteoarthritis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending labral repair in my case?
  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. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with labral repair?
  5. How successful is labral repair surgery in relieving symptoms and improving hip function?
  6. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after undergoing labral repair surgery?
  7. How will the long-term outcomes of labral repair surgery be monitored and evaluated?
  8. What is the surgeon’s experience and success rate with performing labral repair procedures?
  9. Are there any specific precautions or limitations I should be aware of before and after labral repair surgery?
  10. What can I do to optimize my chances of a successful outcome following labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Harris JD. Journal: Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016 Dec;9(4):361-367. doi: 10.1007/s12178-016-9360-9. PMID: 27581790