Our Summary

This research paper discusses various techniques used in repairing the labrum, a type of cartilage found in the hip joint. The authors point out the importance of restoring the labrum’s original function to achieve the best results in hip preservation surgeries. Several methods are mentioned, but the best one is yet to be decided.

The paper suggests that labral repair is absolutely needed when a patient has internal pain in the joint, a joint space larger than 2mm, or when other treatments have failed. It’s crucial to identify and address the cause of the issue, which could be sudden or repetitive injury, instability, or a condition known as femoroacetabular impingement.

The authors also discuss the indications for labral repair, Dr. Mather’s method for planning and carrying out the surgery, post-surgery care, and review the results of the procedure published in other studies. The paper also looks at future trends in labral repair.

FAQs

  1. What are the indications for labral repair?
  2. What techniques are used in labral repair and which one is considered optimal?
  3. What is the focus of Dr. Mather’s preoperative planning and postoperative care in labral repair?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to follow postoperative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes. This may include restrictions on activities, physical therapy exercises, and follow-up appointments to monitor progress. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to address them promptly. Proper rehabilitation and adherence to recommendations can help improve the success of the labral repair procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for labral repair are those who have symptomatic intra-articular hip pain, joint space greater than 2 mm, and have failed conservative management. These patients may have experienced acute or repetitive trauma, instability, or femoroacetabular impingement. Extreme attention is given to identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the labral injury. Patients who meet these criteria may benefit from arthroscopic labral repair to restore suction seal and native labral function for improved hip preservation outcomes.

Timeline

Before labral repair, a patient may experience symptoms such as hip pain, clicking or catching in the hip joint, limited range of motion, and difficulty with activities such as walking or running. They may undergo diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to confirm a labral tear.

After labral repair, the patient will typically undergo a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to help restore strength and range of motion in the hip joint. They may need to use crutches or a walker for a period of time to avoid putting weight on the repaired hip. The recovery process can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the injury, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few months of surgery. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that the repair is successful.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the benefits of undergoing a labral repair procedure?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with labral repair surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after labral repair surgery?
  4. Will physical therapy be necessary after the procedure, and if so, for how long?
  5. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities after labral repair surgery?
  6. How successful is labral repair in relieving pain and improving hip function?
  7. What are the alternative treatment options to labral repair surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing labral repair surgeries and what is your success rate?
  9. Can you explain the specific technique you will be using for my labral repair surgery?
  10. What can I expect in terms of pain management following the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Kollmorgen R, Mather R. Journal: Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2017 Jan/Feb;46(1):42-48. PMID: 28235112