Our Summary

This study aims to establish how many ‘anchors’ (devices used to reattach tissue to bone) are needed when repairing a specific type of hip injury called an acetabular labral tear during keyhole surgery. The researchers looked at data from multiple surgical centers and analyzed the location and size of the tears, as well as how many anchors were used in each case.

They found that the most common tear size was equivalent to a ‘3-hour’ span on a clock face, using this as a method to measure the size of the tear. They also found that surgeons used different numbers of anchors depending on the size of the tear. For smaller tears (1-hour), typically 1 to 1.6 anchors were used, while for larger tears (4-hour), between 2.2 and 4.1 anchors were used.

The study concluded that the number of anchors used varied based on the size of the tear. When the tear size was larger than a ‘2-hour’ span, surgeons used at least 2 anchors. This information could be useful in guiding future procedures and standardizing the surgical approach to this type of hip injury.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the ‘anchors’ used in labral repair surgery?
  2. How does the size of the acetabular labral tear affect the number of anchors used in the surgery?
  3. What is the significance of using the ‘hour’ span on a clock face to measure the size of the tear?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including any restrictions on weight-bearing or physical activity. It is important to give the repaired labrum time to heal properly in order to prevent re-injury. Additionally, attending physical therapy as recommended can help improve strength and range of motion in the hip joint, aiding in the recovery process. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended labral repair include those with acetabular labral tears, particularly those with tears larger than a ‘2-hour’ span on a clock face. These patients may experience symptoms such as hip pain, clicking or locking sensations, decreased range of motion, and instability in the hip joint. Labral repair may be recommended for these patients to alleviate symptoms, improve hip function, and prevent further damage to the hip joint.

Timeline

Before the labral repair surgery, a patient typically experiences hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. They may have undergone imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the acetabular labral tear. The patient may have also tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications.

After the labral repair surgery, the patient will undergo a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the hip joint. They may need to use crutches or a walker for a period of time to assist with walking. The patient will gradually increase their activity level and may need to avoid certain activities that could put strain on the hip joint.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after labral repair surgery can vary depending on the individual case and the extent of the injury. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many anchors will be used in my labral repair surgery?

  2. How does the size of my labral tear determine the number of anchors needed?

  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with using a specific number of anchors?

  4. How will the number of anchors used affect my recovery time and overall outcome?

  5. Can you explain the reasoning behind using a specific number of anchors for my specific case?

  6. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical approaches that could be considered for my labral tear?

  7. What is the success rate of labral repair surgeries using a certain number of anchors?

  8. How long do you expect the anchors to hold the repaired tissue in place?

  9. What post-operative care or rehabilitation will be necessary after the surgery involving anchors?

  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of regarding the number of anchors used in my labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: McGovern RP, Christoforetti JJ, Kivlan BR, Nho SJ, Wolff AB, Salvo JP, Matsuda D, Ellis TJ, Stubbs AJ, Carreira DS. Journal: Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Feb 18;9(2):2325967120981983. doi: 10.1177/2325967120981983. eCollection 2021 Feb. PMID: 33681399