Abstract
Background
Labral tears are now recognised as a common pathology especially in young adults. With advancement of arthroscopic techniques, most recent published literature is focused on short- or mid-term results of labral repair or re-fixation. There is limited data regarding long-term results of labral debridement and effect of co-existing pathology on outcomes. We investigated long-term results after arthroscopic labral debridement, the predictors of outcomes and correlation with any co-existing hip pathology.
Materials and Methods
Between 1996 and 2003, 50 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and labral debridement with mean follow-up of 8.4±1.7 years (range 7-13.6 years) were included in our study. Patients' pre-operative Harris Hip Score and co-existing pathologies such as FAI, dysplasia or arthritis were recorded as variables. Further, patients' post-operative HHS and satisfaction at the time of follow-up were recorded as outcomes. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient and regression analysis were calculated between these variables and outcomes.
Results
Good or excellent results were noted in 80% of patients. The mean pre-operative HHS was 79.3±8.2 (range 58-86) which was improved to 92.2±12.1 (range 46-100) post-operatively. Patients without co-existing pathology had significantly higher satisfaction and HSS. Arthritis had a significantly negative correlation with post-op HHS (rho= -0.27, P<0.05) and satisfaction (rho= -0.32, P<0.05). Eighty-four percent of patients were satisfied and 16% were dissatisfied. All dissatisfied patients (eight cases) had arthritis; two patients also had FAI that did not have decompression of the lesion since it was not recognised at the time. In regression analysis, arthritis was the strongest independent predictors of post-op HHS and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Arthroscopic labral debridement of symptomatic tears without co-existing pathology can result in favorable long-term results. Arthritis is the strongest independent predictors of outcomes.
