Although good to excellent short-term results of arthroscopic partial limbectomy of the hip have been reported, there is little information on the long-term outcome of the procedure. We report a case with a 16-year follow-up.

A 34-year old woman presented with a three-month history of severe pain and limitation of movement of the hip. Plain radiographs and arthrography showed no abnormality. MRI showed an effusion and a deformity of the anterosuperior part of the labrum. This was confirmed as an inverted labral tear that was debrided arthroscopically.

At 16 years post-operatively, she remained symptom-free. Plain radiographs showed no abnormality and MRI suggested that the sealing effect of the scar tissue prevented articular damage and degeneration.

Background: Acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognised as a cause of hip pain in young adults and middle aged patients. Degenerative acetabular conditions and sporting activities can cause labral injury. Recent interest has focussed on anterior femoroacetabular impingement as a cause of labral injury, progressive articular cartilage damage and secondary osteoarthritis. Labral tears are difficult to diagnose clinically or with conventional radiographic techniques. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of MR arthrography in locating labral tears and articular cartilage defects compared with hip arthroscopy. Materials and Methods: 200 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of acetabular labral tear underwent hip arthroscopy. All of them had a preoperative Magnetic Resonance Arthrogram done by a single musculoskeletal radiologist using a standard protocol. The labrum was assessed for abnormalities of morphology and signal intensity. Acetabular articular cartilage defects were expressed as a reduction in joint space. All hip arthroscopies were done by a single surgeon after a trial period of conservative therapy consisting of activity modification, physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. All procedures were recorded digitally and documented in an operative report. Labral tears and acetabular cartilage abnormalities were described by location and appearance. Results: Comparison of MRA and hip arthroscopy findings demonstrate MRA to have a sensitivity of 100%, positive predictive value of 99%, negative predictive value of 100% and accuracy of 99% in predicting labral tears. MRA correctly identified the location of labral tears in 90% of cases. Acetabular cartilage abnormalities were under recognised by MRA (43 hips on MRA vs 54 hips on arthroscopy). MRA was not sensitive enough to pick up early delamination of cartilage adjacent to labral tear in 6 hips. Conclusion: Hip MRA with radial reformatting has high accuracy rates in diagnosing and localising hip labral lesions

We document intra-articular pathology in collision athletes with shoulder instability and describe the ‘collision shoulder’ – a direct impact without dislocation, with unusual labral injury, significant intra-articular pathology and neurology. 183 collision athletes were treated for labral injuries in 3 centres. Details of injury mechanism and intra-articular pathology at surgery were recorded. Premier league and International (Elite) comprised 72 players. A tackle was implicated in 52% of injuries and 65% had a dislocation. The mechanism of injury was ABduction External Rotation (ABER) in 45%, direct impact 36%, abduction only 8% and axial load 6%. Dislocation occurred in 51% of shoulders with ABER mechanism. A Bankart lesion was found in 79% of these shoulders; Hill-Sachs in 58% and Bony Bankart in 26%. Inferoposterior labral tears were present in only 11%, Superior Labral Antero-Posterior (SLAP) lesions in 32% and partial injury to the rotator cuff in 32%. In those sustaining a direct impact to the shoulder, 61% did not document dislocation, had a high incidence of inferoposterior labral involvement (50%), neurological symptoms (32%), but a low incidence of Bankart (33%), Hill-Sachs (22%) and Bony Bankart (11%) lesions. The mechanism did not affect incidence of superior labral/SLAP tears (18%), or capsular tears (including Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligaments – HAGL) – 15%. Elite athletes had less dislocations (43% vs 74%) irrespective of mechanism, but were 40% more likely to have neurology, posteroinferior labral, cartilaginous or capsular injuries. They had twice the incidence of Bony Bankart and rotator cuff lesions and 5 times more SLAP/superior labral tears. Collision athletes with shoulder instability have a wide spectrum of pathoanatomy of the labrum and frequent associated intra-articular lesions. Significant injury often occurs in the Elite athlete and those sustaining a direct hit without dislocation (the ‘Collision Shoulder’)

Introduction. Magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) is the investigation of choice in young adults with symptoms of femero acetabular impingement. The aim of the study is to assess the accuracy of MRA when correlated with surgical findings on hip arthroscopy. Materials and Method. Between June 2007 and January 2014, 136 patients had MRA followed by subsequent arthroscopy at our institution. The radiology information system was used to gather MRA data. All scans were reported by a consultant radiologist with a specialist interest in musculoskeletal radiology. Patient records were reviewed to gather surgical data. Assessment was made of labral injury, Camshaft (CAM) or Pincer lesion and degeneration of the cartilage. Results. Mean age at MRA was 34.5 years with a 2.5:1 female to male ratio. For labral pathology sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 89, 100, 100 and 22% respectively. For CAM (62, 80, 79 and 64% respectively) and Pincer lesions (15, 84, 81 and 18% respectively). MRA was specific for picking up Grade 3/4 degenerate changes in the articular cartilage (92.2%) but was not as sensitive (60%), PPV 55 and NPV 94. Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that MRA is a sensitive and specific imaging modality for assessing the labrum and articular surface, but not as good for assessing CAM and Pincer lesions. This could be due to the static nature of the MRA or a lack of firm definition as to what constitutes a CAM or Pincer lesion leading to under reporting. This maybe better assessed with plane X ray or Computed tomography with 3 dimensional reconstruction. Further to this it would be interesting to combine the plane X ray and MRA finding and see if sensitivity and specificity was improved

Experimental work has shown that dislocation of the shoulder may involve disruption of the capsule from its lateral humeral attachment. We report two patients with recurrent dislocation due to this injury. Lateral repair gave good results. It is suggested that this injury be considered and looked for when glenoid labral injury is minimal or absent

Purpose. Our understanding of the spectrum of pathological lesions of the shoulder anterior capsular-labral complex in anterior instability continues to evolve. In a previous study using magnetic resonance arthrography we have showed three variants of the essential lesion of the anterior capsular-labral complex. This is the first large arthroscopic study to finely evaluate the nature and relative proportions of these three lesions in anterior instability. Methods. We studied 122 patients, 101 male and 21 female patients with an average age of 28 (17 to 47 years old), undergoing primary arthroscopic stabilization for anterior instability between 2004 and 2008. The pathoanatomy of the anterior capsule-labral complex was documented. Based on our previous MRI arthrography experience we were able to categorize the lesions seen arthroscopically in three subgroups: the Bankart lesion, the Perthes lesion and the ALPSA (anterior periosteal sleeve avulsion). Results. Arthroscopic findings confirmed the presence of the triad of essential lesion. The relative proportions of the subcategories of the essential lesion were as follows: 71 (58%) Bankart lesions, 18 (15%) Perthes lesions and 33 (27%) ALPSA lesions. Each lesion has unique characteristics, which affect treatment and prognosis. We describe the three types of labral injury and the surgical implications. Conclusion. The literature on the essential anterior capsular-labral lesion has historically focused on the Bankart lesion. There are in fact three variants of the essential lesion: the triad of Bankart, ALPSA and Perthes. This study evaluates these lesions and quantifies their relative proportions in a large series. We believe that awareness of this sub classification of the essential lesion is important as it affects the management of this condition

Femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) is an increasingly diagnosed cause of hip pain in young patients. It may progress to cause labral injury and chondral damage within the hip. Surgery can be undertaken arthroscopically but is not universally available. Open approach to the hip with surgical dislocation, labral surgery and impingement lesion reduction is an acceptable alternative. Described by Ganz in 2001 the approach must conserve the postero-lateral blood supply to the femoral head and neck, to minimize the risk of Avascular Necrosis (AVN). Ganz recommended a sliding trochanteric osteotomy to widen access, and an anterior capsulotomy avoiding dissection postero-lateral to the femoral neck. To date there has been no published support for the Hardinge-type antero-lateral approach. We describe a series of 26 consecutive patients with FAI, all managed by open osteochondroplasty during 2008 via a modified anterolateral approach and capsule preserving exposure. Trochanteric osteotomy was not undertaken. The series contained 14 males and 12 females with mean ages of 33 and 29 respectively. Patients were assessed both clinically and using the Non Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Assessments were undertaken pre-operatively and at 8 and 16 weeks post-operatively. The mean NAHS pre-op was 54. This improved to 87 at 16 weeks. 77% of our patients achieved a NAHS of 75 or greater indicating a good or excellent result. Three patients had poor outcome and progression of osteoarthritic symptoms. There were no complications from the osteochondroplasty and all patients were Trendelenberg negative by 16 weeks. We believe hip osteochondroplasty can be safely and effectively undertaken via an anterolateral approach, without a trochanteric osteotomy

The February 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Arthroscopic capsular release or manipulation under anaesthesia for frozen shoulder?; Distal biceps repair through a single incision?; Distal biceps tendon ruptures: diagnostic strategy through physical examination; Postoperative multimodal opioid-sparing protocol vs standard opioid prescribing after knee or shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized clinical trial; Graft healing is more important than graft technique in massive rotator cuff tear; Subscapularis tenotomy versus peel after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty; Previous rotator cuff repair increases the risk of revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty; Conservative versus operative treatment of acromial and scapular spine fractures following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Aims

To clarify the mid-term results of transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA), a type of spherical periacetabular osteotomy, combined with structural allograft bone grafting for severe hip dysplasia.

Aims. To describe the distribution and clinical presentation of SLAP tears in rugby players, and time taken for return to sport. Method. A retrospective review of 51 shoulder arthroscopies performed on professional rugby players over a 35 month period was carried out. All patients diagnosed with a SLAP lesion at arthroscopy were identified. Each patient's records were reviewed to record age, injury side, mechanism of injury, clinical diagnosis, investigations and results, management, and return to play. Results. The incidence of SLAP tears was 35%. All 18 patients were male with an average age of 27 yrs. There were 11 isolated SLAP tears (61%), 3 SLAP tears associated with a Bankart lesion (17%), 2 SLAP tears associated with a posterior labral lesion (11%) and 2 SLAP tears associated with an anterior and posterior labral injury (11%). Of the 18 SLAP tears, 14 (78%) were Type 2, 3 (17%) were Type 3 and 1 (5%) was Type 4. All patients recalled a specific heavy tackle with fall onto the lateral aspect of shoulder. No patient sustained a complete dislocation. None of the patients presented with symptoms of instability. MR Arthrograms were performed in 17 of the 18 patients. SLAP tears were detected in 13 patients (76%). All patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction within 6 months post-injury. At Arthroscopy 7 patients (39%) were found to have associated injuries. Pre-operatively 11% of patients were satisfied with their shoulder. By 6 months post-surgery 89% of patients were satisfied and 95% were back to their previous activity level. Patients with isolated SLAP tears returned to sports at an average of 2.6 months post-surgery. Conclusion. SLAP tears are a common injury in rugby players with shoulder pain following injury. These can often be diagnosed with MR arthrography. Arthroscopic repair is associated with excellent results and early return to sports

The aim was to define the operative and MRI arthrogram findings in recurrent post stabilization instability, to establish the accuracy of MRI findings compared to surgical findings, and to define the role of MRI in evaluation and planning for these patients. The operative findings in 25 consecutive patients undergoing revision shoulder stabilization procedures were reviewed. 18 of these patients had MRI arthrograms prior to their revision procedure. All revision procedures were performed by the same surgeon, and all MRI scans reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Primary and contributing factors for instability were identified for each patient. Primary factors for failure included; new injury at a different site to the index repair (6 patients), laxity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (5 patients), failure of the index repair (7 patients) and failure to address the pathology at the index procedure (7 patients). MRI arthrography had 85% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 89% accuracy. MRI arthrography is accurate in assessment of the labrum in recurrent post stabilization instability. Recurrent instability is complex and multifactorial, but a primary factor can often be identified. In some cases new trauma results in injury at a different site to the initial repair. MRI arthrogram may assist in surgical planning. If a labral injury is present without laxity or a glenoid bony defect, arthroscopic revision may be undertaken. If significant capsular laxity or bone deficiency is present, then an open procedure with capsular shift and rotator interval closure may be appropriate

Background. The acetabular labrum is an essential stabilizer of the hip joint, imparting its greatest effect in extreme joint positions where the femoral head is disposed to subluxation and dislocation. However, its stabilizing value has proved difficult to quantify. The objective of the present study was to assess the contribution of the entire acetabular labrum to mechanical joint stability. We introduce a novel “dislocation potential test” that utilizes a dynamic, cadaveric, robotic model that functions in real-time under load-control parameters to map the joint space for low-displacement determination of stability, and quantify using the “stability index”. Methods. Five fresh-frozen human cadaveric hips without labral tears were mounted to a six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator and studied in 2 distinct joint positions provocative for either anterior or posterior dislocation. Dislocation potential tests were run in 15° intervals, or sweep planes, about the face of the acetabulum. For each interval, a 100 N force vector was applied medially and swept laterally until dislocation occurred. Three-dimensional kinematic data from conditions with and without labrum were quantified using the stability index, which is the percentage of all directions a constant force can be applied within a given sweep plane while maintaining a stable joint. Results. Global stability indices, considering all sweep planes, were significantly greater with labrum intact than after total labrectomy for both anterior (Figure 1A) (p = 0.02) and posterior (Figure 1B) (p<0.001) provocative positions. Regional stability indices, based upon the expected range of dislocation for each provocative position, were also significantly greater and of slightly larger magnitude for the intact condition than after total labrectomy (p<0.001). Conclusions. This is the first known application of a six-degree-of-freedom robot to recreate mechanical hip impingement and dislocation to elucidate the role of the labrum in hip stability. Our results suggest that at least in extreme positions, the labrum imparts significant overall mechanical resistance to hip dislocation compared to the condition without the labrum. Regional contributions of the labrum are greatest in the direction of dislocation as foretold by joint position as indicated by region-based stability indices. Future studies involving more clinically relevant injury patterns with greater soft tissue preservation in a younger cadaveric population would better reflect the in vivo effects of labral injury so that treatment strategies can be developed accordingly

Purpose: The treatment and prognosis of labral tears secondary to femoroacetabular impingement depends on the severity of the labral injury and whether or not there is concomitant injury and delamination of the adjacent articular cartilage. At present, there is no simple and reproducible technique to determine if there is delamination of the adjacent articular cartilage. We undertook a study to determine if the preoperative presence of a previously undescribed radiographic finding, a “delamination cyst”, correlated with delamination of the articular cartilage at the time of hip arthroscopy. Method: The preoperative radiographs of 125 consecutive hip arthroscopies in which a labral tear was identified intraoperatively were retrospectively reviewed.. In each case an anteroposterior (AP) pelvis and AP, lateral and frog lateral hip radiographs were evaluated for the presence of delamination cysts, perilabral cysts, abnormalities of the femur and acetabulum, as well as arthritic changes. A “delamination cyst” was defined as a subchondral cyst either directly adjacent to a perilabral cyst, or in relation to a subchondral crack in the anterolateral portion of the acetabulum. These findings were then compared and correlated to the intraoperative arthroscopic findings. Results: We identified 16 patients with delamination cysts on radiographs and 15 patients with delamination of the acetabulum on arthroscopy. A strong correlation was found between the preoperative radiographic presence of a delamination cyst and acetabular delamination at the time of arthroscopy – sensitivity of 93.3%, specificity of 98.8%, positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of 99% (p=0.034). No other radiographic findings were associated with the status of the articular cartilage. Conclusion: A “delamination cyst” is a previously undescribed and novel radiographic sign that can accurately predict preoperatively which patients with labral tears have associated acetabular cartilage delamination or chondral damage. Delamination cysts can be easily identified on plain radiographs without performing any special imaging or invasive infiltrations. Identifying these cysts preoperatively can aid the surgeon in selecting the appropriate surgical procedure and help predict the patient’s prognosis following the planned surgical procedure

The spectrum of pathoanatomy in collision athletes with shoulder instability is wide, with a high incidence of extended labral lesions and associated intra-articular injuries. The ‘collision shoulder’ describes an injury sustained by direct impact to the shoulder without dislocation, but with extensive labral damage and a high incidence of other intra-articular pathology and neurological symptoms. One hundred and eighty-three collision athletes (rugby and rugby league) were treated for labral injuries related to their sport in three different centres. Details of the mechanism of injury and findings at surgery were recorded. Only 60% of athletes in the series presented following a documented dislocation or subluxation episode of the shoulder. An additional pattern of injury was recognised in the remaining athletes involving a direct impact injury to the shoulder. In these athletes the clinical symptoms and signs were less specific but there was a high incidence of ‘dead arm’ at the time of injury (72%). The spectrum of pathology in this series was wide with a high incidence of associated intra-articular lesions. In those athletes with an impact type of injury without dislocation there was more extensive labral pathology with a high incidence of posterior labral tears (50%). The incidence of associated chondral lesions was similarly very high but significant bony pathology was less common than in the dislocation group (11 % versus 26%). Elite athletes had less frank dislocations but were more likely to sustain neurological injury, posterior labral tears, SLAP lesions and cartilaginous and capsular injuries. The incidence of all lesions in this series of collision athletes is higher than those previously published. These lesions often occurred in the absence of a frank dislocation (the ‘collision shoulder). It is important to anticipate additional pathology when planning definitive management in these patients, with surgery tailored to the specific lesions found. The athlete with an impact type of injury without dislocation can do well following surgery, with a high rate of return to contact sport, either at the same or a higher level

Introduction. Acetabular labral pathology is now recognized as a more common injury than previously thought. With cost constraints of MRI and invasiveness of MRI arthrogram, physical examination remains essential for diagnosis. Most tests for labral pathology are currently done in the supine position. We have developed the “twist test,” which is done with the patient standing and can evaluate the patient in functional, weight bearing position. The purpose of this study is to describe the twist test and compare its reliability to MRI arthrogram. Material and methods. Between June 2009 and August 2010, the twist test was performed on all patients presenting to our clinic with complaint of hip pain. 371 patients had the twist test performed. Of these, 247 had an MRI arthrogram (MRA) of the affected hip. The twist test results were compared with MRA findings. A labral tear, degeneration, fraying and paralabral cyst were considered as a positive MRA. The twist test is done with the patient facing the examiner, toes pointing forward. The patient bends their knees to 30 degrees and performs a windshield wiper like action with maximal excursion to the left and right. If the patient tolerates this, then the patient first gets on the unaffected leg, again with the knee bent at 30 degrees, and “does the twist” one-legged, with the examiner holding their hands gently for balance. The test is then repeated on the affected hip. A positive test is groin pain on the affected hip, apprehension with performing the test on the affected hip, or gross range of motion deficits on the affected hip compared with the unaffected side. Results. Among 160 patients with positive twist test, 154 patients had positive MRA and 6 had negative MRA. Among 87 patients with negative twist test, 72 had positive MRA and 15 had negative MRA. In comparison with MRA, the sensitivity and specificity of twist test for labral injury were 68.14% and 71.5% respectively. Positive predictive value (precision) of twist test for diagnosis of labral lesion was 96.25% and the accuracy was 68.4%. Conclusions. Physical examination tests for hip pathology are an important screening tool. Current tests include the McCarthy test and the impingement test. We introduce a new test for hip labral pathology, which is done standing. In our study, the twist test had a high positive predictive value (96.25%), so this test can be beneficial for ruling out labral pathology. An added benefit is that this test is quick to perform, so it could be incorporated into a general sports physical screening examination

Objective: To compare the results of MRI Gadolinium Arthrograms and hip arthroscopy in patients with hip pain. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: St. James University Hospital, Leeds. Participants: 15 patients (10 females and 5males) underwent hip arthroscopy between 1999 and 2002.The procedure was performed by a single surgeon. The mean age of the patients was 39 (Range 24–74). Outcome Measures: A review of the findings of both the MRI and arthroscopy were undertaken. Attention was paid to the both the specificity and sensitivity of the MRI diagnosis when compared to the findings at arthroscopy. Results: All 15 patients underwent MRI Arthrograms with intra-articular gadolinium prior to arthroscopy. The time that elapsed between radiological evaluation and surgery was a mean of 10 months (Range 7–15).During this time there had been no significant change in any of the patients’ clinical symptoms. Of the 15 scans performed only 10 were found to provide an accurate diagnosis confirmed at the time of surgery, The presence of osteochondral defects, loose bodies, synovitis and AVN were all correctly identified. Of the remaining five cases, two labral injuries were identified radiologically, but arthroscopy proved to be normal. MRI was also found to be particularly inaccurate when assessing for articular cartilage defects, failing to demonstrate moderate to advanced changes in three cases, later confirmed at surgery. Discussion: MRI is the non-invasive investigation of choice for the assessment of both intra and extra articular hip pathology. However our results show that limitations do exist with the sensitivity and specificity of this investigation. Previous studies (Edwards et al, Villar et al) have demonstrated similar findings .The interpretation of MRI Arthrograms should therefore be carefully considered when establishing a diagnosis for hip pain

Aims To describe the distribution, clinical presentation of SLAP tears in rugby players, and time taken for return to sport. Method A retrospective review of 51 shoulder arthroscopies performed on professional rugby players over a 35 month period was carried out. All patients diagnosed with a SLAP lesion at arthroscopy were identified. Each patient’s records were reviewed to record age, injury side, mechanism of injury, clinical diagnosis, investigations and results, management, and return to play. Results The incidence of SLAP tears was 35%. All 18 patients were male with an average age of 27yrs. There were 11 isolated SLAP tears (61%), 3 SLAP tears associated with a Bankart lesion (17%), 2 SLAP tears associated with a posterior labral lesion (11%) and 2 SLAP tears associated with an anterior and posterior labral injury (11%). Of the 18 SLAP tears, 14 (78%) were Type 2, 3(17%) were Type 3 and 1(5%) was Type 4. All patients recalled a specific heavy tackle with fall onto the lateral aspect of shoulder. No patient sustained a complete dislocation. None of the patients presented with symptoms of instability. MR Arthrograms were performed in 17 of the 18 patients. SLAP tears were detected in 13 patients (76%). All patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction within 6 months post injury. At Arthroscopy 7 patients (39%) were found to have associated injuries. Preoperatively 11% of patients were satisfied with their shoulder. By 6 months post surgery 89% of patients were satisfied and 95% were back to their previous activity level. Patients with isolated SLAP tears returned to sports at an average of 2.6 months post surgery. Conclusion SLAP tears are a common injury in rugby players with shoulder pain following injury. These can often be diagnosed with MR arthrography. Arthroscopic repair is associated with excellent results and early return to sports

Hip impingement is a diagnosis that has been increasingly recognized among young patients with hip pain. Two different types of impingement have been described. Over coverage impingement, or a “pincer” effect, occurs between the anterior wall or labrum of the acetabulum and the femoral head. This is typically due to a decrease in anteversion of the acetabulum or over-coverage of the femoral head (coxa profunda or protrusio). A so-called cam-effect impingement occurs when the femoral head-neck junction has an abnormally large radius resulting in insufficient offset. Widening of the femoral neck reduces its concavity, creating an impingement over the acetabular rim. Thus, the anterolateral junction is forced under the acetabular rim, resulting in labral injury and deterioration of the cartilage. Options for treatment of impingement include non-operative management, arthroscopic débridement, trimming of the anterior aspect of the acetabular rim after surgical dislocation of the hip, periacetabular osteotomy when impingement is secondary to an acetabular torsion abnormality, and surgical resection of a femoral neck bump and/or part of the anterolateral aspect of the neck when the primary anatomic abnormality is secondary to insufficient head-neck offset. Resection of a portion of the anterolateral aspect of the femoral head-neck junction improves the femoral head-neck ratio, increasing the range of motion before impingement occurs. Recently, surgical dislocation has been used for achieving full access to the femoral head and the acetabulum. Surgical dislocation and resection osteochondroplasty were performed in 22 hips from January 2001 to Decem-ber 2004 because of anterior impingement resulting from an idiopathic nonspherical femoral head, mild slipped capital femoral epiphysis, or poor offset at the head-neck junction. Osteonecrosis was not observed in the hips treated with this method. Pain and function markedly improved after the index operation. Two patients required hardware removal. Treatment goals in young patients with hip impingement should be pain relief and, prevention of further damage to the cartilage and subsequent osteoarthritis. Surgeons using this technique need to know the amount of bone that can be removed safely before catastrophic weakening of the femoral neck occurs

Aims

This study uses prospective registry data to compare early patient outcomes following arthroscopic repair or debridement of the acetabular labrum.

Aims

Responsiveness and ceiling effects are key properties of an outcome score. No such data have been reported for the original English version of the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) at a follow-up of more than four months. The aim of this study was to identify the responsiveness and ceiling effects of the English version iHOT-12 in a series of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for intra-articular hip pathology at a minimum of one year postoperatively.

Aims

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a potential cause of hip osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression profile of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the labral tissue with FAI pathology.

Aims

The number of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery of the hip has increased significantly during the past decade. It has now become an established technique for the treatment of many intra- and extra-articular conditions affecting the hip. However, it has a steep learning curve and is not without the risk of complications. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of complications during and following this procedure.

Aims

Several studies have reported the safety and efficacy of subcapital re-alignment for patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) using surgical dislocation of the hip and an extended retinacular flap. Instability of the hip and dislocation as a consequence of this surgery has only recently gained attention. We discuss this problem with some illustrative cases.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) may lead to symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We report our experience of arthroscopic treatment, including osteochondroplasty, for the sequelae of SCFE.

Data were prospectively collected on patients undergoing arthroscopy of the hip for the sequelae of SCFE between March 2007 and February 2013, including demographic data, radiological assessment of the deformity and other factors that may influence outcome, such as the presence of established avascular necrosis. Patients completed the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and the non-arthritic hip score (NAHS) before and after surgery.

In total, 18 patients with a mean age of 19 years (13 to 42), were included in the study. All patients presented with pain in the hip and mechanical symptoms, and had evidence of FAI (cam or mixed impingement) on plain radiographs.

The patients underwent arthroscopic osteoplasty of the femoral neck. The mean follow-up was 29 months (23 to 56).

The mean mHHS and NAHS scores improved from 56.2 (27.5 to 100.1) and 52.1 (12.5 to 97.5) pre-operatively to 75.1 (33.8 to 96.8, p = 0.01) and 73.6 (18.8 to 100, p = 0.02) at final follow-up, respectively. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between poorer outcome scores and increased time to surgery following SCFE (p < 0.05 for all parameters except baseline MHHS).

Symptomatic FAI following (SCFE) may be addressed using arthroscopic techniques, and should be treated promptly to minimise progressive functional impairment and chondrolabral degeneration.

Take home message: Arthroscopy of the hip can be used to treat femoroacetabular impingement successfully following SCFE. However, this should be performed promptly after presentation in order to prevent irreversible progression and poorer clinical outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:21–7.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the existing literature from 2005 to 2016 reporting on the efficacy of surgical management of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) secondary to slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).

The cam-type deformity in femoroacetabular impingement is a 3D deformity. Single measurements using radiographs, CT or MRI may not provide a true estimate of the magnitude of the deformity. We performed an analysis of the size and location of measurements of the alpha angle (α°) using a CT technique which could be applied to the 3D reconstructions of the hip. Analysis was undertaken in 42 patients (57 hips; 24 men and 18 women; mean age 38 years (16 to 58)) who had symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement related to a cam-type abnormality. An α° of > 50° was considered a significant indicator of cam-type impingement. Measurements of the α° were made at different points around the femoral head/neck junction at intervals of 30°: starting at the nine o’clock (posterior), ten, eleven and twelve o’clock (superior), one, two and ending at three o’clock (anterior) position.

The mean maximum increased α° was 64.6° (50.8° to 86°). The two o’clock position was the most common point to find an increased α° (53 hips; 93%), followed by one o’clock (48 hips; 84%). The largest α° for each hip was found most frequently at the two o’clock position (46%), followed by the one o’clock position (39%). Generally, raised α angles extend over three segments of the clock face.

Single measurements of the α°, whether pre- or post-operative, should be viewed with caution as they may not be representative of the true size of the deformity and not define whether adequate correction has been achieved following surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1167–71.

We undertook a prospective pilot study to determine whether arthroscopic surgery through the central compartment of the hip was effective in the management of a snapping iliopsoas tendon. Seven patients were assessed pre-operatively and at three, six, 12 and 24 months after operation. This included the assessment of pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and function using the modified Harris hip score.

All the patients had resolution of snapping post-operatively and this persisted at follow-up at two years. The mean VAS score for pain fell from 7.7 (6 to 10) pre-operatively to 4.3 (0 to 10) by three months (p = 0.051), and to 3.6 (1 to 8) (p = 0.015), 2.4 (0 to 8) (p = 0.011) and 2.4 (0 to 8) (p = 0.011) by six, 12 and 24 months, respectively. The mean modified Harris hip score increased from 56.1 (13.2 to 84.7) pre-operatively to 88.4 (57.2 to 100) at one year (p = 0.018) and to 87.9 (49.5 to 100) at two years (p = 0.02). There were no complications and no weakness occurred in the musculature around the hip.

Our findings suggest that this treatment is effective and would support the undertaking of a larger study comparing this procedure with other methods of treatment.

In Japan, osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip secondary to acetabular dysplasia is very common, and there are few data concerning the pathogeneses and incidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have attempted to clarify the radiological prevalence of painful FAI in a cohort of Japanese patients and to investigate the radiological findings. We identified 176 symptomatic patients (202 hips) with Tönnis grade 0 or 1 osteoarthritis, whom we prospectively studied between August 2011 and July 2012. There were 61 men (65 hips) and 115 women (137 hips) with a mean age of 51.8 years (11 to 83). Radiological analyses included the α-angle, centre–edge angle, cross-over sign, pistol grip deformity and femoral head neck ratio. Of the 202 hips, 79 (39.1%) had acetabular dysplasia, while 80 hips (39.6%) had no known aetiology. We found evidence of FAI in 60 hips (29.7%). Radiological FAI findings associated with cam deformity were the most common. There was a significant relationship between the pistol grip deformity and both the α-angle (p < 0.001) and femoral head–neck ratio (p = 0.024). Radiological evidence of symptomatic FAI was not uncommon in these Japanese patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;96-B:172–6.

Hip replacement is a very successful operation and the outcome is usually excellent. There are recognised complications that seem increasingly to give rise to litigation. This paper briefly examines some common scenarios where litigation may be pursued against hip surgeons. With appropriate record keeping, consenting and surgical care, the claim can be successfully defended if not avoided. We hope this short summary will help to highlight some common pitfalls. There is extensive literature available for detailed study.

The technical advances in arthroscopic surgery of the hip, including the improved ability to manage the capsule and gain extensile exposure, have been paralleled by a growth in the number of conditions that can be addressed. This expanding list includes symptomatic labral tears, chondral lesions, injuries of the ligamentum teres, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), capsular laxity and instability, and various extra-articular disorders, including snapping hip syndromes. With a careful diagnostic evaluation and technical execution of well-indicated procedures, arthroscopic surgery of the hip can achieve successful clinical outcomes, with predictable improvements in function and pre-injury levels of physical activity for many patients.

This paper reviews the current position in relation to the use of arthroscopy in the treatment of disorders of the hip.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:10–19.

There is a known association between femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis of the hip. What is not known is whether arthroscopic excision of an impingement lesion can significantly improve a patient’s symptoms.

This study compares the results of hip arthroscopy for cam-type femoracetabular impingement in two groups of patients at one year. The study group comprised 24 patients (24 hips) with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement who underwent arthroscopic debridement with excision of their impingement lesion (osteoplasty). The control group comprised 47 patients (47 hips) who had arthroscopic debridement without excision of the impingement lesion. In both groups, the presence of femoroacetabular impingement was confirmed on pre-operative plain radiographs. The modified Harris hip score was used for evaluation pre-operatively and at one-year. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis.

A tendency towards a higher median post-operative modified Harris hip score was observed in the study group compared with the control group (83 vs 77, p = 0.11). There was a significantly higher proportion of patients in the osteoplasty group with excellent/good results compared with the controls (83% vs 60%, p = 0.043). Additional symptomatic improvement may be obtained after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement by the inclusion of femoral osteoplasty.

In a longitudinal case-control study, we followed 81 subjects with dysplasia of the hip and 136 control subjects without dysplasia for ten years assessing radiological evidence of degeneration of the hip at admission and follow-up. There were no cases of subluxation in the group with dysplasia. Neither subjects with dysplasia nor controls had radiological signs of ongoing degenerative disease at admission. The primary radiological discriminator of degeneration of the hip was a change in the minimum joint space width over time. There were no significant differences between these with dysplasia and controls in regard to age, body mass index or occupational exposure to daily repeated lifting at admission.

We found no significant differences in the reduction of the joint space width at follow-up between subjects with dysplasia and the control subjects nor in self-reported pain in the hip. The association of subluxation and/or associated acetabular labral tears with dysplasia of the hip may be a conditional factor for the development of premature osteoarthritis in mildly to moderately dysplastic hips.