The study sought to determine the results of labral restoration among patients over age 60 compared to a cohort of younger adults.

21 consecutive patients over age 60 undergoing labral repair with minimum one-year follow-up were compared to a contemporaneous group of 21 patients age 18–55 matched for gender, degree of chondral damage, and associated FAI or dysplasia.

Follow-up averaged 18.9 months (12 to 24 months). The study group averaged 63.2 years (61 to 71); with 20 FAI and one dysplasia. 19 had acetabular articular damage (2 grade IV, 11 grade III, 5 grade II, 1 grade I) and 6 had femoral changes (1 grade IV, 5 grade 3). The control group averaged 35.8 years (20 to 54).

Average improvement among the study group was 28.1 points modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and 37.5 points iHOT; and among the control group, 21.2 points mHHS and 37.1 points iHOT. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the amount of improvement, with statistically and clinically significant improvement noted in both. Two study group patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) at average 10 months with one control group THA at 11 months. All three converted to THA had combined grade IV acetabular and grade III femoral damage. There were no repeat arthroscopies and no complications in either group.

We conclude that patients over age 60 can benefit from arthroscopic labral repair with improved outcomes, modest rates of conversion to THA, and small risk of complication. Results are comparable to younger adults. Combined bipolar grade IV or grade III articular damage is a harbinger of conversion to THA, regardless of age.