Arthroscopic Labral Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical Outcomes With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Litrenta JM, Mu BH, Chen AW, Perets I, Ortiz-Declet V, Domb BG
Background
Labral pathology is increasingly recognized in adolescents, but long-term data on arthroscopic outcomes in this population are limited.
Methods
A cohort of 32 adolescent patients (44 hips) who underwent labral repair or debridement were followed for ≥5 years. Outcomes assessed included hip function, pain, and surgical survivorship.
Key Findings
- 95.5% of hips achieved a Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS).
- All hips (100%) avoided conversion to further surgery (e.g., THA or revision).
- Significant long-term improvement in function and pain scores was observed.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Hip arthroscopy is a durable and effective treatment for labral pathology in adolescents when performed by experienced surgeons.
- High survivorship and symptom resolution suggest it is a safe, long-term solution for selected young patients.
- Providers should still exercise caution in diagnosing and managing adolescents, ensuring structural issues (e.g., dysplasia) are appropriately ruled out.