Arthroscopic Treatment of Labral Tears in Patients Aged 60 Years or Older
Authors: Redmond JM, Gupta A, Cregar WM, Hammarstedt JE, Gui C, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2015.03.032
Purpose
Evaluate outcomes of hip arthroscopy for labral tears in patients ≥60 years and identify risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods
Prospective collection, retrospective review of 30 patients with ≥2-year follow-up; outcomes included PROs, pain, satisfaction, revision surgery, THA conversion.
Key Findings
- 2-year survivorship 70%; 9 patients converted to THA at mean 1.1 years post-op.
- Significant improvement in PROs and pain scores in non-THA group.
- Risk factors for THA conversion: poorer pre-op PROs, higher pain, greater acetabular inclination, severe cartilage damage.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Careful patient selection is critical when considering arthroscopy for labral tears in older patients.
- Counsel patients on the relatively high likelihood (~30%) of conversion to THA within 2 years, especially those with poor baseline function or advanced cartilage damage.
- Arthroscopy can still offer meaningful symptom relief and functional improvement for selected patients.