Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears in Workers' Compensation: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study
Authors: Stake CE, Jackson TJ, Stone JC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/0363546513496055
Purpose
To compare 2-year clinical outcomes following hip arthroscopy for labral tears in patients with workers’ compensation (WC) claims versus matched non-WC controls.
Methods
Cohort study with 21 WC patients matched 1:1 by age, sex, surgical procedure, and radiographic findings to 21 controls. Outcomes measured included patient-reported hip function scores (mHHS, NAHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS), pain (VAS), and satisfaction preoperatively and at 2 years post-op.
Key Findings
- WC patients had significantly lower baseline functional scores.
- Both WC and control groups showed statistically significant improvements postoperatively.
- WC group’s absolute scores remained lower than controls at 2 years, but pain reduction and satisfaction were comparable.
- 86% of WC patients returned to work at a median of 82 days post-op.
Conclusion
Despite lower baseline and absolute functional scores, WC patients benefit substantially from hip arthroscopy for labral tears with meaningful pain relief and functional improvement.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Providers should counsel WC patients on the likelihood of improvement, albeit potentially less than non-WC patients, and emphasize realistic expectations.
- Close postoperative monitoring and tailored rehabilitation may support return-to-work outcomes.
- Workers’ compensation status should not preclude surgical consideration for symptomatic labral pathology.