Labral Injury: Radiographic Predictors at the Time of Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Redmond JM, Gupta A, Hammarstedt JE, Stake CE, Dunne KF, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.07.002
Purpose
To identify demographic and radiographic predictors of labral tear size during hip arthroscopy.
Methods
Prospective analysis of 392 patients undergoing arthroscopic labral repair or debridement. Multiple linear regression assessed correlations between tear size and radiographic parameters (Tönnis grade, neck-shaft angle, alpha angle, center edge angles, acetabular inclination, crossover sign) and demographics.
Key Findings
- Larger labral tears associated with male sex, older age, and increased alpha angle.
- In females, higher Tönnis grade and lower neck-shaft angle correlated with larger tears.
- Acetabular coverage and version were not predictive of tear size.
- Model explained 26% of tear size variability, indicating other factors also play a role.
Conclusion
Certain demographic and radiographic factors help predict labral tear size but a large amount of variability remains unexplained.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Expect larger labral tears in older male patients and those with increased alpha angle.
- Female patients with early arthritis (higher Tönnis grade) and specific femoral morphology may also present with larger tears.
- Radiographic evaluation can assist surgical planning but should not be the sole predictor of tear extent.