Minimum 10-Year Survivorship and Outcomes of Arthroscopic Treatment of Hip Labral Tears in Young Adults
Author(s):Domb BG, Bruning RE, Curley AJ, Carbone AD, Parsa A.
DOI Link: 10.1177/03635465251395292
Background
Long-term (≥10-year) outcomes following arthroscopic management of hip labral tears in young adult populations remain limited, despite established midterm efficacy.
Methods
This Level 4 case series retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for labral pathology between 2008 and 2012. Inclusion criteria included age 19–40 years, labral treatment (repair, debridement, or reconstruction), and concomitant procedures. Minimum 10-year follow-up data included validated PROMs (mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, iHOT-12, VAS-Pain) and patient satisfaction. Outcomes included MCID and PASS achievement, revision arthroscopy, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Key Findings
At minimum 10-year follow-up (n = 194 hips; 80.5% follow-up):
- 10-year survivorship free of THA was 91.8%
- 9% underwent subsequent ipsilateral arthroscopy at mean 36.8 months
Significant improvements were observed across all PROMs (P < .05), including mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, iHOT-12, and VAS pain.
High rates of clinically meaningful improvement were achieved:
- MCID: mHHS, NAHS, VAS-Pain
- PASS: mHHS
Overall patient satisfaction remained high at long-term follow-up.
Conclusion
Primary hip arthroscopy for labral tears in young adults provides durable 10-year survivorship, sustained functional improvement, and high rates of clinically meaningful outcome achievement.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
In appropriately selected young adult patients, hip arthroscopy for labral pathology demonstrates strong durability beyond a decade, with survivorship exceeding 90% and sustained improvements in pain and function. These findings support the long-term efficacy of labral preservation strategies and reinforce arthroscopy as a durable joint-preserving intervention in this population.