Minimum 2-Year Outcomes of Arthroscopic Management of Symptomatic Hip Labrum Tears in Patients With Global Acetabular Overcoverage
Authors: Chandrasekaran S, Darwish N, Close MR, Suarez-Ahedo C, Lodhia P, Domb BG
Journal: Arthroscopy (2017 Aug;33(8):1514–1520)
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.01.039
Purpose
To assess 2-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with global acetabular overcoverage (LCEA >40°, coxa profunda), a group at risk for limited joint mobility and abnormal contact forces.
Methods
Retrospective study of 39 patients, 35 of whom had 2-year follow-up. Outcome measures included mHHS, NAHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, VAS, and satisfaction scores.
Key Findings
- All PROs improved significantly, but many did not reach minimal clinically important difference (MCID).
- Labral tears were primarily intrasubstance, with minimal chondral damage.
- Secondary procedure rate: 17%.
Conclusions
Arthroscopic management improves pain and function in patients with global overcoverage, but clinical benefit may be modest and reintervention risk remains.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Hip arthroscopy may be beneficial in select patients with global overcoverage, but expectations should be tempered.
- Consider these patients at higher risk for residual symptoms or secondary procedures due to biomechanical constraints.
- Preoperative planning should assess labral condition and femoral head–neck offset, and patient counseling should highlight possible limited clinical gains.