Results of Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With MRI Diagnosis of Subchondral Cysts—A Case Series
Authors: Hartigan DE, Perets I, Yuen LC, Domb BG
Journal: J Hip Preserv Surg. 2017 Sep;4(4):324–331
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnx034
Background
Presence of subchondral cysts on preoperative MRI may indicate advanced joint degeneration affecting arthroscopic outcomes.
Methods
69 patients with subchondral cysts underwent hip arthroscopy, followed for over 2 years. PROs were evaluated relative to MCID, with revision and conversion to THA rates recorded.
Key Findings
- Significant improvements in PROs postoperatively.
- 28% reoperation rate, including 19% conversion to total hip arthroplasty.
- Patients with femoral cysts had an even higher conversion rate (36%).
Conclusions
While hip arthroscopy can improve symptoms, subchondral cyst presence correlates with higher risk of failure and progression to arthroplasty.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Providers should counsel patients with subchondral cysts about the increased likelihood of requiring subsequent hip replacement and weigh the risks when recommending arthroscopy in the context of joint degeneration.