Revision Hip Arthroscopy: Labral Reconstruction vs. Repair - A Matched Control Study
Authors: Perets I, Rybalko D, Mu BH, Maldonado DR, Edwards G, Battaglia MR, Domb BG
Journal: Am J Sports Med. 2018 Dec;46(14):3437-3445.
DOI: 10.1177/0363546518809063 | PMID: 30419171
Background
Optimal management of labral pathology in revision hip arthroscopy—repair vs reconstruction—remains debated.
Methods
Matched patients undergoing revision arthroscopy with labral reconstruction or repair were compared over a minimum 2-year follow-up assessing PROs, complications, and subsequent surgeries.
Key Findings
- Both groups had significant clinical improvements.
- Labral repair patients had slightly better preoperative status and higher postoperative PRO scores (mHHS, iHOT-12).
- Reconstruction effective for irreparable labra; repair preferred if labrum is reparable.
Conclusions
Both approaches improve outcomes; selection should be based on labral reparability. A clinical algorithm for decision-making is proposed.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Evaluate labral tissue carefully during revision arthroscopy to determine reparability.
- Prioritize labral repair when feasible due to slightly superior outcomes.
- Reserve reconstruction for irreparable labra to optimize patient results.
- Use evidence-based decision algorithms to guide surgical planning.