Do Larger Acetabular Chondral Defects Portend Inferior Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Acetabular Microfracture? A Matched‐Controlled Study
Purpose To elucidate the effect, if any, of acetabular chondral defect size on surgical outcomes after arthroscopic microfracture was performed with concomitant treatment for labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. Methods The study period was between February 2008 and November 2014. Data were collected on patients who underwent hip arthroscopy. The inclusion criteria were acetabular microfracture; concomitant treatment for labral tears and FAI syndrome; and preoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale. Exclusion criteria were Workers' Compensation, preoperative Tönnis grade >1, or previous ipsilateral hip surgeries or conditions. Patients were grouped based on smaller chondral defects (SCDs) or larger chondral defects (LCDs), then matched 1:1 by age at surgery ±10 years, sex, body mass index ±5, labral treatment, capsular treatment, acetabuloplasty, and femoroplasty. Outcomes, secondary arthroscopies, and conversions to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were documented. Results Of 131 eligible cases, 107 (81.7%) had minimum 2‐year follow‐up. Before matching, the conversion rate to THA was higher for LCDs (24.6%) than for SCDs (12.0%). Thirty‐five patients were matched for each group. Mean follow‐up time was 47.9 months (range, 24.0, 84.1) for the matched LCD group and 46.1 months (range, 24.0, 88.1) for the matched SCD group. Ligamentum teres debridement ( P = .03) was performed more frequently in the LCD group. No other differences were found regarding demographics, intraoperative findings, procedures, traction time, preoperative scores, or follow‐up scores. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in all scores. Rates of revision or conversion to THA were similar between groups. The relative risk for conversion to THA was 2.33 for patients with defects ≥300 mm 2 compared with patients with defects ≤250 mm 2 ( P = .13). Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 3 (5.3%) patients with LCDs. Conclusions Matched patients with either SCDs or LCDs undergoing arthroscopic acetabular microfracture with concomitant treatment for labral tears and FAI syndrome demonstrated similar improvements at minimum 2‐year follow‐up. Patients with chondral defects approaching 300 mm 2 or greater may have a higher propensity toward conversion to THA. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial.
Is Hip Arthroscopy Effective in Patients With Combined Excessive Femoral Anteversion and Borderline Dysplasia? A Match-Controlled Study
Background: Appropriate patient selection is critical when hip arthroscopy is considered in the setting of borderline dysplasia (BD). It is presumable that excessive femoral anteversion (EFA) and BD may contraindicate arthroscopy. Hypothesis: Patients with combined EFA and BD (EFABD) demonstrate significantly inferior short-term outcomes after arthroscopic labral preservation and capsular closure when compared with a similar control group with normal lateral coverage and femoral anteversion. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between April 2010 and November 2014. The EFABD group’s inclusion criteria were BD (lateral center-edge angle, 18°-25°), labral tear, capsular closure, and femoral version ≥20°, as well as preoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale. Exclusion criteria were workers’ compensation, preoperative Tönnis grade >1, microfracture, abductor pathology, or previous ipsilateral hip surgery or conditions. Patients in the EFABD group were matched 1:2 to a similar control group with normal coverage and femoral anteversion by age at surgery ± 6 years, sex, body mass index ± 5, acetabular Outerbridge grade (0, 1 vs 2, 3, 4), and iliopsoas fractional lengthening. Results: Sixteen EFABD cases were eligible for inclusion, and 100% follow-up was obtained at ≥2 years postoperatively. Twelve EFABD cases were matched to 24 control cases. Mean femoral version was 22.4° in the EFABD group and 10.2° in the control group ( P = .01). Mean lateral center-edge angle was 22.1° in the EFABD group and 31.5° in the control group ( P < .0001). Acetabuloplasty was performed significantly more frequently in the control group ( P = .0006). No other significant differences were found regarding demographics, findings, procedures, or preoperative scores. At latest follow-up, the EFABD group demonstrated significantly lower mean modified Harris Hip Score (76.1 vs 85.9; P = .005), Nonarthritic Hip Score (74.8 vs 88.5; P < .0001), Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale (58.3 vs 78.4; P = .02), and patient satisfaction (7.1 vs 8.3; P = .005). There were 4 secondary surgical procedures (33.3%) in the EFABD group and 1 (4.2%) in the control group ( P = .03). One patient in each group required arthroplasty. Conclusion: Patients treated with arthroscopic labral preservation and capsular closure in the setting of EFABD demonstrated significant improvements from presurgery to latest follow-up. However, their results are significantly inferior when compared with a matched-controlled group. Consideration of periacetabular osteotomy or femoral osteotomy may be warranted in the setting of EFABD to achieve optimal benefit.
Abstract Transtendinous abductor tendon repair is a technique the authors described previously to diagnose and treat undersurface tears of the abductor tendons. In this surgical technique article, the authors describe a technique for knotless repair of undersurface tears of the abductor tendons that does not require a transtendinous split or suture passage through the abductor tendon. Because there is no suture passage through the abductor tendon or knot tying, the potential advantages include expeditious technique, compression of tendon against bony footprint, anatomic repair, and avoidance of knots facing the undersurface of the iliotibial band, which may lead to bursal irritation. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Endoscopic Repair of Partial Thickness Under-Surface Tears of The Abductor Tendon (pusta): Clinical Outcomes with Minimum Two-year Follow-up
Objectives: To report the minimum two-year outcomes of trans-tendinous repairs of Partial Thickness Undersurface Tears of the Abductor (PUSTA) tendon using patient reported outcomes (PROs), visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction scores. Methods: All patients who underwent endoscopic trans-tendinous gluteus medius repair between October 2009 and May 2013 at one institution were prospectively evaluated. Exclusion criteria consisted of less than two-year follow-up, previous hip surgery, inflammatory arthritis, open surgery, full thickness abductor tear, and worker’s compensation patients. All patients had a documented pre-operative physical exam with strength testing (0-5) and observation of their gait. Patient satisfaction and PRO scores were recorded preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. The PRO scores collected were mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, NAHS, and VAS. Preoperative strength and gait were compared to latest follow-up. Results: There were 25 patients that fit our criteria. Significant improvement in PRO scores were demonstrated for mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, NAHS, and VAS from 54.9-76.2, 50.2-80.6, 30.1-67.3, 51.9-82.4, and 7.1-2.7 respectively (p<0.001). There were 11 patients with objective weakness prior to surgery; seven of these patients moved up at least one strength grade by final follow-up. There were 14 patients who had a Trendelenbrug gait pre-operatively, 12 of them had a normal gait at latest follow-up (p-<0.001). Average patient satisfaction was 7.5. There were no revision surgeries, and no complications noted. Conclusion: PUSTA lesions can be treated successfully with endoscopic trans-tendinous repair preserving the intact attachment of superficial fibers of the gluteus medius. We recommend this treatment for partial undersurface tears recalcitrant to non-operative treatment, as patients demonstrated clinical benefit at greater than 2 years follow up that exceeds substantial clinical benefit and minimally clinical important difference.
Radiographic Risk Factors and Signs of Abductor Tears in the Hip
Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify radiographic risk factors (RRFs) and radiographic signs of abductor tendon tears. Methods Between April 2008 and October 2015, patients with intraoperative diagnosis of partial‐ or full‐thickness abductor tear noted at the time of open or endoscopic treatment were included in this study. Exclusion criteria included lack of preoperative standard supine pelvic radiograph, lack of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or abductor tear not present at the time of operative intervention. Patients were matched by age ±5 years, gender, and body mass index ±5 with patients with no abductor pathology by clinical exam and MRI. A standardized supine anterior‐posterior pelvis radiograph was performed on all patients. The radiographs were evaluated for RRF (pelvic width, body weight moment arm, abductor moment arm, abductor angle, pelvic height) and signs of abductor tendon pathology (greater trochanteric enthesophyte). Femoral version was measured on MRI when images were available. Statistical analysis was performed and included bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results There were 152 patients with abductor tears identified at the time of surgery out of 2,838 eligible patients matched with 125 patients without abductor tendon pathology. The study institution was unable to perform a 1:1 match because of the advanced age of the abductor tendon group, which led to a greater age in the abductor group ( n = 58) versus the control group ( n = 54; P = .01. In abductor group the average age was 58, and 137 of 152 (90%) patients were female; in the control group the average age was 54, with 111 of 125 (89%) patients being female. Abductor tear patients were treated with surgical repair. The RRFs found with bivariate analysis were an increased pelvic width (14.8 cm for abductor tears vs 14.3 cm for control; P < .001), body weight moment arm (11.1 cm vs 10.9 cm; P < .001), and abductor moment arm (7.8 cm vs 7.6 cm; P < .001); decreased femoral anteversion (7.6° vs 10.6°; P = .045); and enthesophyte presence (41% vs 3%; P < .001). Multivariate regression analysis of all variables showed that teardrop distance and enthesophyte presence were the 2 variables most predictive of abductor tears, and other variables did not significantly increase or decrease the likelihood of tear when these 2 variables were considered. The presence of an enthesophyte on the greater trochanter was notable for an odds ratio of 20.7 of having an abductor tear. Conclusions Patients with abductor tears have a wider pelvis, longer abductor moment arm, and longer body weight moment arm and have greater trochanteric enthesophyte as noted on nearly half of patients with an abductor tear. Presence of an enthesophyte was noted to have an odds ratio of 20.7 and a positive predictive value of 94% for having an abductor tendon tear. The 2 variables predictive of abductor tendon tear when controlling for all variables were enthesophyte presence and teardrop distance, with no other variables significantly increasing or decreasing the likelihood of tear when these 2 variables were considered. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Iliopsoas Snapping in Patients With Radiographic Acetabular Dysplasia Using Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening and Capsular Plication
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the greater than 2‐year patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and patient satisfaction of patients who were treated with hip arthroscopy for snapping iliopsoas tendons that were painful with concomitant acetabular dysplasia and who underwent iliopsoas lengthening for symptomatic iliopsoas tendon snapping with concomitant capsular plication and treatment of hip impingement. Secondary measures included observation of the change in the Tönnis grade at greater than 2 years' follow‐up. Methods Between July 2009 and December 2011, data on patients with a lateral center‐edge angle (LCEA) of less than 25° (range, 19°‐24°) who underwent hip arthroscopy with central‐compartment iliopsoas fractional lengthening and capsular plication were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Interportal capsular repair was performed using between 2 and 5 simple sutures. Patients also underwent procedures to treat hip impingement pathology. All patients had preoperative and minimum 2‐year postoperative PRO measures: modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living subscale, Hip Outcome Score–Sports‐Specific subscale, and Non‐arthritic Hip Score. The visual analog scale score and patient satisfaction with surgery (from 0 to 10) were also collected. Radiographs were analyzed preoperatively and at latest follow‐up to assess progression of the Tönnis grade. Results We analyzed 32 patients who met the inclusion criteria (30 female and 2 male patients; mean age, 25 years). The mean LCEA and anterior center‐edge angle were 21.6° and 25.5°, respectively. Four patients required revision arthroscopy for labral retears. Among the 28 patients who did not undergo revision surgery, the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living subscale, Hip Outcome Score–Sports‐Specific subscale, and Non‐arthritic Hip Score improved from 68.7 to 83.5, from 64.9 to 86.6, from 71.6 to 86.7, and from 52.6 to 75.8, respectively ( P < .001). The visual analog scale score improved from 5.6 preoperatively to 1.9 at latest follow‐up ( P < .001). The mean patient satisfaction rating was 8.0. There was no radiographic progression of the Tönnis grade at final follow‐up. Conclusions This study showed that patients with an LCEA of less than 25° and associated painful iliopsoas snapping can be treated by addressing concomitant pathology and performing central‐compartment fractional lengthening of the iliopsoas tendon with concomitant capsular plication and have high satisfaction, improvement in PROs, and improved pain scores, without significant progression of osteoarthritis. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.
The Correlation Between Arthroscopically Defined Acetabular Cartilage Defects and a Proposed Preoperative Delayed Gadolinium‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage Index in Hips of Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Purpose To evaluate a delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) index designed to predict focal acetabular articular cartilage damage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Methods The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent dGEMRIC and hip arthroscopy between April 2010 and August 2015 for FAI syndrome. The exclusion criteria were previous hip conditions, a Tönnis grade greater than 1, and a delay between magnetic resonance imaging and surgery greater than 180 days. The cutoff value for full‐thickness chondral damage was set to 350 milliseconds. The coronal anterolateral (CAL) index was designed to evaluate focal articular anterolateral chondral defects. We calculated the binary classification test of the CAL index for full‐thickness chondral damage, with arthroscopy as the gold standard. We calculated the correlation between the CAL index and the arthroscopically defined acetabular labrum articular disruption (ALAD) and Outerbridge grades and tested for differences between no or mild focal chondral damage and moderate or severe focal chondral damage. We repeated this analysis on the sagittal superior index, a combination of the sagittal anterior and posterior indices. Results A total of 195 hips (183 patients) were reviewed. The CAL index showed a sensitivity of 55% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32%‐76%), specificity of 81% (95% CI, 74%‐86%), positive predictive value of 27% (95% CI, 18%‐37%), and negative predictive value of 93% (95% CI, 90%‐96%). The CAL index showed a significant difference between no or mild focal chondral damage and moderate or severe focal chondral damage per both ALAD and Outerbridge groups ( P < .0001). The CAL index was moderately inversely correlated with ALAD and Outerbridge grades (ρ = –0.403, P < .0001). The sagittal superior index was not significantly different between the groups and showed a weak correlation with focal defects. Conclusions The CAL index may play a role in ruling out full‐thickness articular cartilage defects in patients with FAI syndrome. In addition, it may help in differentiating between no or mild focal chondral damage and moderate or severe focal chondral damage. Level of Evidence Level III, case‐control study.
Excision of Labral Amorphous Calcification as a Part of Hip Arthroscopy—Clinical Outcomes in a Matched‐Controlled Study
Purpose To evaluate clinical outcomes, demographics, and radiographic findings for patients whose hip arthroscopies involved amorphous calcification (AC) excision and to compare them with a control group with no AC and with the general population regarding diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Methods Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy involving surgical excision of AC deposit in the anterosuperior labralcapsular recess between October 2008 and July 2014 were reviewed. Demographics, radiographic findings, intraoperative findings, and procedures were reviewed. Minimum follow‐up was 2 years and included visual analog scale for pain, patient satisfaction, and the following patient‐reported outcome scores: modified Harris hip score, hip outcomes score sport‐specific subscale, and nonarthritic hip score. These patients were matched (1:2 ratio) to patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with no AC using the following matching criteria: age at surgery ± 5 years, body mass index ± 5, gender, type of labral treatment, and type of capsular treatment. Results We reviewed 12 cases in 11 female patients. Mean latest follow‐up scores improved from 64.0 to 83.4 ( P = .003) for modified Harris hip score, from 57.6 to 80.6 ( P < .001) for nonarthritic hip score, from 35.4 to 62.7 ( P = .021) for hip outcomes score sport‐specific subscale, and from 6.4 to 2.8 ( P = .016) for visual analog scale. The survivorship rate was 91.7%, with one hip converting to total hip arthroplasty. Mean patient satisfaction was 8.4 ± 2.3. Six hips of the 12 (50%) had clock face localization of the AC. They were all between 11 and 12 with a mean of 12:30. Postoperative radiographic findings showed no subsequent AC in all 12 hips. No complications or revisions were reported. There were no significant differences between the AC group and the control group. Conclusions The treatment of AC as part of hip arthroscopy for labral tear and femoro‐acetabular impingement is safe and has favorable and similar outcomes compared with a control group at minimum 2‐year follow‐up. Female gender may be a risk factor for the development of AC. There is no strong evidence that AC should be debrided. Level of Evidence Level III, case control study.
Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport in Competitive Athletes Undergoing Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening Compared With a Matched Control Group Without Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening
Purpose To compare the minimum 2‐year outcomes and return to sports in competitive athletes after arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening (IFL) and treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) to competitive athletes treated for FAI who did not undergo IFL. Methods Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between November 2009 and April 2014. Included patients were high school, collegiate, or professional athletes who underwent arthroscopic IFL, treatment for FAI, and preoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Non‐Arthritic Athletic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale. Exclusion criteria were patients younger than 16 years, Tönnis grade >1, microfracture, abductor pathology, and previous hip conditions. A subgroup of athletes were matched to athletes who did not undergo IFL by age ± 5 years, sex, and body mass index ± 5. Results There were 75 athletes eligible for inclusion, 60 (80.0%) of whom had minimum 2‐year follow‐up. All patient‐reported outcome (PRO) scores demonstrated significant improvements at latest follow‐up ( P < .001). Mean satisfaction was 7.9. No patients converted to arthroplasty. Painful snapping was resolved in 55 athletes (91.7%). Nine athletes (15.0%) had nonpainful snapping at follow‐up. Thirty‐nine (65%) returned to their sport. Forty (66.7%) maintained or improved their competitive abilities. There was one case (1.6%) of temporary postoperative numbness. There were no complaints of weakness in hip flexion. Forty‐one IFL athletes were matched to 41 controls. No differences were detected in demographics, follow‐up time, intraoperative findings, procedures, mean magnitudes of improvement, or return to sports. Conclusions In competitive athletes, IFL during hip arthroscopy is safe and demonstrates favorable improvements in PROs and VAS, high satisfaction, and high rate of symptom resolution at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Most patients were able to return to sports and maintain or improve their competitive levels. These results were similar to a control group of athletes not requiring IFL. Level of Evidence Level III, case‐control study.
Endoscopic Repair of Partial‐Thickness Undersurface Tears of the Abductor Tendon: Clinical Outcomes With Minimum 2‐Year Follow‐up
Purpose To report the minimum 2‐year outcomes of transtendinous repair of partial‐thickness undersurface tears of the abductor tendon using patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and patient satisfaction scores. Methods All patients who underwent endoscopic transtendinous gluteus medius repair between October 2009 and May 2013 at 1 institution were prospectively evaluated. The exclusion criteria consisted of less than 2 years' follow‐up, previous hip surgery, inflammatory arthritis, open surgery, full‐thickness abductor tear, and Workers' Compensation patients. All patients underwent a documented preoperative physical examination with strength testing (scale of 0‐5) and observation of their gait. Patient satisfaction and PRO scores were recorded preoperatively; at 3 months postoperatively; and at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years after surgery. The PRO scores collected were the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living Subscale, Hip Outcome Score–Sports‐Specific Subscale, Non‐arthritis Hip Score, and VAS score. Preoperative strength and gait were compared with latest follow‐up. Results There were 25 patients who fit our criteria. Significant improvement in PRO scores were shown for the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living Subscale, Hip Outcome Score–Sports‐Specific Subscale, Non‐arthritis Hip Score, and VAS score from 54.9 to 76.2, from 50.2 to 80.6, from 30.1 to 67.3, from 51.9 to 82.4, and from 7.1 to 2.7, respectively ( P < .001). Before surgery, 11 patients had objective weakness; 7 of these patients moved up at least 1 strength grade by final follow‐up. Preoperatively, 14 patients had a Trendelenburg gait; 12 of them had a normal gait at latest follow‐up ( P < .001). The average patient satisfaction rating was 7.5. There were no revision surgical procedures, and no complications were noted. Conclusions Partial‐thickness undersurface tears of the abductor can be treated successfully with endoscopic transtendinous repair preserving the intact attachment of the superficial fibers of the gluteus medius. We recommend this treatment for partial undersurface tears recalcitrant to nonoperative treatment because patients showed clinical benefit at greater than 2 years' follow‐up that exceeded substantial clinical benefit and the minimal clinically important difference. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.