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Labral Resection or Preservation During FAI Treatment? A Systematic Review

  • Current Topics Concerning Joint Preservation and Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Hip
  • Published:
HSS Journal ®

Abstract

Background

Open and arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and resultant labral pathology has increased significantly over the past decade. Although the functional importance of the labrum and the labral seal has been established in biomechanical studies, good clinical results have been reported for both labral debridement and labral refixation.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this paper is to summarize existing literature on the surgical treatment of labral pathology to provide treatment recommendations and direct future research. A systematic review was performed with the following research question in mind: Does preservation of the hip labrum improve outcomes as compared to labral debridement for the treatment of labral pathology?

Methods

The MEDLINE database was searched for level I, II, or III articles in English or German comparing labral debridement to labral refixation. Five studies were included in the analysis.

Results

Good short-term results were reported for both groups. Three out of five papers report improved outcomes after labral refixation as compared to labral debridement.

Conclusions

In short-term follow-up, labral refixation appears to have slightly better outcomes than labral debridement. Studies with prospectively defined cohorts and longer follow-up are, however, necessary to provide definitive recommendations for labral treatment.

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Disclosures

This systematic review did not involve the use of human or animal study subjects or data. The authors certify that no institutional review or ethical approval is required for the present study type in the authors’ country.

Dr. Tibor certifies that she has no commercial associations that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. Lisa Tibor, MD was supported by a M.E. Müller Foundation of North America Fellowship for the duration of this study. Dr. Leunig has the following potential conflicts of interest: consultant for Smith and Nephew, and Biomet, and stock options in Pivot Medical. No payment or benefit of any kind was received related to this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital for Special Surgery Center for Hip Preservation, 535 E. 70th St, 10021, NY, New York

    Lisa M. Tibor MD

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Schulthess Clinic, Lengghalde 2, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland

    Michael Leunig MD

  3. University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

    Michael Leunig MD

Authors
  1. Lisa M. Tibor MD
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  2. Michael Leunig MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Leunig MD.

Additional information

This work was performed at the Schulthess Clinic, Zürich, Switzerland.

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Tibor, L.M., Leunig, M. Labral Resection or Preservation During FAI Treatment? A Systematic Review. HSS Jrnl 8, 225–229 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-012-9294-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-012-9294-8

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