Repair of the Adult Acetabular Labrum

Although hip arthroscopy is a new technique, indications for its use are rapidly expanding. With better utilization and understanding of both radiologic assessment of hip pathology and clinical examination, specific intra-articular derangement is being identified. Longitudinal, peripheral, and intrasubstance anterior hip labral tears can be repaired using anterior paratrochanteric and anterior portals with standard hip arthroscopy equipment. Repair of the torn labrum may help re-establish the anatomic function of the labrum, thereby preventing biomechanical compromise through surgical debridement, which may lead to degenerative changes associated with osteoarthritis. Although long-term results are still unknown, results of short-term follow-up are positive.