Arthroscopic Management of Labral Tears in the Hip: a Systematic Review of the Literature

Arthroscopic management of labral problems in the hip has become an accepted therapeutic modality in appropriately selected patients. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the rate of patient satisfaction that can be expected following acetabular labral débridement. Computerized literature databases were searched from January 1980 to September 2005 to identify relevant articles that met inclusion criteria and had at least 2 years followup. We included patients with symptomatic acetabular labral tears who failed conservative management, were not claiming workers' compensation, and did not have severe arthritis or severe acetabular dysplasia. Following labral débridement this patient population can expect: (1) a patient satisfaction rate of approximately 67% at 3.5 years follow-up; (2) good results by a modified Harris Hip Score in patients who are subjectively satisfied with their outcome; and (3) a complete resolution of mechanical symptoms in nearly 50% of patients with this complaint. Although limited, the current literature supports non workers' compensation patients with isolated labral tears, who lack associated intraarticular abnormality, can receive both symptomatic and functional improvement following arthroscopic labral débridement.