Durable Outcomes After Hip Labral Reconstruction at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: To systematically review and report the mid- to long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after hip labral reconstruction.

Methods: A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for clinical studies reporting mid- to long-term PROs at minimum 5-year follow-up after arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction. A quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index of Non-Randomized Studies grading system. Data collection included study characteristics, demographics, indications, radiographic metrics, perioperative findings, surgical technique, baseline and most recent PROs, and subsequent surgeries.

Results: Four studies met inclusion criteria, with 182 hips (age range, 27.9-38.7 years) undergoing labral reconstruction in primary and revision hip surgery with minimum 5-year follow-up. There were three Level III studies and one Level IV study, with an average Methodological Index of Non-Randomized Studies score of 16.6. All studies cited labral tissue characteristics as a factor for surgical indications, including the quality and/or size of the labrum. Three studies performed segmental labral reconstructions, whereas another study used a circumferential technique. Varying grafts were selected, including hamstring autograft/allograft, ligamentum teres autograft, iliotibial band autograft, and tensor fascia lata autograft. All studies demonstrated improved PROs from baseline to most recent follow-up, with 4 studies reporting modified Harris Hip Score values that increased from baseline (range, 58.9-66.8) to most recent follow-up (range, 80.1-86.3). After labral reconstruction, rates of revision arthroscopy ranged from 4.8% to 13.3% and conversion to total hip arthroplasty ranged from 1.6% to 27%.

Conclusions: Improved PROs were observed in all studies at minimum 5-year follow-up, suggesting that labral reconstruction can offer durable results beyond short-term follow-up. Although surgical indications for all studies included labral tissue characteristics, differing graft selection and surgical techniques were used across studies, limiting the ability to determine an optimal treatment approach.

Level of evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.