Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Reconstruction with Fascia Lata Allograft: Clinical Outcomes at Minimum One-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The integrity of the acetabular labrum is crucial to normal biomechanics of the hip joint. Disruption of the labral seal could be detrimental to the overall nutrition of the cartilage, leading to its premature degeneration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction using fascia lata allograft. The hypothesis is that labral reconstruction would provide good clinical outcomes.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all 10 patients who underwent labral reconstruction with fascia lata allograft from January 2013 to October 2015. We assessed improvement in pain and function, complications, and subsequent surgery. The minimum follow-up was 12 months (average, 22.9 months; range, 16-36 months).

RESULTS: All patients reported subjective improvement in preoperative pain and function. The mean modified Harris hip score improved significantly from 58 (55-60) to 95 (91-98). The mean change of modified Harris hip score was 36 (31-41) and mean post-operative patient satisfaction score was 9.5(8-10). We observed no radiological progression of arthritis as well as no patient had revision procedure including total hip replacement.

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic labral reconstruction using a fascia lata tendon allograft is an effective and safe procedure that not only provides excellent clinical outcomes in short term but also potentially prevent continued cartilage degeneration by restoring acetabular labral seal in patients with deficient or resected labrums.