Hip arthroscopic capsulotomy techniques and capsular management strategies: a systematic review

Patients Report Improved Functional Outcomes Following Puncture Capsulotomy Technique for Hip Arthroscopy at 5-Years

PURPOSE

(1) evaluate minimum 5-year functional outcomes, (2) assess secondary surgery rates, and (3) analyze post-operative complications after hip arthroscopy for labral tears secondary to femoroacetabular impingement using the puncture capsulotomy technique.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from May 2014 to May 2019 that included patients ≥18 who underwent hip arthroscopy via puncture capsulotomy for labral tears and concomitant femoroacetabular impingement with five years of patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) surveys.

RESULTS

A total of 109 hips were included in this study (49.5% female; mean age±SD: 37.7±14.1), with a with a mean follow-up time of 61.0±1.58 months (range: 60-67 months)and a mean body mass index of 25.5±3.93 kg/m2. When compared to mean enrollment values, the mean modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SS), International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) were all significantly improved (p<0.001) at five-year follow-up: (mHHS pre-op: 63.1±14.6 vs post-op: 88.9±14.6; HOS-ADL: 71.1±19.5 vs. 92.8±11.1; HOS-SS: 41.8±25.3 vs. 81.7±23.8; iHOT-33: 41.9±19.1 vs. 84.4±19.6), respectively. Furthermore, for mHHS, 83.8%% 71.4%, and 52.1% of patients achieved minimally clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptomatic Scores (PASS) and Substantial Clinical Benefit (SCB), respectively. The rate of revision hip arthroscopy was 0% and conversion to total hip arthroplasty was 7.83%.

CONCLUSION

At minimum five year follow up, puncture capsulotomy results in significantly improved functional and clinically meaningful outcomes. Overall, patients reported minimal complication and conversion to total hip arthroplasty rates.

Age and Preoperative Anterior Hip Capsule Thickness May Affect Capsule Healing in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Undergoing Arthroscopic Surgery Without Capsule Repair

Background

The capacity of an unrepaired joint capsule to heal after primary hip arthroscopic surgery in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) remains uncertain. The factors that may contribute to nonhealing of the joint capsule are yet to be elucidated.

Purpose

To report the healing rate of the unrepaired joint capsule after primary hip arthroscopic surgery and to identify factors that may contribute to nonhealing.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Data collected between August 2015 and October 2023 were reviewed. Patients with FAIS aged 18 to 65 years who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery without capsule repair and had a minimum 6-month follow-up were included. Patient demographic data were collected including age at the time of surgery, sex, body mass index, laterality of the affected hip, follow-up duration, FAIS type, and intraoperative procedures. Capsule thickness was measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The status of capsule healing was evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging at least 6 months after surgery. The correlation between an unhealed capsule and various clinical factors was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 64 patients (66 hips) were included for analysis (48 hips in the healed group and 18 hips in the unhealed group). Age (44.50 ± 11.36 vs 38.44 ± 10.52 years, respectively; P = .045) and preoperative anterior capsule thickness (3.02 ± 0.87 vs 3.64 ± 1.01 mm, respectively; P = .025) were significantly different between the unhealed and healed groups. Other patient characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. Higher age (ρ = -0.247; P = .045) and thinner anterior capsule (ρ = 0.276; P = .025) were associated with unhealed capsules. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value for anterior capsule thickness to discriminate between healed and unhealed capsules was 3.35 mm, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.667 and 0.667, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for age was 43 years, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.667 and 0.604, respectively.

Conclusion

At a minimum 6-month follow-up, 27.2% of patients with FAIS who underwent primary arthroscopic surgery had unhealed anterior hip capsules. Both higher age and lower preoperative anterior hip capsule thickness may affect capsule healing in patients with FAIS who undergo primary arthroscopic surgery without capsule repair.

Comparison of Interportal and Periportal Capsulotomies and Axial Distraction Resistance During Hip Arthroscopy: An In Vivo Propensity-Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative hip capsule management is increasingly recognized as an important component of hip arthroscopy for the prevention of capsular-related instability. The periportal capsulotomy, relative to the interportal capsulotomy, has been proposed as a minimally invasive technique for decreasing postarthroscopy hip instability; however, the biomechanical effects of this technique are not well established.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to provide a biomechanical characterization of interportal and periportal capsulotomies, helping inform surgeon choice of capsulotomy type and repair, potentially guiding clinical practice in hip arthroscopy. The authors hypothesized that the periportal capsulotomy would demonstrate greater resistance to axial distraction in all capsular states.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon underwent intraoperative axial distraction testing at 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-pound force intervals, with each axial distraction distance measured by standardized fluoroscopic evaluation. Propensity matching was conducted between the periportal group and the interportal group using native state distraction, lateral center-edge angle, and sex as covariates to achieve balance between groups. Between-group comparisons of distraction distances were then conducted using the Student t test and Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

In total, 74 interportal capsulotomies and 124 periportal capsulotomies were identified. Propensity matching yielded 74 hips in each group. Demographic and radiographic characteristics were similar between matched cohorts (P > .05). An unrepaired interportal capsulotomy led to an increase in hip distraction of 2.74 mm at 100 lbf (P < .001) compared with the native state, whereas unrepaired periportal capsulotomy led to an increase of 2.43 mm at 100 lbf (P < .001). Distraction distances were similar between the interportal and periportal groups in both the capsulotomy and repair states (P > .05), while the periportal capsulotomy repair demonstrated decreased hip distraction distance when compared with the native state by 1.37 mm at 75 lbf and 1.45 mm at 100 lbf (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In a propensity-matched cohort analysis, an unrepaired periportal capsulotomy and interportal capsulotomy have similar effects on increasing hip axial distraction distance intraoperatively. Performing a capsular repair restores intraoperative resistance to axial distraction in both procedures. Despite the minimal disruption of the capsule with periportal techniques, repair is required for restoration of native biomechanics.

Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy With Periportal and Puncture Capsulotomy Demonstrate Favorable Outcomes at Short-Term Follow-Up: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with periportal or puncture capsulotomy demonstrate improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at minimum 2-year follow-up when compared with preoperative PROs.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed and registered in PROSPERO under ID: CRD42023466053. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus were searched in October of 2024 using the following string: (capsul∗ OR puncture OR periportal) and (hip OR femoroacetabular impingement) AND (arthroscop∗). Articles were included if they reported preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up PROs in patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and/or labral tears with periportal or puncture capsulotomy and were written in English.

RESULTS

Six studies were included, with 5 studies reporting outcomes on periportal capsulotomy (313 hips) and 1 study on puncture capsulotomy (163 hips). Three studies were Level IV evidence and 3 were Level III. Study periods ranged from 2013 to 2020. Average improvement in the modified Harris Hip Score ranged from 21.1 to 32.56 (I2 = 97%). Average improvement in the visual analog scale for pain ranged from -2.5 to -5.3 (I2 = 94%). Minimal clinically important difference was achieved by 65.0% to 100% of patients for Hip Outcome Score - Activities of Daily Living, 71.8% to 88% for Hip Outcome Score-Sport, and 62.5% to 78% for analog scale for pain. Three studies reported rates of secondary total hip arthroplasty, ranging from 0% to 1.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with periportal capsulotomy showed improvements in multiple PROs at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Periportal capsulotomy appears to be an effective capsulotomy technique in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and/or labral tears. Preliminary evidence shows puncture capsulotomy may be an effective way to access the capsule during hip arthroscopy, but conclusions are limited, given the lack of studies available.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

A Multicenter Analysis of 3 Decades of Hip Arthroscopy: Evolving Techniques and Growing Patient Volumes From 1988 to 2022

Background

The number of hip arthroscopies performed in the United States has grown significantly over the past several decades, with evolving indications and emerging techniques.

Purposes

To (1) examine the evolution of hip arthroscopy at 3 tertiary referral centers between 1988 and 2022 and (2) quantify trends in patient demographics and procedures performed.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at 3 academic centers between 1988 and 2022. Demographic data were collected using standardized forms and operative notes, and intraoperative images were manually reviewed for each patient to determine the specific procedures performed at the time of the hip arthroscopy. Surgical procedures were plotted over time to evaluate trends. Patients were divided into 3 time periods for comparison: early hip arthroscopy from 1988 to 2008, 2009 (the time of the first labral repair in our cohort) to 2015, and 2016 to 2022.

Results

A total of 3000 patients (age, 35.7 ± 13.8 years; age range, 10-89 years; female sex, 2109 (70.3%); body mass index, 27.4 ± 6.3 kg/m2) underwent arthroscopic hip procedures between 1988 and 2022. The mean number of cases increased from a mean of 3.2 per year in 1988-2008 to 285.9 per year in 2016-2022 (P < .001). Labral treatment at the time of primary hip arthroscopy evolved from 100% debridement and 0% repair in 1988-2008 to 5.0% debridement, 94.0% repair, and 1.0% labral reconstruction in 2016-2022 (P < .001). Cam resection increased from 4.1% in 1988-2008 to 86.9% in 2016-2022 (P < .001). By 2022, 45 out of 325 cases (13.8%) were revisions. The rate of capsular repair at the time of primary hip arthroscopy increased from 0.0% in 1988-2008 up to 81.0% in 2016-2022.

Conclusion

There has been a significant growth of hip arthroscopy volumes as well as a significant transition from use as a tool for diagnosis and labral debridement to procedures restoring native anatomy including labral repair, cam resection, capsular repair, periacetabular osteotomy, and gluteal repair.

Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip With Osseous Impingement as Distinct From Femoroacetabular Impingement and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background

Borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH) accompanied by cam deformity and subspinous impingement has been found to benefit from arthroscopic surgery. However, the research comparing BDDH combined with osseous impingement to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) without borderline dysplasia remains limited.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To compare the clinical symptoms, intraoperative findings, and outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with BDDH and osseous impingement versus cam-type FAI. It was hypothesized that BDDH with osseous impingement could be classified as a distinct entity between FAI and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Data were collected from patients 18 to 50 years old who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between September 2016 and October 2020. Patients were divided based on preoperative lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) into 2 groups: (1) BDDH group (LCEA 18°-25°; n = 67); and (2) cam-type FAI group without BDDH (FAI group; LCEA 25°-40° and alpha angle >55°; n = 145). Disparities in symptoms, preoperative examination, intraoperative findings and procedures, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were compared.

Results

Follow-up was available for 61 (91.0%) patients in the BDDH group and 125 (86.2%) patients in the FAI group. The incidence of cam deformity in BDDH patients was 91.8%. The preoperative characteristics and intraoperative findings were similar between the groups; however, preoperative internal and external hip rotation, Tönnis angle, femoroepiphyseal acetabular roof index, labral size, capsule thickness, and percentage of ligamentum teres tear were significantly higher in the BDDH group than the FAI group, and the percentage of pain aggravating factor, cam deformity, and anterior inferior iliac spine types 2 and 3 were also significantly different between groups (P < .05 for all). The percentage of intraoperative minimal acetabuloplasty, subspinous decompression, labral repair, ligamentum teres debridement, and capsular closure was significantly higher in the BDDH group than the FAI group, while the percentage of femoroplasty was higher in the FAI group (P < .05). Pre- to postoperative improvement on PRO scores was seen in both groups.

Conclusion

Given the differences in etiology and surgical procedures between the 2 conditions, it is suggested that BDDH with osseous impingement be classified as an entity distinct from FAI and DDH (and separate from BDDH without impingement) while excluding joint instability.

Favorable and Durable Outcomes at 10-Year Follow-Up After Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair With Concomitant Hip Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To evaluate 10-year patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores following endoscopic surgery for gluteus medius partial and full-thickness tears with concomitant hip arthroscopy for labral tears and/or femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on patients followed for a minimum of 10 years after endoscopic gluteus medius repair with concomitant hip arthroscopy performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with preoperative and 10-year follow-up for the following PROs were included: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain.

RESULTS

There were 13 patients eligible for inclusion, 11 (84.6%) of whom had 10-year follow up, with a mean of 127.6 months (range: 120.0-140.2 months). The group consisted of 10 females (90.9%) and one male (9.1%) with a mean age at surgery of 60.1 years (range: 46.2-74.8 years). PRO scores improved from preoperative to 10-year follow-up as follows: mHHS from 60.4 to 88.0 (P = .011); NAHS from 50.1 to 90.6 (P < .001); HOS-SS from 37.5 to 85.1 (P = .001); and VAS from 4.8 to 1.2 (P = .006). Mean patient satisfaction rating was 8.3. Patients achieved PASS and MCID for mHHS and HOS-SSS at a rate of 81.8%. There was no significant decline in PROs or satisfaction between 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively. All patients underwent concomitant hip arthroscopy and labral treatment (debridement or repair). One patient, who had arthroscopic findings of acetabular and femoral outerbridge grade 4 lesions, subsequently underwent total hip arthroplasty; however, the GM was assessed during the THA, and it was verified that the repair was intact. There were no clinical failures, secondary operations, or complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic repair of gluteus medius tears is a safe procedure with favorable and durable long-term outcomes at minimum 10-year follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Characterizations of Capsule Closure in Hip Arthroscopy Are Infrequently and Incompletely Reported: A Systematic Review

Purpose

To review the recent literature to provide an updated characterization of capsule closure techniques in hip arthroscopy and to determine if the characteristics of closure impacted clinical outcomes.

Methods

In keeping with the Preferred Reporting in Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was performed with the following eligibility criteria: patients over 18 years of age who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with reporting of patient reported outcome measures or revision/failure, and a sufficiently detailed description of capsule closure. The GRADE framework evaluated study quality, and ROBINS-I evaluated the risk of bias.

Results

Across 18 studies (N = 3277) an interportal capsulotomy was reported in 12 studies (1972/3277) cases, and a T-type capsulotomy was reported in six studies (1305/3277) cases). Six studies reported using #2 suture. Nonabsorbable suture was reported in six studies, and absorbable suture in six studies. The rate of failure was 10.5% across five studies (N = 1133) and the rate of revision was 4.4% across 13 studies (N = 2957).

Conclusions

Capsule closure is commonly performed with #2 high strength suture-the T-type using two to three sutures in the vertical limb and two to three in the transverse limb, and the interportal type using two to three sutures. Compared to earlier reports, there is a trend for increased utilization of T-type capsulotomy. Although there is a growing body of investigations into the efficacy of routine capsule closure following hip arthroscopy, our results demonstrate infrequent and inconsistent reporting of capsule closure characteristics.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

Extended Interportal Capsulotomy for Hip Arthroscopy, a Single-Center Clinical Experience

Background and Objectives: The number of hip arthroscopy procedures is on the rise worldwide, and awareness regarding proper management of the hip capsule has increased. No capsulotomy shape is agreed upon as a standard approach, with literature supporting both isolated interportal and T-shaped capsulotomies. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to report the clinical results of a standardized extended interportal capsulotomy (EIPC) during hip arthroscopy. Materials and Methods: Patients operated on between 2017 and 2020 with a hip arthroscopy were eligible. The inclusion criteria were ages 18-60 years, failed non-operative treatment, and at least a 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were bilateral femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAS) cases or labral lesions, ipsilateral knee injury, history of ipsilateral hip surgery, and significant spine lesions. Data regarding demographic characteristics such as age, gender, operation date, BMI, but also Beighton score, presence of postoperative pudendal nerve damage, and revision for any reason were gathered from patients' records. All patients were evaluated preoperatively with a visual analog scale (VAS), the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Results: Of the 97 patients operated on with a hip arthroscopy between the defined dates, only 90 patients were included. The mean age was 37.9 ± 9.8, and 58.9% of patients were male. The most frequent surgical indication was an isolated FAS lesion (73.3%), followed by FAS associated with a labral tear (12.2%), an isolated labrum tear (10.0%), synovitis (3.3%), and a loose body (1.1%). The mean follow-up for the study cohort was 39.3 months. The majority of the patients had uneventful surgeries (76.7%), while there were three cases of sciatic nerve neuropraxia and 12 cases of pudendal nerve neuropraxia. Two patients underwent revision surgery during the study period. Comparison between preoperative and postoperative clinical scores showed a significant improvement with a final mHHS mean value of 67.7 ± 18.2, an HOOS value of 74.1 ± 13.2, and a low VAS score of 1.3 ± 1.2. Conclusions: A hip arthroscopy procedure with a standardized and unrepaired, extended interportal capsulotomy is a safe procedure with satisfactory mid-term results and high overall patient satisfaction. At a minimum of 2 years and a mean of 39.2 months, patients showed improved clinical scores and a low revision rate.

Puncture Capsulotomy Technique During Hip Arthroscopy

Background

A number of techniques have been described to enter the capsule and gain access to the hip joint during hip arthroscopy1,2. Among these, the interportal and T-capsulotomies are the most commonly utilized; however, these approaches transect the iliofemoral ligament, which normally resists anterior subluxation and stabilizes extension3. Thus, these approaches may introduce capsuloligamentous instability1,4-7 and have been associated with complications such as dislocation, postoperative pain, microinstability, seroma, and heterotopic ossification5,8-12. Although prior literature has demonstrated durable mid-term results for patients undergoing capsulotomies with capsular closure6,13, avoidance of iatrogenic injury to the hip capsule altogether is preferable. Thus, the puncture capsulotomy technique we present is minimally invasive, preserves the biomechanics of the hip joint and capsule without disrupting the iliofemoral ligament, and allows for appropriate visualization of the joint through placement of multiple small portals.

Description

Following induction of anesthesia and with the patient supine on a hip traction table, the nonoperative leg is positioned at 45° abduction with support of a well-padded perineal post, and the operative hip is placed into valgus against the post14. Intra-articular fluid distention with normal saline solution is utilized to achieve approximately 9 mm of inferior migration of the femoral head and decrease risk of iatrogenic nerve injury15. Then, under fluoroscopic guidance, an anterolateral portal is created 1 cm anterior and 1 cm superior to the greater trochanter at an approximately 15° to 20° angle. Second, via arthroscopic visualization, the anterior portal is created 1 cm distal and 1 cm lateral to the intersection of a vertical line drawn at the anterior superior iliac spine and a horizontal line at the level of the anterolateral portal. Third, equidistant between the anterior and anterolateral portals, the mid-anterior portal is created distally. Finally, at one-third of the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterolateral portal, the Dienst portal is created. Thus, these 4 portals form a quadrilateral arrangement through which puncture capsulotomy can be performed5.

Alternatives

Alternative approaches to the hip capsule include interportal and T-capsulotomies, with or without capsular closure1,2,4,6,7,16. Although the most frequently utilized, these approaches transect the iliofemoral ligament and thus may introduce capsuloligamentous instability1,4-7,17.

Rationale

The puncture capsulotomy technique has the advantage of maintaining the integrity of the capsule through the placement of 4 small portals. The technique does not transect the iliofemoral ligament and thus does not introduce capsuloligamentous instability. Furthermore, although good mid-term outcomes have been reported with capsular closure6,13,18, the present technique avoids creating unnecessary injury to the capsule and complications of an unrepaired capsule or, conversely, of plication.

Expected Outcomes

Patients who underwent the puncture capsulotomy technique showed significant improvements in multiple functional outcome scores at a mean follow-up of 30.4 months, including the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) (39.6 preoperatively to 76.1 postoperatively), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL) (70.0 to 89.3), HOS Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) (41.8 to 75.7), and modified Harris hip score (mHHS) (60.1 to 84.9). At 2 years postoperatively with respect to iHOT-33, 81.0% of patients achieved the minimal clinically important difference, 62.0% achieved the patient acceptable symptom state, and 58.9% achieved substantial clinical benefit. In addition, mean visual analog scale pain scores improved significantly over the follow-up period (6.3 to 2.2; p < 0.001). Finally, there were zero occurrences of infection, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, dislocation or instability, or femoral neck fracture in patients treated with puncture capsulotomy19,20.

Important Tips

Anterolateral portal placement should be performed using the intra-articular fluid distention technique with fluoroscopy to avoid risk of iatrogenic labral damage and distraction-induced neurapraxia. Subsequent portals must then be placed under direct arthroscopic visualization.On establishment of the anterolateral portal, the scope should be switched to the anterior portal to ensure that the anterolateral portal has not been placed through the labrum and to adjust its placement to better access pathology. This portal, as well as all others, may be subsequently modified by adjusting the angle of the cannula, without making a new skin incision.If a cam lesion is located more anteromedially or posterolaterally, an additional accessory portal may be made distal or proximal to the anterolateral portal, respectively, in order to enhance visualization.Intermittent traction is utilized throughout the surgery. No traction is utilized during preparing and draping, suture tensioning and tie-down, and femoroplasty, with minimal traction during acetabuloplasty; these precautions serve to prevent iatrogenic superficial peroneal nerve injury.There can be a steep learning curve for this technique. In particular, greater surgical experience is required to perform adequate femoral osteoplasty for large cam lesions with this approach21.Instrument maneuverability and visualization can be somewhat constrained with this approach.It is more difficult to perform certain procedures with this technique, including segmental and circumferential labral reconstructions, particularly with remote grafts5.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

iHOT-33 = International Hip Outcome Tool-33HOS-ADL = Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscaleHOS-SSS = Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific SubscaleAP = anteroposteriorMRA = magnetic resonance arthrogramMRI = magnetic resonance imagingCT = computed tomographyASIS = anterior superior iliac spinemHHS = modified Harris hip score.

Comparison of Pain Scores and Functional Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair and Concomitant Capsular Repair or Plication Versus No Closure

Background

The need for capsular closure during arthroscopic hip labral repair is debated.

Purpose

To compare pain and functional outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip labral repair with concomitant repair or plication of the capsule versus no closure.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

Outcomes were compared between patients undergoing arthroscopic hip labral repair with concomitant repair or plication of the capsule versus no closure at up to 2 years postoperatively and with stratification by age and sex. Patients with lateral center-edge angle <20°, a history of instability, a history of prior arthroscopic surgery in the ipsilateral hip, or a history of labral debridement only were excluded. Subanalysis was performed between patients undergoing no capsular closure who were propensity score matched 1:1 with patients undergoing repair or plication based on age, sex, and preoperative Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS). We compared patients who underwent T-capsulotomy with concomitant capsular closure matched 1:5 with patients who underwent an interportal capsulotomy with concomitant capsular repair based on age, sex, and preoperative MHHS.

Results

Patients undergoing capsular closure (n = 1069), compared with the no-closure group (n = 230), were more often female (68.6% vs 53.0%, respectively; P < .001), were younger (36.4 ± 13.3 vs 47.9 ± 14.7 years; P < .001), and had superior MHHS scores at 2 years postoperatively (85.8 ± 14.5 vs 81.8 ± 18.4, respectively; P = .020). In the matched analysis, no difference was found in outcome measures between patients in the capsular closure group (n = 215) and the no-closure group (n = 215) at any follow-up timepoint. No significant difference was seen between the 2 closure techniques at any follow-up timepoint. Patients with closure of the capsule achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the 1-year MHHS at a similar rate as those without closure (MCID, 50.3% vs 44.9%, P = .288; PASS, 56.8% vs 51.1%, P = .287, respectively). Patients with T-capsulotomy achieved the MCID and the PASS for the 1-year MHHS at a similar rate compared with those with interportal capsulotomy (MCID, 50.1% vs 44.9%, P = .531; PASS, 65.7% vs 61.2%, P = .518, respectively).

Conclusion

When sex, age, and preoperative MHHS were controlled, capsular closure and no capsular closure after arthroscopic hip labral repair were associated with similar pain and functional outcomes for patients up to 2 years postoperatively.

Dual Cannula Combined With Modified Shoelace Continuous Capsular Closure Technique in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

The Technical Note aims to present an arthroscopic capsular closure technique at the end of the hip arthroscopy. The technology employs a dual-channel approach and modified shoelace suture technique to continuously suture the hip capsule. Recent studies have indicated that routine intraoperative repair of the articular capsule at the end of the hip arthroscopy is advocated. However, the majority of the hip capsular closure techniques are relatively complex, time-consuming, and bring many complications, which has hindered their widespread use in clinical practice. Herein, we provide an arthroscopic capsular closure technique using the modified shoelace continuous suture in combination with a dual cannula for correcting hip instability during hip arthroscopic surgery of femoroacetabular impingement.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies Comparing Complete Capsular Closure Against Unrepaired Hip Capsules During Hip Arthroscopy

Background

While the biomechanical importance of the hip capsule is well described, there remains controversy over the necessity of routine capsular closure after hip arthroscopy.

Purpose

To perform a meta-analysis of clinical studies to compare pooled outcomes of complete hip capsular closure cohorts against unrepaired hip capsule cohorts.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL/EBSCO, and Scopus were queried in February 2022 for studies that directly compared clinical outcomes for hip arthroscopy patients treated with either complete capsular closure or an unrepaired capsule. Outcomes assessed were incidence of revision hip arthroscopy, incidence of subsequent conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), and improvement from baseline in modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS) activities of daily living (ADL), HOS sports specific (SS) subscale, Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) ADL, and HAGOS SS subscale. A pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to compare changes in mHHS. A pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to compare changes in the ADL and SS outcomes. A pooled risk ratio (RR) was used to compare the probability of revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to THA based on capsular management. For pooled outcomes where heterogeneity was regarded as potentially unimportant, a fixed-effects model was implemented. For pooled outcomes with considerable heterogeneity, a random-effects model was implemented.

Results

Of the 1896 records identified in our search, 11 studies (1897 patients) were included. A significantly higher improvement in mHHS (WMD, -3.72; 95% CI, -4.95 to -2.50; P < .00001) and ADL outcomes (SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.54 to -0.07; P = .01) were seen after complete capsular closure. There was a significantly lower probability of subsequent revision hip arthroscopy (RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.45; P = .008) and conversion to THA (RR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.79; P = .03) after complete capsular repair. There was no difference in SS outcomes (SMD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.16 to 0.13; P = .81) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrated that routine complete capsular closure after hip arthroscopy led to superior clinical outcomes relative to unrepaired hip capsules.

Superior outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears with closed versus open capsule

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was the clinical evaluation of the capsular management with arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears by comparing the functional outcomes of closed versus open capsule.

METHODS

Patients with a median age of 38 years (18-55), clinical and radiological features of FAI and/or labral tear, and non-arthritic non-dysplastic hips were selected for arthroscopic treatment. Capsulotomy was performed primarily as an interportal section, then a distal extension preserving the zona orbicularis was added. The study compared two matched groups: patients with open capsule versus patients with closed capsule. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Non-Arthritic Hip Score, hip outcome scores of daily living activities and sports-specific scales. Scores were collected preoperatively and 6 months, 2 years and 5 years postoperatively. Rate of revision arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty were used for comparing groups. Minimal clinically important differences were calculated for both groups.

RESULTS

The study included 42 patients in the OC group and 44 patients in the CC group. Significant improvement of postoperative PROMs was recorded in both groups compared to preoperative scores. CC group significantly improved more than the OC group based on NAHS, HOS-ADL and HOS-SSS over all check points except for NAHS and HOS-ADL at 6 months, which were statistically non-significant. A non-significant difference was observed in the percentage of patients who met the MCID for all reported outcome scores at 5 years in both groups. The rate of reoperation was similar in both groups, but with different indications.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic treatment of FAI and labral repair with complete closure of the hip capsule led to significantly improved functional outcomes after 5 years follow-up compared with open capsule. Closed capsule can provide greater improvement in the sports-specific outcomes at early follow-up. Controlled capsulotomy limited by zona orbicularis did not produce instability at any postoperative stage. Similar proportions of patients achieved minimal clinically important difference, and similar rates of reoperation were reported in both groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Differentiation of strains in the lateral and medial bands of the iliofemoral ligament: A segmental approach

Iliofemoral ligament strains have been assessed in a circumscribed portion, limiting the information regarding the strains in the proximal, mid and distal portions. The purpose of this study is to describe the longitudinal and transversal strain within the proximal, mid and distal portions of the lateral and medial bands of the iliofemoral ligament. Ten fresh cadaveric specimens were assessed. The iliofemoral ligaments were divided into medial and lateral bands. Hemispherical beads (2.6 mm) were placed on the lateral and medial borders of each band. Four positions were assessed: abduction, extension, internal and external rotations combined with extension. The hemispherical beads were scanned at the end range of motion using a laser scanner. The three-dimensional position of each bead was used to estimate longitudinal and transversal strains. A three-factor ANOVA was used to compare movements, borders, and portions within each ligament for longitudinal strains. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare transversal strains between portions. This technique showed mean reliability (ICC: 2, 1) of 0.90 ± 0.06. The external rotation showed the highest strains in both ligaments (p < 0.05). Abduction showed a significant difference between the lateral and medial borders in both bands (p = 0.001). Eight movement-border combinations showed a significant difference between proximal, medial, and lateral portions (p < 0.005). According to our results, there is a clear effect of portions (proximal, mid and distal) within the ligament and movements. Abduction shows the lowest strains longitudinally but the largest strains transversally. Although we do not know the impact of this phenomenon, future studies should assess the strains following hip arthroscopies. The latter might improve the impact of this procedure on hip biomechanics. Lastly, the iliofemoral ligament should be assessed using a segmental approach rather than as a complete unit.

Editorial Commentary: Interportal Capsulotomy for Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Borderline Hip Dysplasia May Result in Inferior Outcomes: Periportal Capsulotomy May Reduce Hip Capsular Damage

Management of the hip capsule remains an ongoing discussion in the field of hip arthroscopy. Interportal and T-capsulotomies remain the most common approaches to gain access to the hip during surgery, and biomechanical and clinical research supports repair of these types of capsulotomies. Less is known, however, about the quality of the tissue that heals at these repair sites during the postoperative period, particularly in the setting of patients with borderline hip dysplasia. The capsular tissue provides important joint stability to these patients, and disruption to the capsule can result in significant functional impairments. There is also an association between borderline hip dysplasia and joint hypermobility, which increases the risk of insufficient healing after capsular repair. Patients with borderline hip dysplasia show poor capsular healing after arthroscopy followed by interportal hip capsule repair, and incomplete healing results in inferior patient-reported outcomes. Periportal capsulotomy may limit capsular violation and improve outcomes.

Treatment of Hip Microinstability with Arthroscopic Capsular Plication: A Retrospective Case Series

Purpose

Hip microinstability is defined as hip pain with a snapping and/or blocking sensation accompanied by fine anatomical anomalies. Arthroscopic capsular plication has been proposed as a treatment modality for patients without major anatomic anomalies and after failure of properly administered conservative treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of this procedure and to evaluate potential predictors of poor outcome.

Materials and Methods

A review of 26 capsular plications in 25 patients was conducted. The mean postoperative follow-up period for the remaining patients was 29 months. Analysis of data included demographic, radiological, and interventional data. Calculation of pre- and postoperative WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis) index was performed. Pre- and postoperative sports activities and satisfaction were also documented. A P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

No major complications were identified in this series. The mean pre- and postoperative WOMAC scores were 62.6 and 24.2, respectively. The WOMAC index showed statistically significant postoperative improvement (P=0.0009). The mean satisfaction rate was 7.7/10. Four patients with persistent pain underwent a periacetabular osteotomy. A lateral center edge angle ≤21° was detected in all hips at presentation. We were not able to demonstrate any difference in postoperative evolution with regard to the presence of hip dysplasia (P>0.05), probably because the sample size was too small.

Conclusion

Capsular plication can result in significant clinical and functional improvement in carefully selected cases of hip microinstability.

Puncture Capsulotomy Technique for Hip Arthroscopy: Midterm Functional Outcomes

Background

The most common surgical approaches in hip arthroscopy are interportal and T-capsulotomy. However, these methods may introduce capsular instability. Puncture capsulotomy preserves capsuloligamentous integrity by avoiding iatrogenic transection of the iliofemoral capsular ligament.

Purpose

To present minimum 2-year functional outcomes for patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for acetabular labral tears and concomitant femoroacetabular impingement using the puncture capsulotomy technique.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on patients who underwent arthroscopic acetabular labral tear treatment between December 2013 and May 2019. Included were patients aged ≥18 years who underwent hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon and completed a minimum of 2 years of patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) surveys. Intraoperatively, patients underwent hip arthroscopy via puncture capsulotomy to treat labral tears and any concomitant femoroacetabular impingement. Clinical outcome data consisted of PROMs.

Results

A total of 163 hips were included; the mean patient follow-up was 30.4 months (range, 24-60 months; 95% CI, 28.5-32.3 months). Patients had a mean age of 37.9 years (range, 36.1-39.6 years), with a mean body mass index of 25.9 (range, 25.2-26.5). There were significant improvements in mean [95% CI] baseline to final follow-up scores for the 33-Item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) (39.6 [36.8-42.4] vs 76.1 [72.7-79.6]), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (70.0 [67.0-73.0] vs 89.3 [87.3-91.3]), modified Harris Hip Score (60.1 [57.9-62.4] vs 84.9 [82.5-87.2]), and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (41.8 [37.9-45.6] vs 75.7 [71.7-79.7]) (P < .001 for all). Additionally, the mean [95% CI] visual analog scale pain scores were noted to significantly improve throughout the duration of the postoperative period (from 6.3 [5.9-6.7] to 2.2 [1.8-2.6]; P < .001). There were no incidences of infection, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, dislocation/instability, or femoral neck fracture. At the 2-year follow-up, 81.0%, 62.0%, and 58.9% of hips achieved previously published clinically meaningful iHOT-33 thresholds for minimally clinically important difference, Patient Acceptable Symptom Score, and substantial clinical benefit, respectively.

Conclusion

Puncture capsulotomy demonstrated significantly improved functional and clinically meaningful outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up, along with a minimal complication rate.

Comparing the effect of cup placement between true and false acetabula in total hip arthroplasty in patients with Crowe type 3 dysplastic hip: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Hip dysplasia is one of the most widespread hip disorders. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the preferred treatment in patients with cup placement choices in true or false acetabulum. The objective of this research was to compare the effectiveness of the two mentioned procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial, in which 46 patients/51 hips with Crowe type 3 dysplastic hip having THA were assigned to two groups: Group 1 - patients who had cup placement in the true acetabulum and Group 2 - patients who underwent cup placement in the false acetabulum. The variables that were evaluated and analyzed included severity of pain using the visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), gait ability, the need for repeated joint replacement, and the Harris Hip Score (HHS).

RESULTS

Forty-six patients/51 hips were included in the present study. The patients who were evaluated included 30 (65.2%) males and 16 (34.8%) females. The mean age in the population under study was 71.0 ± 10.22, and the mean body mass index of participants was 26.34 ± 2.22 kg/m². The basic parameters in the two research groups were similar (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the mean values of VAS and ROM (P > 0.05); however, the mean HHS was significantly higher in the true acetabulum group, 57.90 ± 18.47 versus 48.29 ± 13.80 (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of cup placements both in the true and false acetabula was similar in all of the evaluated variables in terms of clinical outcomes except for HHS which was higher in the true acetabulum group. To further support the results of this research, it is recommended that more research be done on a greater population.

Determining Clinically Meaningful Thresholds for the Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale in Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and maximum outcome improvement (MOI) satisfaction threshold for the Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) have not been established in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

PURPOSE

To determine threshold MCID, PASS, SCB, and MOI satisfaction threshold values for the HOS-SSS in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS at minimum 2-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Anchor questions were administered to recreational, organized amateur, high school, college, and professional athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS between May 2015 and March 2019. Patients were included if they were younger than 50 years, answered the anchor questions, and had preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up for the HOS-SSS, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <18°), and previous ipsilateral hip surgery or conditions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine PASS, SCB, and MOI satisfaction for the HOS-SSS. Two distribution methods were used to calculate MCID for HOS-SSS.

RESULTS

A total of 225 athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy met the inclusion criteria. Of those athletes, 200 (88.9%) who had minimum 2-year follow-up and information regarding return to sport (RTS) were included. The cohort included 124 (62.0%) women and 76 (38.0%) men with a mean ± standard deviation age of 29.4 ± 10.4 years, body mass index of 25.6 ± 5.4, and follow-up of 29.5 ± 5.1 months. Athletes experienced significant improvements in HOS-SSS, mHHS, NAHS, and VAS from preoperative to latest postoperative follow-up (P < .001), and mean satisfaction was 8.2. The RTS rate was 83.7%. ROC analysis determined that the PASS, MOI satisfaction threshold, SCB absolute score, SCB change score, and MCID (baseline/change score methods) for the HOS-SSS were 77.0, 44.6%, 92.7, 30.6, and 10.6, respectively, with athletes achieving thresholds at high rates (80.0%, 80.5%, 45.0%, 54.0%, and 79.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study identified values for the HOS-SSS that can be used to define clinically meaningful outcomes in athletes after primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS. The PASS, MOI satisfaction threshold, SCB absolute score, SCB change score, and MCID for the HOS-SSS at minimum 2-year follow-up in athletes after primary hip arthroscopy were 77.0, 44.6%, 92.7, 30.6, and 10.6, respectively.

The Modified Longitudinal Capsulotomy by Outside-In Approach in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroplasty and Acetabular Labrum Repair-A Cohort Study

Hip arthroscopy is difficult to perform due to the limited arthroscopic view. To solve this problem, the capsulotomy is an important technique. However, the existing capsulotomy approaches were not perfect in the surgical practice. Thus, this study aimed to propose a modified longitudinal capsulotomy by outside-in approach and demonstrate its feasibility and efficacy in arthroscopic femoroplasty and acetabular labrum repair. A retrospective cohort study was performed and twenty-two postoperative patients who underwent hip arthroscopy in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were involved in this study. The patients (14 females and 8 males) had a mean age of 38.26 ± 12.82 years old. All patients were diagnosed cam deformity and labrum tear in the operation and underwent arthroscopic femoroplasty and labrum repair by the modified longitudinal capsulotomy. The mean follow-up time was 10.4 months with a range of 6−12 months. There were no major complications, including infection, neurapraxias, hip instability or revision in any patients. The average mHHS were 74.4 ± 15.2, 78.2 ± 13.7 and 85.7 ± 14.5 in 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, respectively, which were all better than that before surgery (44.9 ± 8.6) (p < 0.05). The average VAS were 2.8 ± 1.2, 1.5 ± 0.6 and 1.2 ± 0.7 in 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, respectively, which were all lower than that before surgery (5.5 ± 2.0) (p < 0.05). The modified longitudinal capsulotomy by outside-in approach is proved to be a safe and feasible method for hip arthroscopy considering to the feasibility, efficacy and security. The arthroscopic femoroplasty and labrum repair can be performed conveniently by this approach and the patient reported outcomes after surgery were better that before surgery in short-term follow-up. This new method is promising and suggested to be widely used clinically.

Arthroscopic Hip Capsular Reconstruction Using Iliotibial Band Allograft as a Salvage Option for Unrepairable Capsular Defects Demonstrates Good Survivorship and Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes

PURPOSE

To describe patient outcomes 3 to 5 years after arthroscopic hip capsule reconstruction.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and December 2016, patients aged 18 to 50 years who underwent arthroscopic hip capsular reconstruction using an Iliotibial band allograft by the senior author and had minimum of 3-year follow-up were identified. Patients were excluded if they had previous open hip surgery, advanced osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade >2), significant acetabular dysplasia (lateral center edge angle <20°), avascular necrosis, or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Outcome scores including the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living scale, modified Harris Hip Score, HOS-Sports scale, SF-12, and Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were compared in addition to failure rate, revision rate, and patient satisfaction rate with the outcome (range, 1-10). All patients were assessed by the senior author pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the cohort was 32 ± 10 years, with 6 male and 33 female patients. The average number of previous hip arthroscopy surgeries was 2 ± 1. Six patients (15%) converted to total hip arthroplasty at an average of 2.1 years (range 7 months to 6 years) following capsular reconstruction. Four patients required revision hip arthroscopy after the arthroscopic capsular reconstruction. All arthroscopic revisions occurred in female patients with the primary intraoperative finding of capsulolabral adhesions at the time of revision. At mean follow-up of 4.3 years (range 3-6.8 years), the 29 patients who did not require subsequent surgery had significant improvements from preoperatively to postoperatively in HOS-Activities of Daily Living and HOS-Sport with 90% reaching minimal clinically important difference. All other scores showed significant improvement. Survival for patients not requiring total hip arthroplasty was 86% at 3 years, with a mean survival of 5.7 years (95% confidence interval 4.97-6.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic hip capsular reconstruction with iliotibial band allograft is a successful treatment option for patients with symptomatic capsular defects, demonstrating improved patient-reported outcomes maintained at mean follow-up time of 4 years. This technique offers restoration of the anatomic structure and function of the capsular ligaments to improve pain and instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Capsule Closure of Periportal Capsulotomy for Hip Arthroscopy

Multiple approaches for management of the hip capsule during hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome have been reported. Capsular closure is advocated in the setting of larger capsulotomies, including interportal and T-capsulotomies, to reduce the risk of iatrogenic instability or microinstability of the hip. The periportal capsulotomy technique has been described for conservative management of the capsule that would not necessitate closure. However, hip arthroscopy for patients with ligamentous laxity or joint hypermobility may warrant capsule closure or plication even with use of conservative capsulotomy techniques. We introduce a technique for closure of periportal capsulotomy as a means to repair or plicate the hip capsule in the at-risk hypermobile patient.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Mild/Borderline Hip Dysplasia with Concomitant Femoroacetabular Impingement-Literature Review

Purpose of Review

This literature review aims to survey the current knowledge about the management FAI in the setting of borderline hip dysplasia.

Recent Findings

With better understanding, hip arthroscopy has recently been advocated for treating mild or borderline hip dysplasia (BDH) with concomitant femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) despite early studies that condemned its use. Recent outcome data have demonstrated that hip arthroscopy is a viable option in BDH, with and without FAI, and has been gaining wider acceptance. Hip arthroscopy can address the concomitant soft tissue and bony intra-articular pathologies and obviate the necessity for other surgeries. Moreover, hip arthroscopy may be used as an adjuvant treatment to other procedures such as a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

Summary

Hip arthroscopy for BDH is an evolving procedure with promising short- and mid-term outcomes. The combination of BDH and FAI is becoming recognized as a problem in its own right, requiring dedicated treatment.

The Pull String Method: Optimizing Visualization for Arthroscopic Femoroplasty

Capsular management during hip arthroscopy represents an important component to access, visualization, and restoration of hip stability. In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement, the peripheral compartment represents access to the femoral neck where abnormal morphology is commonly addressed with arthroscopic femoroplasty. While various techniques have been described for peripheral compartment visualization, difficulty can arise in creating a wide display of the femoral neck while minimizing subsequent impairment of the capsule. In order to obtain an unobstructed view of the femoral neck, the hip capsule must be managed skillfully. The use of hip flexion to relax the capsule for visualization of the peripheral compartment is a nearly universal practice for hip surgeons. However, differences in management of the capsule have previously included traction sutures and further capsulotomies. In this technical note, we describe our Pull String method for peripheral compartment access using an interportal capsulotomy with strategic traction suture placement and choreography of suture tensioning. This enables full view of the femoral neck for successful femoroplasty, while still allowing for complete capsule repair to help restore stability.

Outcomes and Return-to-Sport Rates for Elite Athletes With Femoral Retroversion Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background:

Return to sports (RTS) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for elite athletes with femoral version abnormalities undergoing hip arthroscopy have not been well established.

Purposes:

To (1) report minimum 2-year PROs and RTS rates in elite athletes with femoral retroversion who underwent primary hip arthroscopy and (2) compare clinical results to those of a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes with normal femoral version who underwent primary hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for elite (professional and collegiate) athletes with femoral version <5°, as measured on magnetic resonance imaging scans, who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between March 2010 and April 2018. Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up PROs for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia, and previous ipsilateral hip surgery or conditions. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recorded in addition to RTS. Athletes with retroversion were propensity matched in a 1:2 ratio to elite athletes with normal femoral version (5°-20°) for comparison.

Results:

A total of 33 elite athletes (33 hips) with femoral retroversion who underwent hip arthroscopy met the inclusion criteria, and follow-up was available for 30 hips in 30 athletes (90.9%) at an average of 36.1 ± 25.6 months. Elite athletes with femoral retroversion demonstrated significant improvements in all recorded PROs, achieved the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS at high rates (86.7%), and returned to sports at a rate of 83.3%. PROs, rates of achieving MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS, and RTS rates were similar between the study and propensity-matched control group.

Conclusion:

Elite athletes with femoral retroversion undergoing primary hip arthroscopy demonstrated favorable PROs and high RTS rates at a minimum 2-year follow-up. These results were comparable with those of a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes with normal femoral version.

Routine Capsular Closure With Hip Arthroscopic Surgery Results in Superior Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In hip arthroscopic surgery, capsulotomy is performed to improve visualization and allow instrumentation of the joint. Traditionally, the defect has been left unrepaired; however, increasing evidence suggests that this may contribute to persistent pain and iatrogenic capsular instability. Nevertheless, the clinical benefit of performing routine capsular repair remains controversial.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of routine capsular closure on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), hypothesizing that superior PROs would be observed with routine capsular closure.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The terms "hip,""arthroscopy,""capsule,""capsular,""repair," and "closure" were used to query Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), SPORTDiscus, and PubMed. Articles with PROs stratified by capsular management were included. Multivariate mixed-effects metaregression models were implemented with study-level random-effects and fixed-effects moderators for capsular closure versus no repair and after controlling for surgical indication and preoperative PROs. The effect of repair on both the postoperative score and the change in scores was evaluated via the Harris Hip Score (HHS)/modified HHS (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and HOS-Sport Specific Subscale (SSS), with a supplemental analysis of additional outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 432 initial articles, 36 were eligible for analysis, with results for 5132 hip arthroscopic procedures. The capsule was repaired in 3427 arthroscopic procedures and unrepaired in 1705. Capsular repair was associated with significantly higher postoperative HHS/mHHS (2.011; SE, 0.743 [95% CI, 0.554-3.467]; P = .007), HOS-ADL (3.635; SE, 0.873 [95% CI, 1.923-5.346]; P < .001), and HOS-SSS (4.137; SE, 1.205 [95% CI, 1.775-6.499]; P < .001) scores as well as significantly superior improvement on the HHS/mHHS (2.571; SE, 0.878 [95% CI, 0.849-4.292]; P = .003), HOS-ADL (3.315; SE, 1.131 [95% CI, 1.099-5.531]; P = .003), and HOS-SSS (3.605; SE, 1.689 [95% CI, 0.295-6.915]; P = .033).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis is the largest to date evaluating the effect of capsular closure on PROs and demonstrates significantly higher mean postoperative scores and significantly superior improvement with repair, while controlling for the effects of preoperative score and surgical indication. The true magnitude of the benefit of capsular repair may be clarified by large prospective randomized studies using PRO measures specifically targeted and validated for hip arthroscopic surgery/preservation.

Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Midterm Outcomes After Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Propensity-Matched Controlled Study With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

Background:

There is limited literature evaluating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in cigarette smokers undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) at midterm follow-up.

Purpose:

(1) To report minimum 5-year PROs for cigarette-smoking patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS and (2) to compare these results with a propensity-matched control group of never-smoking patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were collected for all patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS between June 2009 and March 2016. Patients were eligible if they indicated that they smoked cigarettes within 1 month of surgery and had minimum 5-year postoperative outcomes for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and International Hip Outcome Tool–12 (iHOT-12). The percentages of patients achieving the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recorded. The study group was then propensity matched in a 1:2 ratio to patients who had never smoked for comparison.

Results:

Included were 35 patients (35 hips) with a mean age of 39.4 ± 13.0 years and mean follow-up of 64.6 ± 4.1 months. These patients demonstrated significant improvement from preoperatively to a minimum 5-year follow-up for all recorded PROs (P < .05). When compared with 70 control patients (70 hips), smoking patients demonstrated significantly worse preoperative scores for all PROs (P < .05). Study patients also demonstrated worse minimum 5-year scores for all recorded PROs compared with control patients, which did not reach statistical significance but trended toward significance for HOS-SSS (70.4 vs 81.9; P = .076) and iHOT-12 (74.7 vs 82.2; P = .122). Smoking patients also trended toward lower rates of achieving PASS for the iHOT-12 compared with never-smoking patients (50.0% vs 68.2%; P = .120).

Conclusion:

Patients who smoked cigarettes and underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS demonstrated significant improvement in PROs at a minimum 5-year follow-up. When compared with a propensity-matched control group of never-smokers, they trended toward lower postoperative HOS-SSS and iHOT-12 scores and lower rates of achieving PASS on the iHOT-12.

Pre- and intraoperative decision-making challenges in hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement

There has been a marked increase in the number of hip arthroscopies performed over the past 16 years, primarily in the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Insights into the pathoanatomy of FAI, and high-level evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopy in the management of FAI, have fuelled this trend. Arthroscopic management of labral tears with repair may have superior results compared with debridement, and there is now emerging evidence to support reconstructive options where repair is not possible. In situations where an interportal capsulotomy is performed to facilitate access, data now support closure of the capsule in selective cases where there is an increased risk of postoperative instability. Preoperative planning is an integral component of bony corrective surgery in FAI, and this has evolved to include computer-planned resection. However, the benefit of this remains controversial. Hip instability is now widely accepted, and diagnostic criteria and treatment are becoming increasingly refined. Instability can also be present with FAI or develop as a result of FAI treatment. In this annotation, we outline major current controversies relating to decision-making in hip arthroscopy for FAI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):532-540.

Handle With Care: The Anterior Hip Capsule Plays a Key Role in Daily Hip Performance

Background:

Passive energy storage and return has long been recognized as one of the central mechanisms for minimizing the energy cost needed for terrestrial locomotion. Although the iliofemoral ligament (IFL) is the strongest ligament in the body, its potential role in energy-efficient walking remains unexplored.

Purpose:

To identify the contribution of the IFL to the amount of work performed by the hip muscles for normal, straight-level walking.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Straight-level walking of 50 healthy and injury-free adults was simulated using the AnyBody Modeling System. For each participant, the bone morphology and soft tissue properties were nonuniformly scaled. The superior and inferior parts of the IFL were represented by 2 springs each, and a linear force-strain relation was defined. A parameter study was conducted to account for the uncertainty surrounding the mechanical properties of the IFL. The work required from the gluteus, quadriceps, iliopsoas, and sartorius with and without inclusion of the IFL was calculated. Analysis of variance with subsequent post hoc paired t test was used to test the significance of IFL presence on the required mechanical work.

Results:

During walking, the strain in the IFL reached a median of 18.7% (95% CI, 8.0%-26.5%), with the largest values obtained at toe-off. With the IFL undamaged and fully operational, the effort required by the hip flexor muscles was reduced by a median of 54% (99% CI, 45%-62%) for the iliopsoas and by a median of 41% (99% CI, 27%-54%) for the sartorius muscles. The inclusion of the IFL did not significantly alter the work required by the gluteus and the quadriceps.

Conclusion:

The findings emphasized the key role the IFL plays in hip flexion by working synergistically with the hip musculature.

Clinical Relevance:

The importance of the contribution of the IFL to the hip flexors warrants careful handling and repair of these ligaments in cases of surgery and structural damage.

The Iliofemoral Bounce Test: Identifying Hip Capsular Insufficiency

Background

Insufficiency of hip capsular structures has recently gained recognition as a cause of pre-arthritic hip pain, leading to hip joint instability and progressive chondrolabral injury. An accurate evaluation of capsular integrity can help orthopedic surgeons plan capsular management prior to hip arthroscopy.

Indications

The proposed iliofemoral bounce test is meant to be applied preoperatively for identification of hip capsular integrity when microinstability is suspected or in the setting of revision hip arthroscopy.

Technique Description

After induction of general anesthesia and complete muscle relaxation, the patient is placed in a supine figure-four position by placing the foot of the pathologic hip on the contralateral knee. Two examination techniques are performed: (1) The examiner places one hand on the patient's contralateral anterior superior iliac spine and applies consecutive downward pressure in a "rocking" manner to the pelvis; (2) the examiner applies a preload and release force to the flexed knee (examined hip), with the contralateral pelvis stabilized, and observes the response of the knee to this loads.

Results

Technique 1: The expected physiologic response in a preserved joint is a "bounce" of the contralateral hip (examined hip), evidenced by an up-and-down movement of the knee in response to the rocking movement applied. This movement reflects the integrity and functionality of the hip capsule ligaments' elastic recoil forces, allowing the hip to remain in a stable state in response to destabilizing forces. In contrast, when capsular insufficiency is present, a lack of bouncing will be observed due to unrestricted external rotation of the hip to constrain the hip joint. Technique 2: In a preserved joint capsule, the knee will return to its preload position, while in capsular insufficiency, no bouncing of the knee will be observed.

Discussion/Conclusion

The iliofemoral bounce test is a novel, dynamic, and reproducible examination technique for clinicians to evaluate patient's true hip capsular integrity and for preoperative identification of the proper capsular management, either with a less invasive capsulotomy or performing a capsular closure, plication or even reconstruction, when necessary.

Changes in Hip Capsule Morphology after Arthroscopic Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome with Periportal Capsulotomy are Correlated With Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes

PURPOSE

To assess the correlation between changes in hip capsule morphology with improvements in patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores after arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) using the periportal capsulotomy technique.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with cam morphology FAIS (without arthritis, dysplasia, or hypermobility) were prospectively enrolled before arthroscopic labral repair and femoroplasty through periportal capsulotomy (anterolateral/midanterior portals) without closure. Patients completed the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (HOOS) and had nonarthrographic 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the affected hip before and 1 year after surgery. Anterior capsule thickness, posterior capsule thickness, anterior-posterior capsule thickness ratio, and proximal-distal anterior capsule thickness ratio were measured on axial-oblique MRI sequences. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the association between hip capsule morphology and PRO scores.

RESULTS

Postoperative imaging showed that for all 28 patients (12 female), labral repairs and capsulotomies had healed within 1 year of surgery. Analysis revealed postoperative decreases in anterior hip capsule thickness (1395.4 ± 508.4 mm³ vs 1758.4 ± 487.9 mm³; P = .003) and anterior-posterior capsule thickness ratio (0.92 ± 0.33 vs 1.12 ± 0.38; P = .02). Higher preoperative anterior-posterior capsule thickness ratio correlated with lower preoperative scores for HOOS pain (R = -0.43; P = .02), activities of daily living (ADL) (R = -0.43; P = .02), and sport (R = -0.38; P = .04). Greater decrease from preoperative to postoperative anterior-posterior capsule thickness ratio correlated with greater improvement for HOOS pain (R = -0.40; P = .04), ADL (R = -0.45; P = .02), and sport (R = -0.46; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Periportal capsulotomy without closure demonstrates capsule healing by 1 year after arthroscopic FAIS treatment. Changes in hip capsule morphology including decreased anterior-posterior capsule thickness ratio after surgery may be correlated with improvements in patient pain, function, and ability to return to sports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective cohort study.

The Biomechanical Consequences of Arthroscopic Hip Capsulotomy and Repair in Positions at Risk for Dislocation

Background:

The effect of interportal (IP) capsulotomy, short T-capsulotomy, and long T-capsulotomy, and their repairs, on resistance to anterior and posterior “at risk for dislocation” positions has not been quantified.

Hypotheses:

Our primary hypothesis was that an IP capsulotomy would have a minimal effect on hip resistive torque compared with both short and long T-capsulotomies in the at-risk dislocation positions. Our secondary hypothesis was that capsule repair would significantly increase hip resistive torque for all capsulotomies.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

We mounted 10 cadaveric hips on a biaxial test frame in an anterior dislocation high-risk position (20° of hip extension and external rotation) and posterior dislocation high-risk position (90° of hip flexion and internal rotation). An axial force of 100 N was applied to the intact hip while the femur was internally or externally rotated at 15° per second to a torque of 5 N·m. The rotatory position at 5 N·m was recorded and set as a target for each subsequent condition. Hips were then sequentially tested with IP, short T-, and long T-capsulotomies and with corresponding repairs randomized within each condition. Peak resistive torques were compared using generalized estimating equation modeling and post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted tests.

Results:

For the anterior position, the IP and long T-capsulotomies demonstrated significantly lower resistive torques compared with intact. For the posterior position, both the short and long T-capsulotomies resulted in significantly lower resistive torques compared with intact. Repairs for all 3 capsulotomy types were not significantly different from the intact condition at anterior and posterior positions.

Conclusion:

An IP incision resulted in a decrease in capsular resistive torque in the anterior but not the posterior at-risk dislocation position, in which direction only T-capsulotomies led to a significant decrease. All capsulotomy repair conditions resulted in hip resistive torques that were similar to the intact hip in both dislocation positions.

Clinical Relevance

Our results suggest that it is biomechanically advantageous to repair IP, short T-, and long T-capsulotomies, particularly for at-risk anterior dislocation positions.

Return to Sports and Minimum 2-Year Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Elite Athletes With and Without Coexisting Low Back Pain: A Propensity-Matched Comparison

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and return to sports (RTS) after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) have not been established in elite athletes with coexisting low back pain (LBP).

PURPOSE

(1) To report minimum 2-year PROs and RTS rates after primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS in elite athletes with coexisting LBP and (2) to compare clinical results with a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes without back pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were reviewed for elite athletes (college and professional) who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS and had coexisting LBP between October 2009 and October 2018. Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <18°), and previous ipsilateral hip or spine surgery or conditions. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically importance difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recorded in addition to RTS. For the subanalysis, the elite athlete study group was propensity matched to an elite athlete control group without back pain.

RESULTS

A total of 48 elite athletes with LBP who underwent primary hip arthroscopy met inclusion criteria, and follow-up was available for 42 (87.5%) at 53.2 ± 31.6 months (mean ± SD). Elite athletes with coexisting LBP demonstrated significant improvements in all recorded PROs and achieved the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS at rates of 82.5% and 67.5%, respectively. They also returned to sports at a high rate (75.8%), and 79% of them did not report LBP postoperatively. PROs, rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS, and RTS rates were similar between the study group and propensity-matched control group.

CONCLUSION

Elite athletes with coexisting LBP who undergo primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS may expect favorable PROs, rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS, and RTS rates at minimum 2-year follow-up. These results were comparable to those of a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes without back pain. In athletes with hip-spine syndrome, successful treatment of their hip pathology may help resolve their back pain.

Hip Capsular Deficiency-A Cause of Post-Surgical Instability in the Revision Setting Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To characterize current concepts in capsular repair and hip instability, and examine findings from biomechanical and clinical studies on hip capsular management strategies as they pertain to hip stability, patient outcomes, and hip arthroscopy failure. Further, we discuss the clinical evaluation and treatment of capsular deficiency.

RECENT FINDINGS

There remains debate regarding the optimal capsular management strategies in hip arthroscopy, particularly concerning the necessity of routine capsular repair. A variety of capsulotomy techniques exist and may be used to access the hip joint. Additionally, a wide variety of techniques are employed to repair the hip capsule. Biomechanical evidence supports capsular closure restores hip joint stability to that of the intact, native state. Several clinical studies in both primary and revision hip arthroscopy settings have demonstrated improved pain and functional outcomes in patients who underwent capsular repair or capsular reconstruction. Studies have shown capsular repair may be especially important in patients with ligamentous laxity and hip dysplasia, and in competitive athletes. Post-surgical hip instability secondary to capsular insufficiency is increasingly recognized as a cause of hip arthroscopy failure. Capsular closure restores native biomechanical stability to the hip joint, and several clinical studies report improved pain and functional outcomes following capsular repair or capsular reconstruction in both the primary and revision hip arthroscopy settings. There remains much to learn regarding capsular hip instability as it relates to optimal capsular management surgical technique, intra-operative capsular management decision-making, clinical diagnosis, and related advanced imaging findings.

Return to Sports and Minimum 2-Year Outcomes of Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in High-Level Athletes With a Propensity-Matched Benchmarking Against a Unilateral Control Group

BACKGROUND

Return to sports (RTS) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for high-level athletes after bilateral hip arthroscopy have not been well established.

PURPOSE

(1) To report minimum 2-year PROs and RTS rates in high-level athletes who underwent staged bilateral primary hip arthroscopies and (2) to compare clinical results against a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes who underwent unilateral primary hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for high-level athletes (professional, college, or high school) who underwent staged bilateral hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between September 2009 and October 2018. Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up for modified Harris Hip Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <18°), and previous ipsilateral hip surgery/conditions. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recorded in addition to RTS. These athletes were then propensity matched in a 1:3 ratio to high-level athletes who underwent unilateral arthroscopy for comparison. Outcomes were compared among the first hip of the study group, the second hip of the study group, and the control group.

RESULTS

A total of 74 high-level athletes who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy met the inclusion criteria, and follow-up was available for 68 (91.9%) at 58.9 ± 24.5 months (mean ± SD). Athletes undergoing bilateral hip arthroscopy returned to sports at a high rate (81.7%), demonstrated significant improvements in all recorded PROs, and achieved the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS at rates of 80.9% and 64.7%, respectively. PROs, RTS rate, and rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS were similar when the bilateral study group was compared with the unilateral control group (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

High-level athletes who undergo staged bilateral primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome may expect favorable PROs and RTS rates at minimum 2-year follow-up. These results were comparable with those of a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes who underwent unilateral primary hip arthroscopy.

Pie-Crusting Capsulotomy Provides Similar Visualization With Increased Repair Stiffness Compared With a T-Capsulotomy: A Biomechanical Study

PURPOSE

To compare the area of visualization, capsular stiffness, and strength between the pie-crusting capsulotomy technique and the T-capsulotomy technique following repair.

METHODS

Eight matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric hips (n = 16) were divided to either T-capsulotomy or pie-crusting capsulotomy followed by subsequent repair. The area of visualization was measured for all capsulotomy states using a digitizing probe. Hips were then distracted along the iliofemoral ligament in the intact, extended capsulotomy, and repair states. Afterwards, specimens were externally rotated to failure.

RESULTS

An average force of 250.1 ± 16.1 N was required to distract intact hips to 6 mm. Both extended capsulotomy techniques reduced the force required to distract the hip 6 mm with no statistical difference between the two (T-capsulotomy [T-cap] = 114.3 ± 63.4 N vs pie-capsulotomy [Pie-cap] = 170.1 ± 38.8 N), P = .07. Subsequent repair of the extended capsulotomies demonstrated the pie-crust capsulotomy required significantly greater force to reach 6 mm of distraction than those with a repaired T-capsulotomy (T-cap = 165.04 ± 40.43N vs Pie-cap = 204.43 ± 10.13N), P = .03. There was no significant difference in ultimate torque to failure between the 2 techniques (T-cap = 22.0 ± 7.41 N·m vs Pie-cap = 27.01 ± 11.13 N·m), P = .28. Visualization significantly increased with each extended capsulotomy, with an average increase of 62% (P < .001) and 48% (P < .001) for the pie- and T-capsulotomies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The pie-crusting technique maintained similar strength and increased stiffness to the T-capsulotomy following repair while using less suture. Both techniques provided similar visualization. Clinically, the pie-crusting technique provides an alternative to the T-capsulotomy with similar biomechanical and visual outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Visualization during hip arthroscopy can be difficult with large cam morphology. Techniques to improve visualization while restoring the native biomechanics of the hip as best as possible are important.

Is there enough evidence to support hip capsular reconstruction? A systematic review of biomechanical studies

The aim of this study was to review and summarize the available biomechanical data on hip capsular reconstruction to guide clinical decision-making. A literature search was completed in December 2020 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify biomechanical cadaver studies on hip capsular reconstruction, hip capsulectomy or hip capsular defect. The investigated parameters included maximum distraction force, capsular state affecting range of motion (ROM), rotation and translation. Four studies met al. the inclusion–exclusion criteria. The median effective force for resisting maximum distraction for the reconstruction state, capsular defect state and the intact state was 171, 111 and 206 N, respectively. The defect capsule force was significantly lower (P = 0.00438) than the intact capsule force. The reconstruction state had a higher distraction force than that of the capsular defect, but due to heterogeneity, the overall effect size was not statistically significant. The capsular reconstruction state reduced excess motion and the degree of instability compared to the capsular defect state but restored the hip close to its native capsular state in the cadaveric model. When compared to capsulectomy/defect state, hip capsular reconstruction significantly improved the rotational stability and effective force at maximum distraction and minimized translation. However, no conclusions can be made regarding the most effective protocol due to the high heterogeneity between the four studies. Further biomechanical studies are needed to test various types of grafts under the same protocol.

Capsular Healing in Interportal and Periportal Capsulotomy Methods of Hip Arthroscopy

Objective

To evaluate the midterm outcomes and the capsular healing in patients who had interportal capsulotomy versus periportal capsulotomy of hip arthroscopy.

Methods

Retrospectively reviewed 33 patients with labral tear received hip arthroscopy, with an average age of 41 (27‐67) years, including 13 cases of Cam deformity and three cases of Pincer deformity. All patients had positive sign of flexion adduction internal rotation or flexion abduction external rotation. With MRI and radiographic (CT, X plain) imageological examination. MRI showed that all patients had labral tear. Radiographic finding (CT, X plain) showed the pathological changes of acetabular and femoral neck osteophyte. One group with 23 patients were treated with periportal capsulotomy. Another group with 10 patients were treated with interportal capsulotomy. All patients did not close the capsule. Clinical outcomes were measured with the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS‐ADL) and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), patient satisfaction measured with visual analogue scale (VAS). The healing of the capsule was evaluated by MRI. MRI showed continuous capsular indicated healing, discontinuous capsular indicated unhealing. Postoperatively 6 months, mHHS and HOS‐ADL were obtained. Randomized controlled trials were used in this study for analysis.

Results

All patients were followed up with average time of 9.3 months(3‐29 months). The postoperative symptoms were obviously relieved, the VAS decreased from (4.9 ± 0.6) to (1.2 ± 0.2) after 3 months postoperative. Follow up 6 months post‐operation, patients in the interportal group, the mHHS and HOS‐ADL scores improvement were respectively 69.4 ± 9.3 & 70 ± 8.8 pre‐operation, and 92.5 ± 5.0 & 86.6 ± 5.4 post‐operation (P < 0.05); Patients in the periportal group, the mHHS and HOS‐ADL scores improvement were respectively 69.9 ± 15.8, 68.1 ± 15.0 pre‐operation, and 90.1 ± 9.3 & 86.7 ± 7.9 post‐operation (P < 0.05).The differences were statistically significant. Six months after operation, MRI showed that 23 patients with periportal capsulotomy, the capsule have healed, without other complications. Three of the ten patients with interportal capsulotomy were healed and seven were not.

Conclusion

Interportal and periportal capsulotomy had good outcomes. The technique of periportal capsulotomy had little damage to the joint capsule. Although the capsule did not close, the capsule healed well in postoperative follow‐up. The nonunion rate of the joint capsule was high in the interportal capsulotomy without close the capsule.

Top Ten Pearls for Successful Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Hip arthroscopy is an increasingly popular procedure used to treat femoroacetabular impingement. However, the procedure is technically challenging with a steep learning curve. To prevent complications and to optimize patient outcomes, proper patient positioning, correct portal placement, and adequate capsular closure are necessary. For central compartment procedures, creation of a minimal interportal capsulotomy, placement of traction stitches, adequate rim trimming, and balanced labral repair are recommended. For peripheral compartment procedures, adequate osteochondroplasty should be performed and assessed intraoperatively. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the senior author's top 10 pearls for a successful hip arthroscopy procedure to treat femoroacetabular impingement.

Successful return to sport in patients with symptomatic borderline dysplasia following hip arthroscopy and T-shaped capsular plication

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the return to sport and correlations of patients with symptomatic borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) after hip arthroscopy and T-shaped capsular plication at a minimum follow-up of 24 months.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and T-shaped capsular plication for symptomatic BHD were included in the study. All the patients were evaluated clinically prior to surgery (T0) and at two consecutive follow-ups (T1:15 ± 1.2 months and T2: 53.9 ± 23.2 months) using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, whereas sports activity was assessed by the Hip Outcome Score Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, the Tegner score and the physical component (PCS) of the Short Form-12 (SF-12). Furthermore, the presence of correlations and the possible differences between subgroups were evaluated and analysed.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found for HOS-SSS, VAS, Tegner, UCLA and PCS with the Friedman test for repeated measures through time points (p < 0.0001). Moreover, all the scores reported significant improvement compared to the previous time point (p < 0.0001) except the HOS-SSS between T1 and T2 (n.s.). Body Mass Index (BMI) was negatively correlated with HOS-SSS at T0 (rho = - 0.526 p = 0.006) and T1 (rho = - 0.425; p = 0.034), with Tegner at each follow-up (T0: rho = - 0470 p = 0.017; T1: rho = - 0.450; p = 0.024; T2: rho = - 0.448; p = 0.024), with UCLA at T1 (rho = - 0.396 p = 0.049), with pre-operative PCS (rho = - 0.413 p = 0.0401), and positively correlated with pre-operative VAS (rho = 0.436 p = 0.0291).

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy and T-shaped capsular plication in young patients with symptomatic BHD demonstrates a significant increase in return to sport and physical activity and low risk of complications. T-shaped capsular plication procedure may be considered in young and active patients for whom non-operative treatment failed and who have a significant limitation in sports activity; in these patterns of patients, the ideal treatment should reliably allow fast recovery in combination with very low invasiveness which will prevent osteoarthritis. The results of this study provide more accurate information regarding return to sport in patients with BHD after hip arthroscopy and T-shaped capsular plication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Arthroscopic Triple Reconstruction in the Hip Joint: Restoration of Soft-Tissue Stabilizers in Revision Surgery for Gross Instability

Gross hip instability in an active adult with previous normal hip anatomy is usually due to disruption of the static stabilizers of the hip joint. Although such a disruption can result from a high-grade injury, it can be iatrogenic after previous hip arthroscopy. The patient may present with a painful limp and recurrent subluxation sensation in the affected hip joint. Revision hip arthroscopy in this scenario is generally complicated, and it is not uncommon for all the soft-tissue stabilizers to be compromised. The labrum, ligamentum teres (LT), and capsule of the hip joint are often so damaged that reparation is not an option. Reconstruction of the torn LT is an established method to add secondary stability while addressing the labral pathology in the hip joint with microinstability. Concomitant reconstruction of all the static restraints has yet to be described addressing triple instability. This Technical Note presents a stepwise approach, including tips and pearls, for arthroscopic triple reconstruction of the labrum, LT, and capsule. We believe this method is a safe and reproducible way to effectively treat gross hip instability in young patients.

Capsular Management Techniques and Hip Arthroscopy

There has been an increased emphasis on capsular management during hip arthroscopy in the literature in recent years. The capsule plays a significant role in the hip joint stability and studies have demonstrated that capsular closure can restore the biomechanics of the hip back to the native state. Capsular management also affects functional outcomes with capsular repair resulting in better clinical outcomes in some studies. Management of the capsule has evolved in recent years with more surgeons performing routine capsular closure. Management techniques and degree of capsular closure, however, can be quite variable between surgeons. This review will discuss hip capsular anatomy, the importance of the capsule in hip biomechanics, management of the capsule during arthroscopy, and functional outcomes as it relates to the various capsular closure techniques versus leaving the capsulotomy unrepaired.

A Systematic Approach to Arthroscopic Femoroplasty With Conservative Management of the Hip Capsule

As hip arthroscopy has become increasingly used to treat femoroacetabular impingement, the importance of a complete femoroplasty to properly address cam impingement has been demonstrated. In doing so, different capsulotomy techniques have been described for gaining access to the hip joint as well as the peripheral compartment for cam resection. The periportal capsulotomy technique allows joint access while preserving the structural integrity of the iliofemoral ligament, obviating the need for capsular closure. We present a systematic approach and surgical technique for performing a complete arthroscopic femoroplasty while maintaining conservative hip capsule management through a periportal capsulotomy.

Correlation of hip capsule morphology with patient symptoms from femoroacetabular impingement

The relationship between morphological characteristics of the hip capsule and patient symptoms in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is undefined. In this study, patients with symptomatic FAI prospectively underwent 3T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the affected hip and completed the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) to determine the correlation between hip capsule anatomy and patient symptoms. Anterior hip capsule volume, posterior capsule volume, anterior-posterior capsule volume ratio, and proximal-distal volume ratio in the anterior capsule were quantified and measured using axial-oblique intermediate-weighted 3D fast spin echo MR images. A total of 35 patients (35 hips) were included for analysis (mean age: 30.6 years; mean body mass index [BMI]: 24.9 kg/m² ; 57% male). The mean alpha angle was 62.2° ± 4.7°, the mean anterior hip capsule volume was 1705.1 ± 450.3 mm³ , the mean posterior hip capsule volume was 1284.8 ± 268.5 mm³ , the mean anterior to posterior capsule volume ratio was 1.1 ± 0.39, and the mean proximal to distal volume ratio of the anterior capsule was 0.65 ± 0.28. There was no correlation between age, gender, or BMI, and any hip capsule characteristics. Worse scores on the HOOS pain scale were correlated with increased anterior to posterior volume ratio (r = -.38; 95% confidence interval: -0.06 to -0.63). In conclusion, hip capsule morphology correlates with patient symptoms in the setting of FAI as increased anterior capsular volume, relative to posterior capsular volume, is associated with greater patient pain.

Arthroscopic Capsular Management of the Hip: A Comparison of Indications for and Clinical Outcomes of Periportal Versus Interportal Capsulotomy

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes of periportal capsulotomy versus interportal capsulotomy with closure using a standard clinical algorithm at a minimum of 2 years after hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients treated from July 2015 to October 2017 was conducted to determine the effects of 2 capsular management approaches on clinical outcomes. When patient pathology limited adequate exposure via periportal capsulotomy, an interportal capsulotomy was performed. The capsular management approaches were correlated with the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 2 years: Hip Outcome Score (HOS), 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool, visual analog scale for pain, and patient satisfaction. Preoperative comparisons between the 2 groups were analyzed using t tests or the Fisher exact test, depending on the category of data. Two-tailed independent t tests were performed to evaluate whether preoperative and follow-up outcome scores were significantly different between patients treated with a periportal capsulotomy and those treated with an interportal capsulotomy.

RESULTS

Overall, patients in both groups experienced significant improvements in all PROs on postoperative comparisons at 2-year follow-up (P < .001). The mean changes in the PROs were as follows: HOS-Activities of Daily Living, 24.7 in the periportal group and 23.5 in the interportal group (P = .484); HOS-Sport-Specific Subscale, 30.2 and 31.3, respectively (P = .895); 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool score, 41.9 and 40.2, respectively (P = .564); and visual analog scale pain score, -40.9 mm and -34.5 mm, respectively (P = .791). Additionally, no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction at 2-year follow-up was found between patients who underwent interportal capsulotomy and those who underwent periportal capsulotomy (P = .604).

CONCLUSIONS

At 2-year follow-up, patients who underwent a periportal capsulotomy reported statistically and clinically significant improvements in PROs and satisfaction with the surgical intervention. This study confirms that the use of a simple clinical algorithm for selection of periportal capsulotomy or interportal capsulotomy with closure results in acceptable management decisions as defined by 2-year PROs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Editorial Commentary: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Management of the Hip Capsule During Arthroscopy: Has It Become Personal?

The management of the capsule during hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome has been in the spotlight during the last decade. Although there is robust biomechanical evidence that preserving the anatomic integrity of the iliofemoral ligament is important for the stability of the hip joint, the effect of capsular management on patient outcomes is often debated in clinical studies. Mid-term and long-term follow-up studies have shown that capsular closure is associated with decreased risk of hip arthroscopy failure, but no difference in patient outcomes based on capsular management has been found by some case series studies. What is driving the controversy in the literature? It seems to stem from the variation in surgical techniques used to perform hip capsulotomy or capsular repair, worldwide. Given that improvement in patient outcomes must be prioritized, it is time to use the existing knowledge appropriately to establish evidence-based guidelines for the management of hip capsule during hip arthroscopy.

Capsular management in the arthroscopic treatment of the femoro-acetabular impingement in athletes: our experience

Background and aim of the work:

In the last decade, thanks to the improvement of the surgical techniques, arthroscopic treatment of hip diseases has significantly spread and evolved and currently it represents the gold standard for the treatment of femoral-acetabular impingement. In the recent years, the function of the joint capsule (and therefore the results of an arthroscopic capsulotomy) has been better understood, opening a heated debate. The Literature is still torn about a proper capsular management and the need for a capsular suture, but latest studies are more oriented to its execution at the end of the surgical procedure. According to these recent studies, the joint capsule performs an essential function on primary stability, so a conservative capsulotomy and its final closure are therefore reccomended to restore the native anatomy and physiology. Although capsular management remains a controversial topic, in recent years we have developed a new conservative capsulotomy technique associated with a final capsular suture. The aim of the present retrospective study is to assess the influence of different capsulotomy techniques and a possible capsular suture role on the patient’s functional outcome in a cohort of patients with femoral-acetabular impingement arthroscopically treated.

Hypothesis:

Our hypothesis is that a conservative “longitudinal” capsulotomy with a proper capsular suture positively influences the patient’s functional outcome in athletes.

Methods:

36 patients (competitive athletes) treated with hip arthroscopy for femoral-acetabular impingement have been retrospectively enrolled at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Academic Hospital of Udine during a period of two years (2016-2018); collected data have been analyzed and compared with a retrospective model. Patients have been divided into three equivalent groups, 12 without a suitable capsular management (T-Capsulotomy technique), 12 performing a Longitudinal Capsulotomy but without a final suture and 12 treated with a conservative Longitudinal Capsulotomy and a capsular suture. Patient’s post-operative functional outcome has been analysed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport Scale (HOS-SS). Return to sport.

Results:

In our series there was no statistically significant difference in functional scores, however longitudinal capsulotomy seems to be associated with a higher percentage of return to sports activity (91,6% vs 75%).

Conclusions:

The new longitudinal shape capsulotomy technique and a capsular suture with a single side-to-side stitch at the end of the procedure in athletes can positively influence the patient’s functional outcome. (www.actabiomedica.it)