Labral Reconstruction

Hip arthroscopic labral reconstruction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a severe symptomatic torn labrum in the hip joint that is so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired using other techniques and/or when a previous labral repair has failed. The goal is to restore natural joint anatomy to regain function and preserve the hip joint. Hip preservation techniques are preferred for young, active patients.

Primary and revision hip arthroscopic labral reconstruction for irreparable labral tears has been shown to reliably provide clinically significant improvements in function, pain, and patient satisfaction. Studies also report high rates of return to sports in athletes and young active patients.

Arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction is a more advanced surgical technique than arthroscopic repair. The procedure involves the removal of all damaged and pain-generating tissues and the creation of a new labrum by grafting tissue from another part of the body, such as the iliotibial band, the hamstring tendon, or cadaveric donor tissue, to replace the damaged and missing labrum. Recent studies report no differences in outcomes between allografts and autografts.

Hip surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kaplan, will review your medical records and ask about previous hip surgery, pain, hip injuries, sports activities, and which activities aggravate your symptoms. Dr. Kaplan will perform an orthopedic physical exam, including testing range of motion, strength, and muscle and nerve function. He will order X-rays and an MRI to evaluate the hip joint. With this information, Dr. Kaplan may recommend arthroscopic hip labrum reconstruction.

When indicated, Dr. Kaplan will determine the best type of graft for your specific case. The most common indication for hip labral reconstruction is a young, active patient with a non-salvageable or deficient labrum who has instability, pain, and labrum dysfunction, often because of repetitive use, trauma, and hip joint malformation.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will gain access to the hip joint and insert an arthroscope and surgical instruments. The torn or damaged labrum is removed. The graft tissue is then inserted into the joint and anchored securely to the bone using sutures and anchors.

After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room and discharged home as an outpatient procedure. Pain medication will be provided to manage any discomfort, and physical therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the hip joint.

The recovery time for hip arthroscopy labral reconstruction is gradual, and the plan is to return the patient to baseline activity levels. Patients will need to use crutches or a walker and wear a brace to support the hip joint during the initial stages of recovery. Physical therapy will be an important part of the recovery process to regain strength and mobility in the hip joint.

One of the advantages of hip arthroscopic labral reconstruction is that it can provide a more stable and durable labral repair than other techniques, particularly for large or complex tears that cannot be repaired. Using graft tissue allows the surgeon to create a new labrum that can provide long-lasting support to the hip joint.