Autograft Hip Reconstruction Appropriate for Athletes

A new study shows that arthroscopic reconstruction using an ipsilateral iliotibial band autograft provides good outcomes in elite athletes.

Researchers at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (Vail, CO, USA) reviewed data to identify elite athletes who underwent a labral reconstruction between 2005 and 2010. In all, there were 21 professional athletes (all male, average age 28.8 years), of whom eight were involved in soccer, five in hockey, four in football, one in basketball, one in baseball, two in skiing, and one in ice skating. The mean preoperative Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) was 62; Hip Outcome Score (HOS) was 77; and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical component score was 42.8. Follow up was available for 17 (82%) of the 21 athletes for an average of 31.2 months.

The researchers found that all patients displayed improved outcome scores, with the mean postoperative MHHS rising to 81; HOS to 86; and SF-12 to 49.4. Following the procedure, 86% returned to elite sports, with 73% successfully returning to prior level of play. The study was presented at the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine's annual meeting, held during July 2012 in Baltimore (MD, USA).

“The proper function of the labrum in the hip is a critical component of mobility for any athlete. When this area gets hurt, repair can be difficult. Our review study highlights that a majority of athletes can return to a solid level of play utilizing the ipsilateral iliotibal band autograft and physical therapy,” conclude lead author Marc Philippon, MD, and colleagues. “While additional research needs to be performed on the technique, we are hopeful that its increased use will allow more athletes the ability to return to the sports they love.”

The hip labrum has many functions, including shock absorption, joint lubrication, pressure distribution, and aiding in stability, with damage to the labrum usually associated with osteoarthritis (OA). The etiology of labral tears includes trauma, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), capsular laxity/hip hypermobility, dysplasia, and degeneration. Typically, treatment begins conservatively with relative rest and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agents.

Related Links:
Steadman Philippon Research Institute