Delamination of the acetabular articular cartilage, which is also the first stage of wear of the joint, is not an uncommon finding during hip arthroscopy. It is usually accompanied by a tear or detachment of the labrum in the adjacent area. A recent scientific publication reports the results of arthroscopic fixation of the acetabular cartilage with special pins in cases of delamination and in patients with femoroacetabular impingement.
This was a retrospective study carried out between 2021 and 2022. Patients were studied who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and in whom delamination of the acetabular articular cartilage was diagnosed. The patients underwent refixation of the articular cartilage with special pins and the results were compared with a group of patients in whom a simple debridement was performed. The patients were followed for at least 2 years and the results were recorded.
In total there were 58 patients (29 patients in each group). Both groups showed increased scores on the hip assessment scales, but more patients in the refixation group reported higher scores, while magnetic resonance imaging showed improved appearances, with this group performing better.
The researchers conclude that refixation of the acetabular articular cartilage with special pins in cases of delamination showed significant relief of pain, greater increases in the hip assessment scores and a high rate of improvement in the appearances on magnetic resonance imaging compared with the simple arthroscopic debridement group.
Source: "Arthroscopy", June 2025