Hip dysplasia is regarded by some as a contraindication to hip arthroscopy. In general the scientific community regards the treatment of hip dysplasia as more futile, aiming at a hip arthroplasty in the long term. A new study has, however, shown similar results for hip arthroscopy when groups of patients with dysplastic and non-dysplastic hips were compared.
The aim of the study was to assess the long-term results of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement in patients with hip dysplasia and to compare them with a control group.
The study looked at patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2009 and October 2013, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The inclusion criteria consisted of patients with evidence of dysplasia (lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) of less than 25 degrees). The control group consisted of patients whose corresponding angle was greater than 30 degrees. The outcomes assessed included survival of the joint, that is to say whether or not a total hip arthroplasty was performed, repeat hip arthroscopy and also the patient-reported hip assessment scores. The results were analysed by statistical methods.
The study included 46 patient cases with dysplasia and 90 cases without dysplasia. There were no statistically significant differences in the general characteristics of the patients. At 10 years after the arthroscopy, 9% of the dysplastic hips and 4% of the control group underwent total hip arthroplasty. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups as regards survival of the hip or repeat arthroscopy. Both groups reported improvements in the hip assessment scores, and there were no differences between them.
The authors concluded that hip arthroscopy for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement is a successful treatment in cases with hip dysplasia. There were low complication rates and comparable results in the patients with dysplasia relative to those without dysplasia. An increased Tonnis angle (lateral centre- edge angle - LCEA) may, however, increase the likelihood of the operation being converted to a total hip arthroplasty.
Source: "Arthroscopy", February 2025