Arthroscopic acetabular labral reconstruction with rectus femoris tendon autograft: Our experiences and early results

Background: The native labrum has been shown to play a critical role in the maintenance of overall health of the cartilage of the hip. Disruption of the labral seal could be detrimental to the overall nutrition of the cartilage, leading to its premature degeneration. Purpose: This study sought to investigate patients undergoing labral reconstruction with indirect head of rectus femoris autograft, to determine the subjective improvement in pain they experienced, the complications and reoperation rates including conversion to Total hip replacement(THR). Method: We retrospectively reviewed all 7 patients who underwent labral reconstruction using indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon autograft between January 2013 to October 2015. We assessed improvement in pain and function, complications, and subsequent surgery. The minimum follow-up was 12 months (average, 15 months; range, 12-18 months). Results: All patients reported subjective improvement in preoperative pain and function. The mean modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) improved significantly from 56 (54-60) preoperatively to 93 (90-97)) at mean latest follow-up. The mean change of mHHS was 36 (30-43) and mean postoperative patient satisfaction score was 9.1. We observed no radiological progression of arthritis as well as no patient had revision procedure including total hip replacement. Conclusion: Acetabular labrum reconstruction for irreparable labral tears in young patients with no significant arthritis, using indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon autograft is a new technique that shows improvement in pain and function post-operatively. Long-term follow-up results with higher quality studies will be necessary to further define the role of labral reconstruction in hip preservation surgery.