An unusual case of chondrolysis of the hip following excision of a torn acetabular labrum.

Chondrolysis of the hip is a rare disorder, characterized by progressive and rapid destruction of articular cartilage from both joint surfaces resulting in secondary joint space narrowing and stiffness. The authors report an unusual case of chondrolysis of the hip following mini open excision of a symptomatic acetabular labral tear. After a symptom-free period of 1 month following the excision of the torn labrum the patient started complaining of progressive hip pain and loss of movements. The rapid deterioration of the clinical functions and concentric reduction of joint space to less than 3 mm, consistent with chondrolysis, in the absence of evidence of any other hip pathology, led to the diagnosis. Intraoperatively extensive degeneration of joint cartilage was observed. Cementless total hip arthroplasty relieved the pain and allowed return to activities. The authors suspect that the use of thermal electrocautery during labral excision may have been responsible for the subsequent chondrolysis. The case is being reported not only for its rarity but also to alert treating surgeons of keeping the possibility if this condition in mind as it can pose a diagnostic dilemma.