Labral disease associated with femoroacetabular impingement: do we need to correct the structural deformity?

In this study, we compared the clinical results of arthroscopic partial labral resection to augmentation of this procedure with limited open osteochondroplasty for the treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. Two consecutive cohorts were evaluated: (a) group I, arthroscopic treatment of labrum and articular cartilage, and (b) group II, hip arthroscopy augmented with limited osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction. Group I (23 hips) and group II (25 hips) patients had no difference in age, labral disease patterns, osteoarthritis grade, or chondromalacia. Mean follow-up was slightly longer in group I. The modified Harris Hip Score showed a trend toward higher values in group II. A 10-point improvement was more common in group II, and fewer group II patients required subsequent surgery. These preliminary data suggest that patients with cam femoroacetabular impingement may have improved clinical outcomes when the impingement deformity is corrected.