Acetabular microfracture in hip arthroscopy: clinical outcomes with minimum 5-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity in the literature regarding mid-term results of microfracture in hip arthroscopy. We aim to assess 5-year outcomes of patients who underwent acetabular microfracture for full-thickness chondral lesions as a part of hip arthroscopy. METHODS: Between August 2008 and September 2011, data were prospectively gathered for patients undergoing acetabular microfracture during hip arthroscopy with minimum 5-year follow-up. All patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively, with modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score - Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS). International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) and satisfaction were collected postoperatively. Exclusion criteria included previous hip conditions, or preoperative Tönnis grade ≥2. RESULTS: Fifty three hips were eligible for this study. Of these, 43 (81.1%) hips in 42 patients had follow-up. The study group had a male majority (65.1%) and an average age of 44.4 ± 9.5 years. There was statistically significant improvement in all patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and VAS at follow-up. Patient satisfaction was 7.6 ± 2.6. A comparison of 2-year to minimum 5-year follow-up results identified no statistically significant deterioration in PROs, VAS, and patient satisfaction. Survivorship was 72.1% with 12 patients converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA). 4 patients (10.8%) underwent secondary arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In the mid-term, microfracture as a part of hip arthroscopy demonstrated favourable outcomes and 72% survivorship. Careful patient selection is warranted to limit the risk of conversion to THA.