Results of labral-level arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies for the treatment of labral impingement

Abstract

Purpose: To document the clinical results of arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies performed at the level of the labrum to treat labral injuries caused by iliopsoas impingement.

Methods: From a review of the database of the senior author (J.S.K.) of 300 hip arthroscopies that were performed between September 2009 and May 2011, 30 patients who had an arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the labrum and at least 2 years' follow-up were identified. In all cases the release was performed to treat a tight psoas tendon that was found at arthroscopy to be impinging on a torn or inflamed labrum. The results of hip arthroscopy in these patients were assessed with Byrd's 100-point modified Harris Hip Score system before arthroscopy and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

Results: The mean age of the 30 patients was 35 years, and their preoperative scores averaged 43 points. After surgery, the patients had 6-month scores that averaged 73 points and 12-month scores that averaged 84 points (range, 40 to 100 points). Over the first postoperative year, in 3 of the 5 patients whose preoperative ultrasound imaging showed snapping of the tendon, recurrent painful snapping developed in the hip. All 3 had iliopsoas bursa injections and had immediate relief of their hip pain. In 2 patients the relief was temporary and an arthroscopic release of the tendon at the lesser trochanter was performed. The 2-year scores of the remaining 28 patients who did not have a second iliopsoas tenotomy averaged 88 points, and 23 of these patients had good or excellent results (scores ≥80 points).

Conclusions: An arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the labrum was effective for alleviating hip pain from labral lesions caused by impingement of the tendon in 23 of 30 patients (77%). The remaining 7 patients had persistent hip pain and hip scores lower than 80 points because of recurrent snapping of the tendon (3), development of avascular necrosis (1), progression of degenerative joint disease (1), or chronic greater trochanteric bursitis (2).

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.