ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews two emerging concepts in hip arthroscopy labral reconstruction and capsular preservation. It elucidates the important biomechanical evidence for and against each procedure, pertinent clinical outcomes, and the authors’ current indications for the aforementioned techniques. Labral pathology is one of the most common diagnoses among adolescent and adult patients who present for treatment of hip pain. The estimated prevalence of labral pathology is not well understood, but reports range from 39% to 85% of the general population. The acetabular labrum also plays an important role in stabilization of the joint to distraction forces secondary to the suction seal effect. In select cases, a labral repair may not be feasible or adequate to restore the suction seal of the hip joint. When the tissue is too small or ossified, it lacks surface area to heal and can fail to provide an adequate seal with femoral head. Optimal management of the capsule starts with preserving it appropriately throughout procedure.
