Open and Arthroscopic Management of Chondral and Chondrolabral Defects of the Hip

Abstract

Focal chondral and chondrolabral injuries of the hip have become more commonly recognized lesions of hip joint pathology in the last decade. These injuries are associated with worse clinical outcomes, risk of global degenerative disease, and future conversion to hip arthroplasty. Recent technological advances have expanded the indications and improved outcomes associated with joint preserving hip procedures to address chondral and chondrolabral defects. Options for surgical management include both open and arthroscopic procedures focusing on 3 general treatment goals: chondral flap stabilization, cartilage regeneration, and cartilage restoration. We provide a comprehensive review of these procedures, discuss their outcomes, and provide future directions for research and development.