Arthroscopic debridement of the isolated Ligamentum Teres rupture.

PURPOSE

Most tears of the Ligamentum Teres (LT) are diagnosed when treating other hip pathologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of arthroscopic surgery for a unique group of patients with symptomatic isolated Ligamentum Teres rupture of the hip.

METHODS

The study included 29 patients who suffered from an isolated Ligamentum Teres rupture of the hip and were treated with an arthroscopic debridement from 2003 to 2008. Patients with femoroacetabular impingement or other hip pathologies except Ligamentum Teres tear were excluded. Clinical results were measured preoperatively and postoperatively with the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). The mean age was 25 years (SD ± 11) with a mean follow-up time of 2.5 years (SD ± 1.5).

RESULTS

At the last follow-up, the mean MHHS improved from 70 to 86 [mean difference = 16 (95% CI 4-27)] and the mean NAHS improved from 64 to 86 [mean difference = 22 (95% CI 10-33)]. Five patients have had a second arthroscopic debridement due to symptomatic recurrent tears.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic debridement alone of the isolated Ligamentum Teres rupture has a short-term beneficial result in more than 80% of cases.