Results of Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With MRI Diagnosis of Subchondral Cysts—A Case Series

Results of Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With MRI Diagnosis of Subchondral Cysts—A Case Series

Authors

Hartigan DE, Perets I, Yuen LC, Domb BG
Journal: J Hip Preserv Surg. 2017 Sep;4(4):324–331
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnx034

Background

Subchondral cysts on preoperative MRI may be a sign of more advanced joint disease, potentially impacting hip arthroscopy outcomes.

Methods: Sixty-nine patients with subchondral cysts underwent hip arthroscopy and were followed for over 2 years. PROs were compared to MCID thresholds. Conversion rates to THA and revision procedures were recorded.

Key Findings

Significant improvements in PROs were seen, though 19 patients (28%) underwent reoperation, including 13 who required total hip arthroplasty. Patients with femoral cysts had a 36% conversion rate to THA.

Conclusions

While many patients improved, the presence of subchondral cysts is associated with a higher likelihood of needing hip replacement after arthroscopy.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If your MRI shows subchondral cysts, arthroscopy may still help—but there’s a greater risk that joint degeneration may eventually require a hip replacement.