Compression and Flip Test for Diagnosis of Unstable Acetabular Labral Tears Using a Peripheral Compartment Approach

Assessment of integrity of the acetabular labrum is generally done via the central compartment under distraction of the femoral head from the acetabulum. With the technique of raising the extra-articular and peripheral compartment first, there is a need for testing the stability and function of the labrum from the peripheral side in a nondistracted position of the joint. The authors report on the compression and flip test (i.e., the flip test) for the detection of unstable, intrasubstance tears of the labrum or unstable chondrolabral separations. The test can be performed by compressing the labrum with blunt instruments. We grade the labral conditions as follows: grade 0 for firm resistance and elasticity to palpation, grade 1+ as easily compressed by the probe, grade 2+ for eversion of the body of the labrum under compression), and grade 1 for ossified, hard resistance without any elasticity and compressibility. This test can be performed directly after accessing the peripheral compartment through a 2-portal technique without extensive capsular work.