Regression of focal acetabular rim ossifications after periacetabular osteotomy
Sufian S Ahmad1, Chiara Heller1, Quentin Karisch1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany.
Purpose:
Focal labral ossification is a recognized radiographic finding in developmental dysplasia (DDH) and is typically regarded as a chronic lesion resulting from excessive stress on the chondro-labral junction. The necessity for direct surgical intervention at the time of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for these ossifications remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to explore the natural course of pre-existing focal labral ossifications following isolated PAO in adolescents and adults, hypothesizing that biomechanical correction alone would facilitate the spontaneous resolution of this focal labral metaplasia.
Methods:
A retrospective observational subgroup analysis of an institutional database identified a single treatment group who underwent isolated PAO for symptomatic DDH in adolescents and adults between January 2022 and November 2024. Pre- and 1-year postoperative radiographs were independently assessed for the status of the labral ossification. Radiographic parameters of acetabular coverage and validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared between hips with and without ossification. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with labral ossification.
Results:
Of 389 hips undergoing PAO, 41 (10%) demonstrated preoperative labral ossification. Baseline PROMs and most radiographic parameters were comparable between hips with and without ossification, although posterior coverage was significantly reduced in the ossification group. At 1-year follow-up, 37 of 41 hips (90%) showed complete radiographic resolution of labral ossification, two hips (5%) demonstrated partial regression and two hips (5%) remained unchanged. Multivariable analysis identified a mild association between posterior coverage and the presence of ossification, while no associations were found with activity level or PROMs.
Conclusion:
Isolated PAO was found to be strongly associated with spontaneous remission of focal rim ossification in the vast majority of dysplastic hips within 1 year after surgery. These findings challenge the concept that focal rim ossifications represent irreversible degenerative pathology and instead suggest that they are a more appropriately interpreted as a metaplastic adaptation, indicating a remodeling potential of the chondro-labral junction following biomechanical correction alone. Routine surgical treatment of chronic labral ossifications at the time of PAO may therefore be unnecessary.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III.
