V-shaped capsular plication for treating cam-type femoroacetabular impingement with hip instability in borderline

Yang Lv1, Ningjing Zeng2, Da Guo1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Frontiers in Surgery
|June 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study shows arthroscopic T-capsulotomy with V-shaped capsular plication effectively treats hip instability in patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH). Significant improvements in pain and function were observed post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Hip Arthroscopy
  • Hip Instability

Background:

  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) often coexists with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH), increasing instability risk.
  • Capsular plication may enhance hip stability via the screw-home mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic T-capsulotomy with V-shaped capsular plication for cam-type FAI in BDDH-associated hip instability.
  • To confirm the short-term efficacy of this combined surgical approach.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 15 patients with symptomatic cam-type FAI and BDDH (LCEA 20°-25°).
  • All patients underwent arthroscopic labral repair, osteoplasty, and T-capsulotomy with V-shaped capsular plication.
  • Clinical outcomes assessed using VAS, mHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SSS pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in mHHS (57.3 to 86.1), VAS pain scores (5.7 to 1.1), HOS-ADL (50.1 to 89.3), and HOS-SSS (41.7 to 85.9) were observed (all P < 0.01).
  • No major complications were reported in the 15 patients.
  • Mean follow-up was 18.2 months (range 12-24 months).

Conclusions:

  • Arthroscopic T-capsulotomy with V-shaped capsular plication is a promising technique for managing cam-type FAI with BDDH-associated instability.
  • The procedure demonstrates favorable short-term clinical outcomes.
  • Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is recommended.
Abstract

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