Comparative analysis between operative and non-operative acetabular labral tear injuries in division 1 collegiate athletes

Acetabular labral tears have shown to be difficult to diagnose and manage in an active and competitive athletic population. The goal of this study was to compare NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletes undergoing operative and non-operative management of their labral injuries by assessing ability to return to competition and secondarily evaluate days lost from sport. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on Division 1 collegiate athletes from 2005 to 2020, incorporating all varsity university sports. Records showing MRI confirmed diagnosis were included in the cohort, as well as all pertinent clinical data. Data revealed 10/18 (55%) of individuals managed conservatively versus 23/29 (79%) surgically (p-value = 0.0834) were able to return to sport following treatment. Of those athletes, 22 surgical patients experienced a mean of 324 days ± 223 days lost from sport and nine conservatively managed patients experienced a mean of 27 days ± 70 lost days (p-value < 0.001) Seven of nine conservatively managed patients were able to continue competition while undergoing treatment. Findings suggest no statistical significance regarding operative vs non-operative management of acetabular labral tears. The majority of athletes returning to sport and treated conservatively were able to resume competition during treatment. Therefore, treatment of these injuries should be individualized based on athlete’s symptoms.