“In-Round” Labral Repair After Acetabular Recession Using Intermittent Traction

The prevalence of hip arthroscopy has increased exponentially with the advent of arthroscopic labral repair techniques for femoroacetabular impingement. The goal of arthroscopic labral repair is to re-create the anatomic suction seal of the labrum against the femoral head. This important anatomic relationship has been demonstrated in several biomechanical studies. Performing the acetabular recession and evaluating the congruity of labral repairs during surgery is difficult with the application of traction distracting the femoral head from the chondrolabral junction. Additionally, prolonged traction risks nerve injury during hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this technique article is to describe a method of using traction only for central compartment work, and releasing the traction to allow the femoral head to reduce the labrum to its anatomic position for acetabular recession, anchor placement, and suture fixation. In this manner, the presented technique prevents an “out-of-round” or everted repair. This technique re-creates the native anatomy and biomechanics of the hip after acetabular recession and labral repair while decreasing traction time.