Editorial Commentary: Errors of Omission Versus Errors of Commission: The Case of Hip Labral Reconstruction

As hip arthroscopy grows at an increasingly rapid pace, hip surgeons are faced with significant challenges in addressing various pathologies, such as irreparable hip labral tears. As technology and skill sets evolve, the ability to perform hip labral reconstruction in the setting of irreparable labral tears becomes not a matter of “Can we” but rather “Should we” be doing these. Basic science studies have demonstrated the vital role of the hip labrum for normal hip functioning and chondral health. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that hip reconstruction can restore much of the function of the native labrum when the labrum is removed. Systematic review of the composite literature of hip labral reconstruction in the setting of irreparable labral repairs demonstrates good improvements in pain and validated patient-reported outcomes in the short term with minimal follow-up of 1 year. The long-term benefits and ability to prevent or delay degenerative changes to the hip with labral reconstruction remain unknown.