Arthroscopic iliopsoas release following hip arthroplasty surgery: a successful procedure but beware of instability!

Abstract

Background:

Iliopsoas impingement after total hip replacement is an uncommon, but well recognised cause of residual groin pain. The primary aim of this study was to review patient outcomes following arthroscopic iliopsoas release. Secondary outcome was to determine the incidence of postoperative instability and review the literature on this complication.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of all arthroscopic THR iliopsoas release procedures performed from 2012 until 2022 was undertaken. All patients had completed a minimum of 12 months of conservative treatment and had undergone a preoperative ultrasound-guided diagnostic steroid injection.

Postoperatively, patients were classified into 3 categories at their 12-month clinical review: complete relief of symptoms; incomplete relief of symptoms but significant improvement; and no/minimal benefit. Any complications were documented and reviewed.

Results:

30 patients were included (31 hips); there were 14 males and 16 females. Mean age was 53.4 (range 34–77) years. 21 patients had a THR, 7 patients had a hip resurfacing, 1 patient had bilateral hip resurfacings and underwent bilateral release, and 1 patient had a revision THR. 2 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 29 hips for inclusion in the study. Patients underwent arthroscopic release a median of 48 months following primary THR (range 12–180 months). At 12-month follow-up, 13 patients (44.8%) had complete relief of symptoms, 9 patients (31.0%) had incomplete relief of symptoms but significant improvement, and 7 patients (24.1) had no improvement.

3 patients (10.3%) had frank anterior dislocation of their THR in the early postoperative period.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients with persistent iliopsoas tendinitis following hip arthroplasty had significant improvement in symptoms with arthroscopic iliopsoas release. However, the series highlights the potential for postoperative instability and we would advise caution with regards to excessive capsular resection, as well as caution with postoperative physiotherapy in the immediate postoperative period.