The Shared Contributions of the Capsule, Labrum, and Bone on the Suction Seal of the Hip
Abstract
The hip capsule, labrum, and bone contribute to hip stability. Abnormalities in these structures are associated with pain and microinstability. Previous studies have quantified the individual stabilizing roles of the capsule and labrum and have associated cam over-resection with decreased hip stability.
The first objective of this thesis was to identify the relative biomechanical contributions of the capsule, labrum, and bone to the hip suction seal, as a representation of hip stability. The second objective was to assess the effectiveness of a labral reconstruction in restoring the suction seal after a cam over-resection.
Ten human cadaveric hips were tested in a combination of different capsule, labrum, and bony conditions. The initial resistive strength of native tissues cannot be recovered after a capsulotomy and labral tear are made, despite a complete repair of all structures. A labral reconstruction after cam over-resection partially restores the suction seal, but not to normal levels.