Factors Associated with the Risk of Articular Surface Perforation during Anchor Placement for Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Repair

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with the risk of articular surface perforation during anchor placement for arthroscopic acetabular labral repair using follow-up computed tomographic arthrography (CTA). Methods Forty-six patients (29 males and 17 females) underwent arthroscopic labral repair using 142 suture anchors (55 large anchors and 87 small anchors). The patients were followed with CTA 1 year postoperatively. Anchor position was assessed by the insertion angle and the distance of the suture anchor tip from the articular cartilage. The incidence of malposition of suture anchors was assessed in follow-up CTA. The location and incidence of malposition were compared between two groups divided according to the diameter of suture anchor. Results The mean insertion angle and distance were significantly different between the groups. Of the 142 anchors, 15 (11%) were placed in the cartilage-bone transitional zone. Articular involvement was most common at the 3 o'clock position of the suture anchor (six out of 33 anchors, 18.2%). Both the insertion angle and distance showed small values in the articular involvement group. Conclusions The radiographic analysis of the placement of suture anchors after arthroscopic labral refixation based on follow-up CTA demonstrates that articular involvement of anchors is related to the location on the acetabular rim (clock position) and anchor diameter.