Catastrophic Failure of Hip Arthroscopy Due to Iatrogenic Instability: Can Partial Division of the Ligamentum Teres and Iliofemoral Ligament Cause Subluxation?

Hip arthroscopy is an evolving surgical tool, and with any new procedure, it is important to learn from the complications encountered. A patient with mild hip dysplasia and a symptomatic labral tear underwent uneventful hip arthroscopy and labral repair including partial debridement of a hypertrophied ligamentum teres. Despite preservation of the labrum, no pincer resection, and a modest capsulotomy, 3 months, subluxation and joint space narrowing were noted. One year, end-stage arthritis was present, requiring total hip replacement. Instability after hip arthroscopy is due to a number of factors, including excessive rim trimming, capsulotomy, overzealous labral resection, or inadequate labral repair. This report emphasizes the importance of the ligamentum teres and small disruptions of the capsule in patients with mild dysplasia.