Hip shelf acetabuloplasty in borderline dysplasia, an alternative between Periacetabular Osteotomy and arthroscopic procedures.

Purpose: Surgical treatments for symptomatic borderline dysplastic hips (Lateral Center-Edge Angle: LCEA 18-25°) remain challenging, instability being the primary issue. Currently, treatment options include arthroscopic procedures or peri-acetabular osteotomy (PAO). Although the popularity of the acetabular shelf bone block has declined in favor of PAO, it may still be relevant as a hip joint stabilizer and coverage area, rather than for increasing coverage area by cartilage. We analyzed clinical and radiographic outcomes of 23 borderline hips after undergoing shelf procedure with a minimum follow-up of two years.

Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study. Clinical evaluations (modified Harris Hip Score: mHHS, Non-Arthritic Hip Score: NAHS, International Hip Outcome Tool: iHOT12) and radiographic assessments were performed before and after surgery. We collected data on revision surgery rates, associated surgical procedures (labrum, impingement), complications, arthrosis progression, and conversion to total hip replacement (THR).

Results: The mean LCEA was 21°, and the mean follow-up period was five years (2 to 14 years). Clinical scores showed significant improvement at the last follow-up, mHHS increasing from 47 to 72 (p < 0.001), NAHS from 42 to 68 (p < 0.001), iHOT12 from 28 to 52 (p < 0.001), and pain levels decreasing from 7 to 3. Revision surgery rate was 13%, and complication rate was 8%. No osteoarthritis beyond Tönnis grade 2, and no cases required conversion to THR.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic procedures and PAO have shown promising results in the treatment of borderline hips. The hip shelf procedure appears to be a simple and effective treatment for stabilizing borderline hips, with favorable outcomes for 80% of patients and a low rate of arthritic progression. Shelf procedure could be a valuable addition to the therapeutic options for painful borderline dysplasia of the hip.