AAC-CASEM Consensus Group Publishes Guidelines for the Treatment of Hip Labral Tears

[Ottawa, ON] – The Arthroscopy Association of Canada (AAC) and the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) are proud to announce the official publication of a comprehensive consensus statement addressing the diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of labral tears in the hip. This consensus statement provides clinical guidelines designed to enhance care for patients and improve treatment outcomes.

The AAC-CASEM Consensus Group, a multidisciplinary team of nonoperative sports medicine physicians and orthopaedic surgeons with expertise in hip arthroscopy, was established to address the growing need for standardized practices in this complex area of care. Inconsistencies in the workup of labral tears in the hip have been shown to result in delays in treatment and increased costs to the medical system. Utilizing a modified Delphi process, the group reached agreement on key aspects of labral tear management, including:

• Diagnosis: Standardized criteria and imaging modalities for accurate identification of hip labral tears.
• Nonoperative Management: Evidence-based recommendations for conservative treatment approaches, including physical therapy and injections.
• Operative Management: Indications for surgery, surgical techniques, and considerations for patient selection.
• Rehabilitation and Return to Play (RTP): Guidelines for post-treatment recovery, with an emphasis on safely returning patients to sport and activity.

The group’s work resulted in 76% of statements achieving unanimous or strong consensus, indicating a high level of agreement between nonoperative sports medicine physicians and orthopaedic surgeons. Statements with unanimous consensus included the timing of RTP after surgery, prognostic factors affecting surgical success, and the timing to begin sport-specific training after nonoperative management. However, there was no consensus on the use of orthobiologics for nonoperative management, indications for bilateral surgery, postoperative range of motion and weightbearing restrictions, or postoperative hip brace usage.

“This consensus statement represents a critical step forward in the diagnosis and management of hip labral tears,” said Dr. Julie Peltz, chair of the CASEM Publications Committee. “By uniting experts across disciplines, we’ve created a resource that promotes consistency in care and empowers physicians to deliver the highest standard of treatment.”

The recommendations outlined in the statement aim to bridge the gap between current evidence and clinical practice, providing a clear framework for managing this increasingly recognized condition. The document is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals involved in sports medicine, orthopaedics, and rehabilitation.

“The collaborative approach highlights the importance of multidisciplinary input in developing these guidelines,” added Dr. Bogdan Matache, “We are confident that these recommendations will have a meaningful impact on patient care and outcomes.”

The full consensus statement is now available and can be accessed https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23259671241305409

About the Arthroscopy Association of Canada

The AAC was formed to encourage national collaboration and advancement of sports and arthroscopy research and education. The AAC will mobilize the knowledge gained through the Association’s research to contribute to the global advancement of arthroscopic surgery and improved patient outcomes. Members include orthopaedic surgeons, researchers and allied health care professionals.

About the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine

CASEM is a national organization committed to promoting the field of sport and exercise medicine through education, research, and advocacy. With a focus on multidisciplinary care, CASEM supports healthcare professionals in improving the health and performance of athletes and active individuals.