Partial Denervation and Anterior Release of the Hip Joint Capsule to Relieve Pain and Improve Function at Five Years Follow-up.

Abstract

Traditionally, patients with significant hip pain due to degenerative hip disease, who are not surgical candidates for a total hip arthroplasty (THA), or are wary of the procedure, have been managed with various modalities with variable effectiveness.

Objectives: We have recently developed an anterior release of the contracted hip capsule along with par- tial denervation ofthe hip joint performed on an out- patient basis to relieve pain and improve function.

Study design: A case series of 24 patients.

Methods: From November 2007 to April 2009, 24 partial,denervation procedures through an anterior approach were performed by a single surgeon. A clinical survey was conducted five years following the intervention.

Results: Eighteen ofthe 24 patients were alive at the time of follow-up. Four of the six patients who were deceased at the time of follow-up had not undergone aTHA while two had. Fifteen ofthe 18 patients who were still living received a THA while three did not. Ihe interval time to arthroplasty was 19 months.