Preoperative Delayed Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage (dGEMRIC) for Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy: Indices Are Predictive of Magnitude of Improvement in Two-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Chandrasekaran S, Vemula SP, Lindner D, Lodhia P, Suarez-Ahedo C, Domb BG
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.N.01253
Purpose
To determine if preoperative dGEMRIC cartilage indices predict 2-year patient-reported outcomes after hip arthroscopy.
Methods
- 65 patients (74 hips) had preoperative dGEMRIC before primary hip arthroscopy.
- Patients categorized by dGEMRIC index cutoff of 323 msec (1 SD below cohort mean).
- Outcomes: mHHS, NAHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, pain VAS, satisfaction at 2 years.
Key Findings
- Patients with dGEMRIC ≥323 msec showed significant improvement in all outcome measures.
- Patients with lower dGEMRIC improved significantly only in mHHS.
- Magnitude of improvement greater in higher dGEMRIC group.
- No significant difference in patient satisfaction between groups.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Preoperative dGEMRIC imaging can help stratify patients by cartilage health and predict functional gains after hip arthroscopy.
- Patients with better cartilage quality may expect more significant clinical improvement.
- Use this tool for surgical planning and patient counseling regarding expected outcomes.