Because arthroscopic hip preservation surgery is currently an evolving practice, there are questions about whether the iliopsoas is a true femoral head stabilizer and whether lengthening it could lead to hip instability. In a study published in Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, researchers led by Houston Methodist orthopedic surgeons Dr. Joshua Harris and Dr. Patrick McCulloch describe a systematic review of eight biomechanical and clinical studies that suggest that the iliopsoas is, in fact, a dynamic anterior femoral head stabilizer.

The study is important in the setting of rapidly advancing techniques for hip arthroscopy, to determine whether releasing or lengthening the iliopsoas will lead to hip instability and postoperative complications. These findings argue against performing an iliopsoas tenotomy on a routine basis, particularly in patients with predisposing factors to hip instability.

For details on the methods, results and conclusions of the review of three biomechanical and five clinical outcomes studies, see the full study in Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, December 2020.