Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Hip Arthroscopy Versus Conservative Treatment for Borderline Hip Dysplasia

248 participantsStarted 2026-06-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of hip arthroscopy versus individualized conservative treatment in patients with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH), defined by a lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) of 18-25°. The main question it aims to answer is: which treatment approach, surgical or conservative, provides superior pain relief, functional recovery, and quality of life improvement at 12 and 24 months post randomization? Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to either standardized hip arthroscopy, comprising capsular management, acetabular rim limited trimming, labral repair, and Cam deformity correction when indicated; or a 3-month individualized conservative protocol including patient education, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 2-4 weeks, chondroprotective supplementation for 8 weeks, and supervised progressive exercise training. All participants will undergo follow-up assessments at baseline, 12, and 24 months. The primary outcome is the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Secondary outcomes include patient-reported outcome measures (VAS pain, iHOT-12, SF-12, and patient satisfaction), clinical assessments, and safety monitoring.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 42 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 18-42 years (studies have reported age ≥42 years as a risk factor for hip arthroscopy in BDDH: HR=11.6, 95% CI: 2.5-53.9), either sex;
. Symptoms (anterior-lateral groin, lateral, or posterolateral hip pain or discomfort), physical examination findings (limp, clicking, locking, and limited range of motion), and imaging findings consistent with BDDH diagnosis (standing anteroposterior pelvic radiograph with Wiberg lateral center-edge angle \[LCEA\] 18-25°);
. Surgeon's assessment that the patient with BDDH will benefit from hip arthroscopy or conservative treatment;
. Full understanding of trial benefits and risks, willingness to participate in the intervention and complete follow-up, and signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The modified Harris Hip Score

Timeframe: Pre-intervention, and at 12 and 24 months post-randomization

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07493746

SponsorChunBao Li

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-12-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip trials