Femoroacetabular impingement

Pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression in hip pathology

AIMS

Psychological factors play a critical role in patient presentation, satisfaction, and outcomes. Pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression are important to consider, as they are associated with poorer outcomes and are potentially modifiable. The aim of this study was to assess the level of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression in patients with a range of hip pathology and to evaluate their relationship with patient-reported psychosocial and functional outcome measures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients presenting to a tertiary-centre specialist hip clinic were prospectively evaluated for outcomes of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression. Validated assessments were undertaken such as: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Patient characteristics and demographics were also recorded. Multiple linear regression modelling, with adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) variable selection, was used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 328 patients were identified for inclusion, with diagnoses of hip dysplasia (DDH; n = 50), femoroacetabular impingement (FAI; n = 55), lateral trochanteric pain syndrome (LTP; n = 23), hip osteoarthrosis (OA; n = 184), and avascular necrosis of the hip (AVN; n = 16) with a mean age of 31.0 years (14 to 65), 38.5 years (18 to 64), 63.7 years (20 to 78), 63.5 years (18 to 91), and 39.4 years (18 to 71), respectively. The percentage of patients with abnormal levels of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, or depression was: 22.0%, 16.0%, and 12.0% for DDH, respectively; 9.1%, 10.9%, and 7.3% for FAI, respectively; 13.0%, 4.3%, and 4.3% for LTP, respectively; 21.7%, 11.4%, and 14.1% for OA, respectively; and 25.0%, 43.8%, and 6.3% for AVN, respectively. HADS Anxiety (HADSA) and Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOOS ADL) predicted the PCS total (adjusted R² = 0.4599). Age, HADS Depression (HADSD), and PCS total predicted HADSA (adjusted R² = 0.4985). Age, HADSA, patient's percentage of perceived function, PCS total, and HOOS Quality of Life subscale (HOOS QOL) predicted HADSD (adjusted R² = 0.5802).

CONCLUSION

Patients with hip pathology may exhibit significant pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression. Identifying these factors and understanding the impact of psychosocial function could help improve patient treatment outcomes. Perioperative multidisciplinary assessment may be a beneficial part of comprehensive orthopaedic hip care. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:800-807.

A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial Comparing Conservative Treatment With Trunk Stabilization Exercise to Standard Hip Muscle Exercise for Treating Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of conservative management of women with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) using trunk stabilization.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (level of evidence: I).

SUBJECTS

Twenty FAI female patients who met the inclusion FAI criteria.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed on 20 female patients with symptomatic FAI comprising 2 groups (10 hips in trunk stabilization exercise group vs 10 hips in control group). We evaluated hip range of motion, isometric muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer (μ-TasMF-01; Anima, Co), and patient-reported outcome measures, including modified Harris hip score, Vail hip score, and international hip outcome tool 12 (iHOT12) before and at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the range of motion of hip flexion in the trunk training group detected as early as 4 weeks after the intervention compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Hip abductor strength significantly improved in the trunk training group at 4 weeks after the intervention, whereas it did not improve in the control group (P < 0.05). Vail hip score and iHOT12 were significantly increased at 8 weeks after the intervention in the trunk training group compared with the control group (iHOT12: 78.7 ± 22.4 vs 53.0 ± 22.3; P < 0.01, Vail hip score: 81.6 ± 18.5 vs 61.1 ± 11.6; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the modified Harris hip score between both the groups at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of trunk stabilization exercise to a typical hip rehabilitation protocol improves short-term clinical outcomes and may augment nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation.

Early Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Provides Superior Outcomes When Compared With Delaying Surgical Treatment Beyond 6 Months

BACKGROUND

There is literature on the association between chronic preoperative pain and worse outcomes among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). However, there are few data on whether there is an optimum window that provides the best midterm surgical outcomes.

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for FAIS according to timing of surgical intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients undergoing arthroscopic intervention for FAIS with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. All patients completed the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12), and visual analog scales for pain and satisfaction. Patients were stratified by preoperative symptom duration. We compared 3 to 6 months of symptoms with other subsequent time frames (>6-12, >12-24, and >24 months). Clinically significant outcome was determined with the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state.

RESULTS

A total of 1049 patients were included (mean ± SD: age, 32.3 ± 12.4 years; follow-up, 30.8 ± 6.7 months). Patients undergoing surgery at 3 to 6 months of symptoms had no significant differences in outcome when compared with those in the >6- to 12-month group except for the iHOT-12 (P = .028). Patients with symptom duration of >12 to 24 months and >24 months had worse outcomes across all measures (P < .001). Surgery within 3 to 6 months of symptoms was predictive for achieving the minimal clinically important difference on the HOS-ADL (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% CI, 1.20-2.73) and HOS-SS (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.11-3.17), as well as the patient acceptable symptomatic state on the HOS-ADL (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.34-2.56) and HOS-SS (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.14-2.18), when compared with the other groups. In multivariate regression analysis, symptom duration was predictive of visual analog scale for pain (β = 3.10; 95% CI, 1.56-4.63; P < .001) and satisfaction (β = -4.16; 95% CI, -6.14 to -2.18; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with FAIS, surgical intervention early after the onset of symptoms (3-6 months) was associated with superior postoperative outcomes when compared with patients who underwent surgical intervention beyond this time frame. This information may help guide preoperative decision making regarding delay of surgery. These findings should be confirmed in a prospective study.

The Natural History of Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

Structural hip abnormalities have long been suspected of causing hip osteoarthritis. The concept of deformity of the proximal femur as a cause of osteoarthritis (OA) started with description of the tilt deformity and progressed to the pistol grip, then eventually cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Acetabular over-coverage or retroversion as a cause of impingement is commonly referred to as pincer-type FAI. The primary research question we asked was: what is the natural history of hips with FAI?

METHODS

We reviewed the literature to identify studies with cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence of the effect of FAI on the development of or association with hip OA.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional and longitudinal natural history studies of hip OA, cam-type FAI has consistently shown an association with developing OA. In regard to pincer-type FAI, the data are less convincing with some studies suggesting an increased risk and others showing a protective effect of the acetabular over-coverage. It is clear that not all patients with cam FAI get OA but the altered anatomy does increase the relative risk of developing OA.

CONCLUSIONS

Cam-type FAI is associated with the development of hip OA; however, there is no role for prophylactic surgery in the asymptomatic hip with the anatomy predisposing to FAI. Further interventional studies are needed to determine whether surgical correction of cam-type FAI in the symptomatic hip alters the natural history of the condition.

Do Female Athletes Return to Sports After Hip Preservation Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome?: A Comparative Analysis

Background

Female patients undergoing surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) often experience inferior clinical outcomes and higher failure rates when compared with male patients. The influence of athletic status on hip arthroscopic outcomes in female patients, however, is unclear.

Purpose

To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of athletic and nonathletic female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, and to determine the return-to-sports rate in the athlete group.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Two-year PROs were assessed in female patients who had undergone hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS by a single surgeon. Patients who self-identified as athletes were compared with nonathletes. Preoperative and postoperative PRO scores including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction were analyzed and compared between athletes and nonathletes. Subanalysis was performed based on patient age and body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 330 female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS were identified. Of these, 221 patients identified as athletes (mean age, 29.1 ± 11.1 years; mean BMI, 23.0 ± 3.5 kg/m²) and 109 as nonathletes (mean age, 39.3 ± 11.4 years; mean BMI, 27.8 ± 5.8 kg/m²). Both groups demonstrated improvements in HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, mHHS, VAS for pain, and VAS for satisfaction scores (P < .001 for all). Athletes had significantly higher postoperative PRO scores compared with nonathletes (P < .001 for all). A 1:1 matched-pair subanalysis of 97 athletes and 97 nonathletes controlling for age and BMI indicated that these relationships held independently of potential demographic confounders (P < .001 for all). The number of patients meeting the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS was significantly higher in athletes aged ≤25 years versus those aged >25 years and for athletes versus nonathletes (P < .05 for all). Further, 189 of 194 athletes returned to sports at a mean of 6.0 ± 3.9 months postoperatively, with 93.7% reporting returning to the same or higher level of competition.

Conclusion

Among female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, patients considered athletes achieved superior clinical outcomes compared with patients considered nonathletes. In addition, younger female athletes had higher rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for all PRO measures.

Editorial Commentary: Acetabular Paralabral Cysts…It's All About Location, Location, Location…

With our increased understanding about the causes of young adult hip pain and femoroacetabular impingement, magnetic resonance imaging has become an important diagnostic tool for identifying labral pathology. However, arthroscopic evaluation is paramount to understanding whether a labral tear truly exists in these patients. Orthopaedic dogma suggests that acetabular paralabral cysts form due to an associated acetabular labral tear. Nevertheless, a cause and effect relationship has not yet been proven in the literature. The location of these paralabral cysts may influence the clinical symptoms that they cause and their diagnostic utility. Further work is needed to fully understand the relevance of acetabular paralabral cysts in patients with femoroacetabular impingement.

Improvement in Functional Outcome Scores Despite Persistent Pain With 1 Year of Nonsurgical Management for Acetabular Labral Tears With or Without Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

Acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognized as a source of hip pain in a younger active population. Given the significant focus on surgical intervention, there has been limited investigation on the nonsurgical management and natural history of such injuries.

HYPOTHESIS

Patients undergoing nonsurgical treatment for symptomatic acetabular labral tears experience functional improvement based on patient-reported outcome measures over the course of 1 year.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients were identified who had acetabular labral injuries confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or arthrography, received a minimum of 1 year of nonsurgical treatment, and completed baseline functional outcome questionnaires: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living, HOS-Sports, and iHOT-33 (International Hip Outcome Tool-33). Of these, 52 (73.2%) completed the minimum 1-year follow-up questionnaires. Chart review was conducted to obtain demographic information. Statistical significance ( P < .05) was determined by paired t test, independent samples t test, and chi-square test.

RESULTS

Twenty-two male and 30 female patients completed 1-year follow-up questionnaires. Mean ± SD follow-up time was 16.2 ± 3.1 months. The cohort had a mean age of 38.9 ± 9.3 years. Baseline radiographs demonstrated minimal arthritis (Tönnis grades 0-2). Mean alpha angle differed significantly between men and women at 52.9°± 8.6° and 46.3°± 8.5°, respectively. At 1-year follow-up, patients experienced a significant improvement in all 4 functional outcome measures (mHHS: 72.6 vs 81.8, HOS-Activities of Daily Living: 78.6 vs 86.4, HOS-Sports: 56.0 vs 71.1, iHOT-33: 47.5 vs 67.9). Patients with and without femoroacetabular impingement demonstrated a significant improvement in the mHHS. However, 48.1% reported no improvement in their pain; 69.2% were limited in their activities; and 40.4% were still considering surgery. Overall, 71.2% were satisfied with nonsurgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with symptomatic labral tears can experience functional improvement after a minimum 1 year of nonsurgical treatment in the presence and absence of femoroacetabular impingement. However, many report residual pain, alteration of their activities, and interest in surgery. This information is important when patients are counseled in the treatment options for this injury. Identifying the population that responds best to nonsurgical management and comparing outcomes with those undergoing surgical management should be the focus of future research. Longer-term follow-up may be necessary to reevaluate pain, function, and return to activities.

Novel model for the induction of postnatal murine hip deformity

Acetabular dysplasia is a common, multi-etiological, pre-osteoarthritic (OA) feature that can lead to pain and instability of the young adult hip. Despite the clinical significance of acetabular dysplasia, there is a paucity of small animal models to investigate structural and functional changes that mediate morphology of the dysplastic hip and drive the subsequent OA cascade. Utilizing a novel murine model developed in our laboratory, this study investigated the role of surgically induced unilateral instability of the postnatal hip on the initiation and progression of acetabular dysplasia and impingement up to 8-weeks post-injury. C57BL6 mice were used to develop titrated levels of hip instability (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe instabillity or femoral head resection) at weaning. Joint shape, acetabular coverage, histomorphology, and statistical shape modeling were used to assess quality of the hip following 8 weeks of destabilization. Acetabular coverage was reduced following severe, but not moderate, instability. Moderate instability induced lateralization of the femur without dislocation, whereas severe instability led to complete dislocation and pseudoacetabulae formation. Mild instability did not result in morphological changes to the hip. Removal of the femoral head led to reduced hip joint space volume. These data support the notion that hip instability, driven by mechanical loss-of-function of soft connective tissue, can induce morphometric changes in the growing mouse hip. This work developed a new mouse model to study hip health in the murine adolescent hip and is a useful tool for investigating the mechanical and structural adaptations to hip instability during growth. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.

Return to Golf After Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To investigate if patients who reported playing golf before arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome were able to return to playing golf postoperatively.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between 2012 and 2014. Inclusion criteria required that a patient (1) reported playing golf before the surgery, (2) had a minimum 2-year follow-up, and (3) completed patient-reported outcome measures. An electronic postoperative return to golf questionnaire was completed by patients who reported golf as an activity. To evaluate patients' ability to return to golf after surgery, the following variables were analyzed with paired samples t test and χ-square tests: handedness, holes played, modified-Harris Hip Score, and Hip Outcome Score Activity of Daily Living and Sports-Specific Subscale.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients (22 men; age, 36.0 ± 11.9 years) with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up who self-reported playing golf preoperatively were included in the analysis. Preoperatively, 23 patients (79%) had discontinued golfing owing to activity-related hip complaints. At the final follow-up, all patients had significant improvements in the Hip Outcome Score Activity of Daily Living (preoperatively, 65.9 ± 19.9; postoperatively, 91.5 ± 12.8; P < .0001), the Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific Subscale (38.2 ± 23.5, 79.7 ± 28.8; P = .0002), and modified-Harris Hip Score (54.8 ± 15.6; 84.2 ± 15.8; P < .0001). Additionally, there was a decrease in pain from 7.34 ± 1.63 to 1.71 ± 2.3 postoperatively (P < .0001), and 97% of patients returned to golf at an average of 7.2 months postoperatively. Postoperatively, 55% of patients (n = 16) noted improved golfing performance, 41% (n = 11) returned to their preinjury level, 1 patient (3%) returned at a lower level owing to non-hip-related problems, and 1 (3%) did not return to golf owing to fear of reinjury.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in patients who reported playing golf before surgery resulted in significant improvements in hip function and predictably high rates of patient satisfaction, with 97% returning to golfing activity and 55% noting improvement from preinjury sporting performance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Sex-based Differences in Common Sports Injuries

The patient's sex plays an important role in mediating the risk for, and experience of, disease. Injuries of the musculoskeletal system are no exception to this phenomenon. Increasing evidence shows that the incidence, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes for male and female patients with common sports injuries may vary widely. Stress fracture, which is associated with the female athlete triad, is a sports injury with known sex-based differences. Other common sports-related injuries may also have distinct sex-based differences. Understanding these differences is important to optimize each patient's musculoskeletal care.

Arthroscopic hip surgery with a microfracture procedure of acetabular full-thickness chondral damage. Cohort study with a 3-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Management of injuries to the articular cartilage is complex and challenging. Our purpose was to assess outcomes of a cohort of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with full-thickness chondral damage treated with microfracture and compare these outcomes with those from a similar cohort of patients who did not.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively gathered the data of 31 hips treated with microfracture from January 2009 to January 2016. In the cohort of hips without chondral damage there were 49 hips. All patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively with 4 patient-reported outcome instruments.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 36.2 months in the cohort of patients with full-thickness chondral damage, and 36.6 months in the cohort of patients without chondral damage. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in all patient-reported outcome instruments between preoperative and final follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between both cohorts at final follow-up.

DISCUSSION

This study showed that patients undergoing microfracture during hip arthroscopy had significant improvement in all patient-reported outcome instruments during follow-up. The greatest improvement was noted at 6 months postoperatively. Both groups showed no significant difference in final patient-reported outcome instruments scores.

Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Review

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is one of the most researched conditions in sports medicine today. FAI occurs due to abnormal morphology and subsequently contact between the proximal femur and the acetabulum. With repetitive loading, this femoroacetabular mismatch can be a source of labral and chondral injuries. FAI is more prevalent in the athletic population, particularly those athletes who participated in high level activities at a younger age. If nonoperative management is failed, surgical treatment is often done arthroscopically and with good results. This review attempts to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and potential treatment options of FAI with a focus on the most recent literature.

Similar views on rehabilitation following hip arthroscopy among physiotherapists and surgeons in Scandinavia: a specialized care survey

PURPOSE

The rising number of hip arthroscopies (HA) is leading to increasing numbers of patients requiring post-surgical rehabilitation; however, evidence regarding post-operative rehabilitation is currently limited. The purpose of the study was to describe and compare current rehabilitation strategies and views among surgeons and physiotherapists in Scandinavia.

METHODS

Scandinavian surgeons and physiotherapists experienced with HA and post-surgical rehabilitation were asked to complete an online survey. Ninety clinicians (28 surgeons, 62 physiotherapists) responded.

RESULTS

Both professions mostly rated physiotherapy as very or extremely important in the rehabilitation process. The majority advocated criteria-based or combined criteria- and time-based progression. Expected rehabilitation timelines were reported with large intra-professional variation but general inter-professional agreement. However, compared with physiotherapists surgeons expected fewer weeks on crutches and faster return to competitive sport. Surgeons more often reported use of evidence-based self-reported outcomes while physiotherapists more often evaluated readiness for return to play.

CONCLUSIONS

Among surgeons and physiotherapists, physiotherapy is considered very important following HA. Generally, very similar views were held between professions. Surgeons expected reduced time on crutches and to return to competitive sports than physiotherapists. Surgeons also used evidence-based self-reported outcomes to a higher degree than physiotherapists. Being the first study to provide an overview on currently applied rehabilitation strategies following HA, results of this study may guide much needed, future research on the rehabilitation process following HA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Advanced Imaging Adds Little Value in the Diagnosis of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is an increasingly recognized source of hip pain and disability in young active adults. In order to confirm the diagnosis, providers often supplement physical examination maneuvers and radiographs with intra-articular hip injection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). Since diagnostic imaging represents the fastest rising cost segment in U.S. health care, there is a need for value-driven diagnostic algorithms. The purpose of this study was to identify cost-effective diagnostic strategies for symptomatic FAI, comparing history and physical examination (H&P) alone (utilizing only radiographic imaging) with supplementation with injection, MRI, or MRA.

METHODS

A simple-chain decision model run as a cost-utility analysis was constructed to assess the diagnostic value of the MRI, MRA, and injection that are added to the H&P and radiographs in diagnosing symptomatic FAI. Strategies were compared using the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) with a willingness to pay (WTP) of $100,000/QALY (quality-adjusted life year). Direct costs were measured using the Humana database (PearlDiver). Diagnostic test accuracy, treatment outcome probabilities, and utilities were extracted from the literature.

RESULTS

H&P with and without supplemental diagnostic injection was the most cost-effective. Adjunct injection was preferred in situations with a WTP of >$60,000/QALY, low examination sensitivity, and high FAI prevalence. With low disease prevalence and low examination sensitivity, as may occur in a general practitioner's office, H&P with injection was the most cost-effective strategy, whereas in the reciprocal scenario, H&P with injection was only favored at exceptionally high WTP (∼$990,000).

CONCLUSIONS

H&P and radiographs with supplemental diagnostic injection are preferred over advanced imaging, even with reasonable deviations from published values of disease prevalence, test sensitivity, and test specificity. Providers with low examination sensitivity in situations with low disease prevalence may benefit most from including injection in their diagnostic strategy. Providers with high examination sensitivity in situations with high disease prevalence may not benefit from including injection in their diagnostic strategy. Providers should not routinely rely on advanced imaging to diagnose FAI syndrome, although advanced imaging may have a role in challenging clinical scenarios.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Military Population

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can lead to hip pain and early joint degeneration. There have been few reports to date on the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI in the military population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare patient demographics with postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI and to identify preoperative risk factors for poor outcomes. The hypothesis was that certain preoperative patient characteristics will be predictive of poorer outcomes and that lower outcomes scores will be associated with a higher likelihood of medical separation from the military.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of active-duty and dependent patients older than 18 years who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI from 2009 to 2014 at a single institution.

RESULTS

A total of 469 (309 males and 160 females) surgeries were performed on 456 active-duty personnel and 13 dependent civilians, with a mean 2.5-year follow-up. Overall, 39% (n = 179) were able to return to duty (RTD), 18% (n = 82) were medically cleared to return to normal daily activities but did not remain on active duty, and 43% (n = 195) required referral to the Disability Evaluation System (DES). Increasing rank and male sex were positive predictors and Axis 1 psychiatric diagnosis, revision surgery, concomitant psoas tenotomy, multiple medical comorbidities, and complaints of generalized pelvic pain were negative predictors for returning to duty. US Marine Infantry and Special Forces showed improved RTD rates (50%-86%) compared with administrative, more sedentary, occupations (22%). On average, Single Alpha Numeric Evaluation (SANE) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores improved after surgery, with SANE scores improving 37 ± 28 points and VAS scores improving 2.6 ± 2.5 points. The mean postoperative SANE and VAS scores differed significantly between the RTD group and those not returning to duty; 87 and 1.2 points compared with 69 and 3.6 points, respectively ( P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of symptomatic FAI effectively improves pain symptoms and self-reported overall function but shows a much lower than expected return to full, unrestricted active duty in the general active-duty military population. Underlying psychiatric diagnoses, female sex, and more sedentary occupations are associated with lower RTD rates. Furthermore, lower postoperative SANE and VAS scores are associated with lower RTD rates. Only the more active and elite components of the military study population showed RTD rates consistent with previously reported outcomes of return to competitive sports after hip arthroscopy for FAI.

A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Unilateral or Bilateral Hip Arthroscopic Surgery: Age- and Sex-Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

A significant number of patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have bilateral deformities and may require surgery for both hips.

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes between patients who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopic surgery to a matched cohort of patients who underwent unilateral hip arthroscopic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI by a single fellowship-trained surgeon from January 2012 to January 2014 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years were evaluated. Patients who underwent staged bilateral hip arthroscopic surgery were identified and matched 1:2 to patients who underwent unilateral hip arthroscopic surgery based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative variables were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients in the bilateral group were matched with 86 patients in the unilateral group based on sex (24 female [56%] vs 48 female [56%], respectively; P > .99), age (28.6 ± 10.8 years vs 28.9 ± 10.8 years, respectively; P = .88), and BMI (24.8 ± 5.8 kg/m² vs 24.8 ± 4.0 kg/m², respectively; P = .98). There were no significant preoperative demographic or radiographic differences between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant preoperative to postoperative improvements in the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) ( P < .0001 for all). When compared with patients in the unilateral group, patients who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopic surgery had less improvement in mHHS and pain scores. Sixty-five (76%) patients in the unilateral group achieved the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the mHHS compared with 21 (49%) in the bilateral group ( P = .03), while 64 (74%) patients achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the mHHS compared with 22 (51%) in the bilateral group ( P = .02). Patients in the bilateral group with greater than 10 months between surgical procedures had lower postoperative HOS-ADL scores ( P = .04) and lower improvement in pain and HOS-SS scores ( P < .0001 and P = .05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI had improved functional outcomes after 2 years. However, patients who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopic surgery had less improvement in their mHHS and pain scores compared with those who underwent unilateral hip arthroscopic surgery but no differences in HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, or satisfaction scores. Patients in the bilateral group with longer than 10 months between surgical procedures had lower outcome scores than patients who underwent their second surgical procedure within 10 months of their primary surgery.

Does Hip Arthroscopy Have a Role in the Treatment of Developmental Hip Dysplasia?

BACKGROUND

Indications for hip arthroscopy in mildly dysplastic patients with a symptomatic hip remain controversial.

METHODS

This article provides a concise review of the available literature evaluating the role of hip arthroscopy in treating symptomatic dysplasia. Potential indications for hip arthroscopy in isolation are reviewed. Emerging evidence on the role of hip arthroscopy based on patient-specific pathomorphology is highlighted.

RESULTS

Hip arthroscopy in isolation may be helpful for select dysplastic patients with dynamic impingement or microinstability. Isolated arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular pathology resulting from static overload is unlikely to be successful in the long term and may be detrimental.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic procedures for individuals with mild dysplasia in the absence of frank instability may be effective; however, great caution should be exercised when approaching dysplastic patients with symptomatic hips.

Assessment of Disability Related to Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome by Use of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) and Objective Measures of Physical Performance

BACKGROUND

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) has been described as a valuable tool for characterizing outcomes among patients with specific musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, previously proposed objective measures of physical performance among patients with nonarthritic hip abnormalities are costly and not practically incorporated into routine clinical practice.

PURPOSE

(1) To determine the ability of the PROMIS to differentiate between patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and asymptomatic controls, (2) to determine the effect of FAI on subjects' completion of timed physical performance measures, and (3) to determine whether associations exist between established patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and subjects' completion of physical performance measures.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Twenty-two asymptomatic controls (CON group) and 20 patients with FAI completed multiple activities to assess physical ability: self-selected walking velocity (SSWV), timed stair ascent (TSA), four-square step test (FSST), and sit-to-stand five times test (STS5). All subjects also underwent a battery of PRO questionnaires: Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and PROMIS. Descriptive analyses were performed and comparisons between groups were made by use of paired t tests with Bonferroni-Holm correction. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to determine associations between physical performance measures and PRO. The magnitude of differences between groups for each measured variable was calculated by use of Cohen's d.

RESULTS

Significant differences between CON and FAI groups were observed for all hip-specific PRO measures (CON vs FAI for all; HOOS 99.2 vs 42.8, P < .001, iHOT-33 99.0 vs 26.6, P < .001, mHHS 99.6 vs 62.2, P < .001). Similarly, PROMIS scores were significantly different between groups for 8 of 9 tested domains. Patients with FAI demonstrated significant decrements in performance of all tested physical measures compared with asymptomatic controls (CON vs FAI, SSWV: 1.51 vs 1.32 m/s, P = .002; TSA: 3.05 vs 5.92 s, P = .017; FSST: 4.83 vs 8.89 s, P = .006; STS5: CON 5.53 vs FAI 10.75 s, P = .005.) Deficits in activities involving hip flexion-TSA, STS5-were strongly associated ( r < -0.7, P < .001) with increased reports of disability.

CONCLUSION

FAI has a negative effect on patient-reported and objectively measured function. Hip-specific and general measures such as PROMIS, FSST, TSA, and STS5 are responsive to FAI-associated debility and may be used to objectively assess surgical or rehabilitative outcomes.

The Influence of Body Mass Index on Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery With Capsular Plication for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

It remains unknown how variations in body mass index (BMI) influence outcomes after primary hip arthroscopic surgery with capsular plication for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect that abnormal BMI (namely, overweight, obese, morbidly obese, and underweight) versus normal weight has on patient-reported clinical outcomes more than 2 years postoperatively from primary hip arthroscopic surgery with capsular plication by a single surgeon.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A clinical repository containing patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2014, with a minimum 2-year follow-up was queried. Outcome measures included the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (ADL), HOS-Sports, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; satisfaction, and Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) for the HOS-ADL; scores were collected preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and minimum 2 years postoperatively. Included patients were segregated by preoperative BMI into the following categories: underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), obese (30.0-34.9 kg/m²), and morbidly obese (≥35.0 kg/m²). A multivariate logistic regression model controlling for patient demographics and disease severity was used to identify independent associations between BMI categories and outcomes. A Bonferroni adjustment lowered the threshold for significance to P < .01.

RESULTS

There were 409 hips in 381 patients appropriate for study inclusion: 7 underweight, 197 normal BMI, 130 overweight, 31 obese, and 16 morbidly obese. The mean age was 33.1 ± 12.1 years, with 232 (61%) female patients. At 2 years postoperatively, significant differences in the trend among HOS-ADL, HOS-Sports, and mHHS scores were evident, with normal BMI patients, followed by underweight patients, demonstrating greater scores than their overweight, obese, and morbidly obese counterparts. Obese patients demonstrated lower satisfaction scores than normal BMI patients. Overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients had lower improvements in VAS pain scores compared with normal BMI patients. Increasing BMI (not subdivided into the 5 BMI categories) was associated with a higher infection risk (mean BMI for infections: 32.3 ± 9.8 kg/m² vs mean BMI for noninfections: 25.2 ± 4.8 kg/m²; P = .0035). However, with multivariate analysis, no significant differences in patient clinical outcomes between the BMI categories met the threshold for significance. Among obese patients (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²), no specific risk factors were found to be significantly associated with decreases in the change in VAS, HOS-ADL, HOS-Sports, mHHS, satisfaction, or PASS for the HOS-ADL scores. However, because of the small cohort sizes at the extremes of the BMI categories, this analysis may have been underpowered to identify a significant difference in underweight or morbidly obese patients.

CONCLUSION

In the current cohort, there were multiple potential confounding variables, and while some clinical differences were observed initially (higher HOS-ADL, HOS-Sports, and mHHS scores for normal BMI patients than overweight and obese patients at 2 years postoperatively; lower satisfaction scores for obese patients than normal BMI patients; and lower improvement in VAS pain scores for overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients when compared with normal BMI patients), after multivariate analysis, no associations were observed between BMI and clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery with capsular plication for FAI.

Rotational alignment of the knee is different in osteological specimens with and without a large cam deformity of the proximal femur

PURPOSE

We studied a large osteological collection for differences in knee rotation based upon the presence or absence of a large cam deformity of the proximal femur.

METHODS

We obtained 357 matched tibiae and femora from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection and measured: femoral head-neck alpha angle, anteroposterior axis (or Whiteside's line) at the distal femur relative to the posterior condylar axis, and position of the tibial tubercle with respect to the posterior condylar axis of the proximal tibia. We then divided these specimens into two groups based upon alpha angle <45° (Group 1, n = 73) or alpha angle >60° (Group 2, n = 122) and performed an independent samples t-test to evaluate for differences in measured parameters between groups using this subset of specimens.

RESULTS

The mean alpha angles in Group 1 and 2 were 40.9° ± 3.3° and 67.0° ± 5.6°, respectively. Whiteside's line was externally rotated with respect to the posterior femoral condylar axis by a mean of 1.8° ± 6.8° in Group 1, vs. 3.0° ± 3.7° in Group 2 (p = 0.03). The tibial tubercle was externally rotated by a mean of 19.4° ± 6.8° in Group 1, versus 16.6° ± 5.1° in Group 2 (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Specimens with femoral head-neck alpha angle >60° demonstrated greater external rotation of the distal femur and a more internally-rotated tibial tubercle compared to specimens with an alpha angle <45°. Differences in anatomic characteristics of the knee may play a role in the development of patellofemoral pain in patients with a large cam deformity.

Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty without labral detachment for focal pincer-type impingement: a minimum 2-year follow-up

In order to access and resect the acetabular rim, arthroscopic acetabuloplasty was described with labral detachment. When the chondrolabral junction remains intact, acetabuloplasty and labral refixation can be performed maintaining an unharmed labrum. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of a group of patients treated with arthroscopic acetabuloplasty without labral detachment. During the study period, we retrospectively analysed 44 patients with pincer-type o combined impingement and an intact chondroblabral junction, with an average follow-up of 32 months (range: 27-38). We excluded patients with isolated CAM-type impingement and previous hip pathology. Radiographs were analysed to define impingement and classify grade of osteoarthritis. Clinical evaluation consisted of pre-operative and post-operative modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and WOMAC as well as post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and satisfaction. Reoperations were considered surgical failures for purposes of survival analysis. Mean mHHS changed from 51.06 (SD 4.81) pre-operatively to 84.97 (SD 12.79) post-operatively. Pre-operative WOMAC was 29.18 (SD 8) and post-operative, 13.10 (SD 11). Post-operative VAS was 7.5 and 2.27 for satisfaction and pain, respectively. When comparing patients with Tönnis 0 to those with Tönnis 1, the former showed better results regarding post-operative mHHS (89.9 s versus 77.85, P = 0.03), pain VAS (1.5 versus 6.3, P = 0.03) and satisfaction VAS (8.2 versus 6.3, P = 0.01). Survival was 100% at 24 months and 76% at 40 months (95% CI: 35-98%). Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty without labral detachment achieved good clinical outcomes. Slight degenerative changes on radiographs correlated with poorer clinical outcomes.

Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Morphology and Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Soccer Athletes: A Comparison to Nonkicking Athletes

PURPOSE

To describe the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) morphology and clinical outcomes following arthroscopic surgical decompression in a group of high-level soccer athletes presenting with symptomatic hip impingement when compared with a control group of nonkicking athletes.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2012, we retrospectively reviewed our prospective hip registry for soccer athletes who underwent arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with 2-year follow-up, comparing with a control group of nonkicking athletes. Demographics were collected and radiographic studies (plain radiograph and computed tomographic scan) reviewed for several parameters, including AIIS morphology. Patient-reported outcome scores, including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33), were administered preoperatively, at 6 months, and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-six soccer players (34 hips) and 87 nonkicking athletes (115) hips were identified. Demographics, including age (19.2 ± 4.1 vs 20.1 ± 3.8 years) and gender distribution (53.8% vs 51.7% male), were similar between the soccer and nonkicking athletes (P = .288, .849). Eighty-four percent of soccer players demonstrated some abnormality of the AIIS extending to (type II, 52%) or below the anterior acetabular rim (type III, 32%), compared with 52% nonkicking athletes (P < .001). At a mean follow-up of 35 months (range, 24-57 months) there was significant improvement in all outcome scores in both groups from pre- to postoperation (P < .001). There was no evidence of differences in outcome scores between groups (mHSS: 89 ± 14.6 vs 88.2 ± 14.4, P = .804; HOS-ADL: 94.1 ± 9.1 vs 92.2 ± 11.1, P = .431; HOS-SSS: 86 ± 17.1 vs 81.3 ± 24.3, P = .362) with the exception of iHOT-33 (81.7 ± 19 vs 70.3 ± 23.6, P = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

High-level soccer players have a significantly higher rate of subspine impingement compared with nonkicking athletes. There should be a high index of suspicion when treating soccer players for FAI, where appropriate recognition and treatment of subspine impingement can yield excellent clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Amateur and Recreational Athletes Return to Sport at a High Rate Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

To compare the return-to-play rates, patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, and satisfaction between high-level amateur athletes and recreational athletes and to evaluate for differences in ability to return to sport in these groups based on patient-related and sport-related characteristics.

METHODS

Clinical data were retrieved for 66 (26 male/40 female) consecutive athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. Athletes were classified as high-level amateur or recreational. Athletes were also divided into 6 distinct sporting categories based on the physical demands on the hip. Preoperative and 2-year PROs including a sport-specific questionnaire, modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS), and Hip Outcome Scores with Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sports-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 66 patients, 49 were recreational and 17 were high-level amateur athletes (10 high school and 7 collegiate). High-level athletes were significantly younger than recreational athletes (18.4 ± 2.3 years vs 29.7 ± 6.8 years; P < .001). After 2 years, all PROs had improved significantly, with no differences between the 2 athletic groups. There was a high overall rate of return for both recreational and high-level amateur athletes (94% vs 88%; P = .60). Increasing preoperative withdrawal time from sport prior to surgery was associated with decreased HOS-SS (r = 0.33; P = .04) and MHHS scores (r = 0.02; P = .02). Overall, athletes who had withdrawn from sport for greater than 8 months before surgery returned to sport significantly more slowly (P = .01). Increasing body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower improvements in HOS (r = 0.26; P = .04) and MHHS scores (r = 0.38; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Recreational athletes, despite being significantly older than their high-level counterparts, return to play at a similar high rate and with comparable PROs. Increasing preoperative cessation time from sport significantly prolongs return to sport. Additionally, increasing preoperative cessation from sport and higher preoperative BMI were associated with decreased improvements in PROs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Safety of Hip Anchor Insertion From the Midanterior and Distal Anterolateral Portals With a Straight Drill Guide: A Cadaveric Study

BACKGROUND

During arthroscopic labral refixation, suture anchors are typically inserted from either the midanterior (MA) portal or the distal anterolateral (DALA) portal; however, no studies have previously compared these techniques. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare acetabular rim accessibility and associated complication rates of anchor insertion from these portals. We hypothesized that rim access would be better from the DALA portal. Additionally, we hypothesized that articular surface perforation would occur more commonly from the MA portal while psoas tunnel perforation would occur more commonly from the DALA portal.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Sixteen pelvic cadaveric specimens (32 hips) were obtained and arthroscopic surgery performed in the supine position. Suture anchors were placed at 7 predetermined locations (9-, 11-, 12-, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-o'clock positions). Hips were treated as matched pairs, such that one hip from each specimen had all anchors placed from the MA portal and the other from the DALA portal. Allocation ensured an equal distribution of laterality between groups. After anchor insertion, specimens underwent computed tomography and dissection for further evaluation.

RESULTS

Rim accessibility was similar between the groups; anchor insertion was most difficult at the 9-o'clock position, particularly with the MA portal technique, where only 50% (8/16) of attempts were successful, in comparison to the DALA portal technique, where 75% (12/16) of attempts were successful. Additionally, the 4-o'clock position proved challenging to access with the DALA portal technique, where only 75% (12/16) of attempts were successful, compared with 100% with the MA portal technique. The difference in accessibility of these techniques, however, did not reach statistical significance at the 9-o'clock position ( P = .2734) or 4-o'clock position ( P = .1012). Articular surface perforation occurred in 4.48% of all anchor insertion attempts, most commonly at the 3-o'clock position ( P = .0242). From the MA portal, 4.00% (4/100) perforated the joint, compared with 4.95% (5/101) from the DALA portal ( P > .999). Further, there were no significant differences in perforation rates at each location between the techniques ( P > .999). Psoas tunnel perforation occurred in 7.69% of all anchor insertion attempts between 2 and 4 o'clock, with equal rates at each location ( P ≥ .6606). From the MA portal, 4.17% (2/48) perforated the psoas tunnel, compared with 11.63% (5/43) from the DALA portal ( P ≥ .2486). Further, there were no significant differences at each location between the techniques ( P ≥ .4839). There was no association between acetabular version, femoral version, or lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) and articular surface or psoas tunnel perforation, regardless of portal use.

CONCLUSION

Anchor insertion from either the MA or DALA portal appears to confer similar rim access and rates of articular surface or psoas tunnel perforation, with a cumulative rate of 4.48% and 7.69%, respectively. Rates of perforation did not differ between the portals and were not associated with acetabular or femoral version or LCEA.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Caution should be employed when inserting anchors for labral refixation, particularly in anterior and medial locations (2-4 o'clock), as articular surface and psoas tunnel perforation may occur at a rate higher than previously anticipated. Portal selection does not appear to influence these outcomes.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Pelvic Incidence: Radiographic Comparison to an Asymptomatic Control

PURPOSE

To investigate whether pelvic incidence (PI) in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement was different from that in a normal population.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive female and 30 consecutive male patients with computed tomography scans who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI. PI was measured using scout lateral radiographs. The center-edge angle (CEA), acetabular version, and α angle were also measured. Each patient was subcategorized as having a cam-type deformity (α angle >55°), a deep socket deformity (CEA >39°), and/or a retroverted acetabulum (acetabular anteversion <15°). Our group and subgroups were compared with a historical control group from a previously published study of 300 volunteers. Each group was compared using a Student t test.

RESULTS

Our mean PI was 49.31° ± 12.34° (range, 28.4°-79.5°), less than the asymptomatic historical control (n = 300) with a mean PI of 55.0° ± 10.6° (range, 33°-82°) (P < .001). The subgroups for cam deformity, deep socket deformity, and acetabular retroversion have a mean PI of 48.89° ± 11.81°, 38.30° ± 7.56°, and 44.93° ± 11.32°, respectively. All had a significantly lower PI than the historical control (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that patients presenting with FAI may have a lower PI than the general population. The clinical significance of a 5.7° difference in PI remains unknown.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Imaging evaluation of the hip after arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement

Arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is increasingly frequently performed. Initial reports were that complications were very low, but as experience has increased, a number of long-term complications, in addition to factors related to poor clinical outcomes, have been identified. This review describes the normal and abnormal postoperative imaging appearance of the hip after arthroscopy for FAI. Abnormalities discussed include incomplete resection or over-resection of the impingement lesion, heterotopic ossification, cartilage damage, chondrolysis, instability and dislocation, recurrent labral tear, adhesions, psoas atrophy, infection, and avascular necrosis.

Intra-Articular Injections in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement: a Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Cross-over Study

We evaluated and compared the effectiveness of intra-articular injection of hip joint using hyaluronic acid and steroid in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Thirty patients with FAI clinically and radiologically were enrolled and underwent hip injection using steroid (TA) or hyaluronic acid (HA) at 0-weeks with cross-over injection at 2-weeks in patients without clinical response of decrease of pain intensity less than 2-point. Patients were followed up to 12-weeks for pain intensity (Numeric rating scale, NRS: 0-10), hip disability score (HOOS), oral medication and adverse events. In 17 patients without cross-over, HOOS at 2-weeks was improved significantly in patients with HA injection (mean increase of HOOS = 13.8 with HA vs. -2.2 with TA, P = 0.031) without difference of NRS (P = 0.943). In 13 patients with cross-over, NRS was significantly improved at 2-weeks with first TA injection (mean decrease of NRS= 1.7 with first TA vs. 0.3 with first HA, P = 0.036), without difference of HOOS (P = 0.431). At 4-weeks, NRS and HOOS were significantly different according to injection drugs (NRS: 0.9 with TA first and HA later vs. 2.7 with HA first and TA later, P = 0.001; mean increase of HOOS: 5.3 with TA first and HA later vs. 10.2 with HA first and TA later, P = 0.032). Intra-articular hip injection may be effective in FAI, with faster effect of pain improvement by TA and more delayed effect of function improvement by HA.

The Star Excursion Balance Test: Criterion and divergent validity on patients with femoral acetabular impingement

BACKGROUND

A valid functional test, evaluating dynamic balance control, might be valuable clinic tool for evaluation of treatment outcome on patients with femoral acetabular impingement (FAI).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate criterion and divergent validity of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) on patients with bilateral FAI- changes, with unilateral clinical symptoms.

METHOD

In this cross sectional correlational and comparative study fifteen patients with bilateral FAI with unilateral symptoms and 15 controls participated. Criterion validity was determined by analysing agreement between SEBT and The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), The Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS), pain and leg strength on FAI patients. Divergent validity was determined by comparing SEBT on FAI patients with controls and by comparing SEBT on patient's symptomatic and asymptomatic hips.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

SEBT posterolateral and posteromedial direction had high criterion validity in relation to HAGOS subscale pain intensity and symptoms (r^s = 0.75, p = 0.001, respectively r^s = 0.70, p = 0.004). Criterion validity was low in relation to HAGOS subscales sports, recreation, participation in physical activity and quality of life. SEBT in the posterolateral and posteromedial direction had good divergent validity (p = 0.006, respectively p = 0.001) and in the posterolateral direction SEBT could differentiate between patient's symptomatic and asymptomatic hip (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

SEBT in posterolateral and posteromedial direction has good criterion validity in relation to pain and other symptoms. In the posterolateral and posteromedial direction SEBT also had divergent validity. Clinically it is recommended to combine SEBT in the posterolateral and posteromedial direction with other measurements on patients with FAI.

Extra-articular hip impingement due to heterotopic ossification formation at the anterior inferior iliac spine following previous pelvic external fixation

Femoroacetabular impingements (FAIs), specifically cam type and pincer type, continue to be accepted as causes of intra-articular hip pathology and sources of hip pain. Reports of other causes of hip impingement including extra-articular causes have surfaced recently. One structure of importance is the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) due to its inconsistent bony morphology and the pull of the rectus femoris muscle putting it at risk for an avulsion fracture. Under certain circumstances, open surgical excision of exostosis formation after an avulsion fracture of the AIIS has been used. The case below represents a clinical scenario in which a medically unstable and multiply injured trauma patient had an external pelvic fixator placed as part of the treatment plan for an unstable pelvic injury. Following this pelvic external fixation treatment, the patient went on to develop clinically significant heterotopic bone formation at the AIIS pin site with extra-articular hip impingement syndrome.

The Hip in Ice Hockey: A Current Concepts Review

Ice hockey is a fast, physical sport with unique associated biomechanical demands often placing the hip in forced and repetitive supraphysiological ranges of motion. Ice hockey players commonly endure and are sidelined by nebulous groin injury or hip pain. Underlying causes can be chronic or acute and extra-articular, intra-articular, or "hip-mimicking." This article serves to review common hip-related injuries in ice hockey. For each, we define the particular condition; comment on risk factors and preventive strategies; discuss key historical, physical examination, and imaging findings; and finally, suggest nonoperative and/or operative treatment plans.

Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for adolescent patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in relation to a control group of adult patients treated arthroscopically for FAI.

METHODS

All patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were assessed with a modified Harris Hip Score preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months. Inclusion criteria were all patients less than 18 years of age who underwent arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic FAI and had achieved minimum 1-year follow-up. These cases were gathered over an 8-year period.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 122 consecutive hips (108 patients), and the control group consisted of 122 hips. Follow-up averaged 30 months (range 12 to 60 months). For the study group, the average age was 16 years, with 55 males and 65 females; control group average age was 36 years, with 71 males and 51 females. In the study group, the average scores were preoperative 68.3 and postoperative 93.6, with a 25.4-point improvement. The duration of symptoms averaged 16.6 months, and 95.9% participated in athletic activities. The study group included 36 cam, 17 pincer, and 69 combined lesions. One hundred eleven labral tears underwent 85 refixations and 26 debridements; there were 101 acetabular chondral lesions (51 grade 3 or 4), with 4 microfractures and 3 femoral chondral lesions. Among the control group, the average scores were preoperative 63.3 and postoperative 85.5, with a 22.2-point improvement. The duration of symptoms averaged 31.2 months, and 61.5% participate in athletic activities. The control group consisted of 53 cam, 5 pincer, and 64 combined FAI lesions. One hundred three labral tears underwent 52 refixations and 51 debridements; there were 112 acetabular lesions (92 grade 3 or 4), with 20 microfractures and 17 femoral chondral lesions. The study group included 15 concomitant extra-articular procedures, and there were 5 in the control group. In the study group, 4 underwent repeat arthroscopy and 1 periacetabular osteotomy; in the control group, 1 patient underwent repeat arthroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable outcomes of arthroscopic management of FAI in adolescents are reported compared with an adult control group. The present data support that arthroscopy does have a role in the management of FAI in adolescents.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case control study.

Finite element prediction of contact pressures in cam-type femoroacetabular impingement with varied alpha angles

Three dimensional finite element models of cam-type FAI with alpha angles of 60°, 70°, 80°, and 90° were created to investigate the cartilage contact mechanics in daily activities. Intra-articular cartilage contact pressures during routine daily activities were assessed and cross-compared with a normal control hip. Alpha angles and hip range of motion were found to have a combined influence on the cartilage contact mechanics in hips with cam-type FAI, thereby resulting in abnormally high pressures and driving the cartilage damage. In particular, alpha angles of 80° or greater contribute to substantial pressure increase under certain types of daily activities.

MRI of lower extremity impingement and friction syndromes in children

Although generally more common in adults, lower extremity impingement and friction syndromes are also observed in the pediatric age group. Encompassing femoroacetabular impingement, iliopsoas impingement, subspine impingement, and ischiofemoral impingement around the hip; patellar tendon-lateral femoral condyle friction syndrome; iliotibial band friction syndrome; and medial synovial plica syndrome in the knee as well as talocalcaneal impingement on the hindfoot, these syndromes frequently cause pain and may mimic other, and occasionally more ominous, conditions in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal impingement and friction syndromes. Iliopsoas, subspine, and ischiofemoral impingements have been recently described, while some features of femoroacetabular and talocalcaneal impingements have recently gained increased relevance in the pediatric population. Fellowship-trained pediatric radiologists and radiologists with imaging workloads of exclusively or overwhelmingly pediatric patients (particularly those without a structured musculoskeletal imaging program as part of their imaging training) specifically need to be aware of these rare syndromes that mostly have quite characteristic imaging findings. This review highlights MRI features of lower extremity impingement and friction syndromes in children and provides updated pertinent pathophysiologic and clinical data.

Does Femoroacetabular Impingement Contribute to the Development of Hip Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been linked to specific patterns of cartilage damage. The goal of this systematic review is to answer the following questions: (1) Does FAI contribute to the development and progression of hip osteoarthritis (OA)? (2) If FAI does contribute to the development and progression of hip OA, does CAM-type or pincer-type impingement play a greater role? A search of the electronic databases, MEDLINE and EMBASE, was performed to identify relevant studies performed between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2015 that link the pathophysiology of OA to FAI. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed by 2 reviewers using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria. An intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% confidence intervals was used to determine agreement between reviewers on quality scores. Overall 35 studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. Certain morphologic features of CAM-type FAI, particularly elevated alpha angle, do seem to predispose select patients to radiographic progression of hip OA. In comparison with pincer-type impingement, the association between CAM-type impingement and hip OA is better understood. Long-term surgical outcome studies will further delineate the role of FAI in the development and progression of hip OA.

Arthroscopic Femoral Osteochondroplasty for Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement: The Trough Technique

Arthroscopic osteochondroplasty has become the most common treatment for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. However, gauging the appropriate depth and location of the femoral osteochondroplasty remains challenging, given the parallax observed from using a 70° arthroscope across multiple viewing perspectives. Consequently, reliable techniques must use a combination of arthroscopic and fluoroscopic checks and balances to assess the femoral head-neck junction to help guide bony resection. We have developed a technique for osteochondroplasty that has made the process more efficient and reliable in our hands. It involves creating a trough at the apex of the osteochondroplasty and then contouring the proximal and distal regions to re-create normal proximal femoral geometry. This article details our technique for femoral osteochondroplasty, which can be performed alone for isolated cam impingement or in concert with other intra- and extra-articular procedures to address associated hip pathology.

Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement using controlled hip dislocation after occurrence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Objective

To present our experience and preliminary results from using controlled hip dislocation to treat cam-like femoroacetabular impingement, in teenagers and young adults with sequelae of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis on 15 patients who were treated in a tertiary-level hospital between 2011 and 2013. The following data were collected for analysis from these patients’ files: demographic data, surgical procedure reports, joint mobility evaluations, patients’ perceptions regarding clinical improvement and whether they would choose to undergo the operation again, previous hip surgery and complications. The exclusion criteria were: follow-up shorter than six months, the presence of any other hip disease, osteotomy of the proximal femur performed at the same time as the osteochondroplasty and incomplete medical files with regard to the information needed for the present study.

Results

Fifteen patients (17 hips) who underwent osteochondroplasty to treat femoroacetabular impingement were evaluated. Nine of them were women, the mean age was 18 years old and the minimum follow-up was two years. Two patients underwent osteochondroplasty bilaterally; eight patients were operated on the left side and five on the right side. In 14 cases, the greater trochanter was lowered (relative lengthening of the neck) in association with the osteochondroplasty. For 13 patients, their previous surgery consisted of fixation of an occurrence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis; for six patients (eight hips), flexor osteotomy was performed previously; and for one patient, hip arthroscopy was performed previously. Fourteen patients presented improvement of mobility and hip pain relief, in comparison with before the operation, and they said that they would undergo the operation again. Two complications were observed: one of loosening of the fixation of the greater trochanter and one of heterotopic ossification.

Conclusion

The preliminary results from this study suggest that osteochondroplasty through controlled surgical hip dislocation is a good option for treating femoroacetabular impingement. Through this method, the patients reported achieving improvement of joint mobility and hip pain, with few complications.

Is early treatment of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement the key to avoiding associated full thickness isolated chondral defects?

PURPOSE

Hip arthroscopy is a safe and reproducible method for treating femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and has evolved greatly in recent years. But little is known about the influences on the outcome after surgery. The aims of the current study were to elucidate (1) which parameters can be used as a marker for the presence of chondral and labral lesions, (2) the postoperative clinical outcome, and (3) at which time after surgery recovery occurs.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed with 177 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy because of cam-type FAI. The patients were examined preoperatively as well as 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively, and their condition was rated according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of independent factors such as "patient age," "pain duration before surgery" on the clinical outcome, and the appearance of chondral or labral defects.

RESULTS

The NAHS and WOMAC scores showed a significant enhancement 6 weeks after surgery. Only the NAHS showed a further improvement after 6 months. A positive correlation with the dependent variable "chondral lesion" was evaluated for the independent variables "pain duration before surgery," "preoperative NAHS," and "labrum lesion". Using ROC analysis, the optimal cutoff value of "pain duration before surgery" as a predictor was 9.5 months, for the NAHS 42.5 points. For the dependent variable, "6-month postoperative NAHS" significant correlations for the independent variables "age" and "pain duration before surgery" were revealed with a cutoff value of 55.5 years, respectively, 23.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded from the results that the date of surgery is relevant for the appearance of chondral defects. Patient age is a further relevant factor for clinical outcome. Recovery after hip arthroscopy takes place mainly in the first 6 weeks after surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level III.

Simultaneous Versus Staged Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patients undergoing simultaneous versus staged bilateral hip arthroscopy for bilateral symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2013, a total of 1,800 hip arthroscopy cases were retrospectively reviewed for cases of simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy. All patients with minimum 1-year follow-up were included. This group was matched 1:2 for age, sex, and alpha angle, to a control group of patients who underwent staged, bilateral procedures. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) were obtained preoperatively at 6 months and 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients (162 hips) were identified who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Twelve patients (24 hips) who underwent simultaneous bilateral arthroscopy with minimum 1-year follow-up were compared with a matched cohort of 24 patients (48 hips) who underwent staged bilateral procedures. Mean preoperative alpha angle was 65.3° ± 9.6° in the simultaneous group and 65.9° ± 11.2° in the staged group (P = .6). At a mean follow-up of 17.8 months (range, 12 to 33 months), there were comparable improvements in simultaneous versus staged patient-reported outcome scores (mHHS 90.8 ± 11 v 88.9 ± 12.5, P = .662; HOS-ADL 97.3 ± 3.8 v 92.6 ± 10.3, P = .057; HOS-SSS 93.3 ± 10.2 v 86.5 ± 16.6, P = .203). The mean single anesthetic traction time was 90.8 ± 21.9 minutes (sum of both hips) in the simultaneous group, compared with a combined 2-anesthetic traction time of 85.7 ± 27.2 minutes in the staged group (P = .579). There were no traction-related complications in either group. No patients in the simultaneous group required revision surgery, whereas 1 patient in the staged group required lysis of adhesions at 24 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In a small sample, simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy is shown to be safe and effective, resulting in similar improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 1-year follow-up compared with staged bilateral procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control study.

Biological Therapies for Cartilage Lesions in the Hip: A New Horizon

Treatment of hip cartilage disease is challenging, and there is no clear algorithm to address this entity. Biomarkers are arising as promising diagnostic tools because they could play a role in the early assessment of the prearthritic joint and as a prognostic factor before and after treatment. The potential effect of biomarkers may be used to categorize individuals at risk of evolving to severe osteoarthritis, to develop new measures for clinical progression of the disease, and to develop new treatment options for the prevention of osteoarthritis progression. A trend toward a less invasive biological treatment will usher in a new treatment era. With the growth of surgical skills in hip arthroscopy, cartilage restoration techniques are evolving in a fast and exponential manner. Biological and surgical treatments have been proposed to treat these pathologies. Biological treatments include platelet-rich plasma, stem cells or bone marrow aspirate concentration, hyaluronic acid, losartan, and fish oil. Surgical treatments include microfracture alone or augmented, direct repair, autologous chondrocyte implantation, matrix-induced chondrocyte implantation, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis, mosaicplasty, osteochondral allograft transplantation, and stem cells implanted in matrix (stem cells in membranes/expanded stem cells). This article reviews new evidence available on treatment options for chondral lesions and early osteoarthritis of the hip. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e715-e723.].

Management of Hip Pain in Young Adults

The diagnosis and treatment of hip pain in the young adult remains a challenge. Recently, understanding of a few specific hip conditions has improved; most notably femoroacetabular impingement. The differential diagnosis of hip pain has also expanded significantly, offering new challenges and opportunities. Along with the diagnostic dilemma, optimal treatment strategies for many conditions have yet to be proven and are current areas of important inquiry. This article reviews the current research on hip pain in the young adult and presents an overview of diagnostic and management strategies.

Intraoperative Evaluation of Acetabular Morphology in Hip Arthroscopy Comparing Standard Radiography Versus Fluoroscopy: A Cadaver Study

PURPOSE

To compare quantitative measurements of acetabular morphology obtained using intraoperative fluoroscopy, to standardized anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs.

METHODS

Ten dried human pelvis specimens (20 hips) were imaged using hip-centered fluoroscopy and standardized AP pelvis radiographs. Each hip was evaluated for acetabular version and coverage, including lateral center edge (LCE) angle, acetabular index (AI), total anterior and posterior coverage, and crossover sign.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences existed between the mean LCE angle (fluoroscopy 36.5° ± 8.3° v plain films 36.1° ± 7.9°, P = .59), acetabular index (0.6° ± 8.6° v 0.2° ± 7.1°, P = .61), ACM angle (44.0° ± 2.6° v 44.1° ± 3.8°, P = .89), Sharp's angle (31.8° ± 5.7° v 32.4° ± 3.9°, P = .44), and the total femoral coverage (80.9% ± 6.4% v 80.7% ± 7.5%, P = .83). Conversely, total anterior coverage (30.7% ± 8.5% v 33.3% ± 8.2%, P < .0001) appeared significantly decreased and the total posterior coverage (54.1% ± 6.9% v 49.1% ± 7.8%, P < .0001) appeared significantly increased in fluoroscopy compared with plain film radiographs. Fluoroscopy also failed to identify the presence of a crossover sign in 30% and underestimated the retroversion index (9% ± 16%, v 13% ± 16%, P = .016).

CONCLUSIONS

The values for the LCE angle and AI determined by hip-centered fluoroscopy did not differ from those obtained by standardized AP plain film radiography. However, fluoroscopy leads to a more anteverted projection of the acetabulum with significantly decreased total anterior coverage, significantly increased total posterior coverage, and underestimated signs of retroversion compared with standardized AP pelvis radiography.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study shows reliable LCE and AI angles but significant differences in the projected anteversion of the acetabulum between standardized AP pelvis radiography and hip-centered fluoroscopy.

Outcomes for Hip Arthroscopy According to Sex and Age: A Comparative Matched-Group Analysis

BACKGROUND

Factors such as age and sex are postulated to play a role in outcomes following arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement; however, to our knowledge, no data currently delineate outcomes on the basis of these factors. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement according to sex and age.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement by a single fellowship-trained surgeon were prospectively analyzed, with 25 patients in each of the following groups: female patients younger than 30 years of age, female patients 30 to 45 years of age, female patients older than 45 years of age, male patients younger than 30 years of age, male patients 30 to 45 years of age, and male patients older than 45 years of age. The primary outcomes included the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-Sport), the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and clinical improvement at the time of follow-up.

RESULTS

At a minimum 2-year follow-up, all groups demonstrated significant improvements in the HOS-ADL, the HOS-Sport, and the mHHS (p < 0.0001). Female patients older than 45 years of age scored significantly worse on the HOS-ADL, HOS-Sport, and mHHS compared with female patients younger than 30 years of age (p < 0.0001 for all) and female patients 30 to 45 years of age (p < 0.017 for all). Male patients older than 45 years of age scored significantly worse on all outcomes compared with male patients younger than 30 years of age (p ≤ 0.011 for all) and male patients 30 to 45 years of age (p ≤ 0.021 for all). Incorporating both sexes, patients older than 45 years of age scored significantly worse on all outcomes compared with patients younger than 30 years of age (p < 0.0001 for all) and patients 30 to 45 years of age (p ≤ 0.001 for all). Female patients older than 45 years of age had significantly reduced radiographic preoperative joint space width compared with the two other female groups and the male groups who were 45 years of age or younger (p < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Although all patients had significant improvements in all outcomes following hip arthroscopy, patients older than 45 years of age performed worse than younger patients, with female patients older than 45 years of age demonstrating the lowest outcome scores. In the age group of 45 years or younger, female patients performed as well as male patients in terms of hip clinical outcome scores. Overall, care must be individualized to optimize outcomes following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.