Hip arthroscopy improves symptoms associated with FAI in selected adolescent athletes

The Effects of Arthroscopic Labral Repair on Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Setting of Periacetabular Osteotomy

BACKGROUND

It is currently unknown whether the addition of arthroscopic labral repair in the setting of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) provides any clinical benefit.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic labral repair concomitantly with PAO versus patients who underwent PAO alone. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between the cohorts.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients undergoing PAO from a single-center prospective hip preservation registry were eligible for this study if they completed pre- and postoperative PROMs (minimum, 1 year). PROMs were collected at 1 year, 2 years, and latest follow-up at 6.05 years for PAO group and 4.2 years for scope/PAO group. The study group consisted of 53 patients who underwent arthroscopic labral repair at the time of their PAO, and the comparison group consisted of 170 patients who underwent PAO alone. A subset of the PAO group who had radiologic evidence of a detached labral tear (n = 33) was also compared with the rest of the PAO-alone group. PROMs were compared at every time point for both groups as well as the subset of patients who underwent PAO alone despite a labral tear.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up of all patients was 2 years (range, 1-6 years). Overall, 85.2% of the PAO group and 85.7% of the scope/PAO group met the minimal clinically important difference for either the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) or the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) at the most recent follow-up. There was no difference in improvement between groups (mHHS, P = .670; iHOT-33, P = .944). Patients who had a radiologically diagnosed detached labral tear and underwent PAO alone had no difference in outcomes when compared with the rest of the PAO cohort (mHHS, P = .981; iHOT-33, P = .909).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant benefit measured by PROMs at follow-up for concomitant arthroscopic labral repair in the setting of PAO.

Correlation of femoral version measurements between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies in patients presenting with a femoroacetabular impingement-related complaint

Computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for femoral version measurement. However, recent data have shown magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as another modality to measure femoral version. This study aimed to correlate MRI and CT femoral version measurements in patients presenting with a femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)-related complaint. Patients (18-35 years old) who presented to the hip preservation clinic and radiology department with a suspected FAI diagnosis from 26 December 2018 to 4 March 2020 were included. All patients had a CT and MRI of the hip, with images including both hips and knees, as per our institution's protocol for possible hip preservation surgery. Patients were excluded if they were missing views of the knees, or if they had a history or imaging appearance of any condition affecting femoral version at the femoral head (e.g. slipped capital femoral epiphysis). Femoral version was measured by three reviewers. Fifty-eight patients were included, and 36 (62%) were female. Femoral version averaged 6.1° ± 11.8° on CT and 6.5° ± 10.8° on MRI. A strong positive correlation was reported between the two imaging modalities (r: 0.81; P < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability among the three reviewers was excellent and statistically significant for measurements on both MRI [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.95; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.99; P < 0.001] and CT (ICC: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99; P < 0.001). Our finding suggests that MRI is a sufficient method for measuring femoral version to determine disease etiology and treatment progression. To avoid exposing patients to ionizing radiation, physicians should not obtain CT scans to evaluate femoral version.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to analyze the effect of arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI) in adolescents and factors that may influence the revision rate.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched from their earliest records to May 2021.

PATIENTS

Adolescents who underwent primary arthroscopic treatment for FAI.

INTERVENTIONS

Hip arthroscopic treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), alpha angle, revision rates, and the rate of complications.

RESULTS

A total of 832 hips in 753 patients were included in this study. All PROs improved significantly. The modified Harris Hip Score pooled mean difference was 24.99 (95% CI, 22.88-27.10, P < 0.0001, I2 = 19.9%), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Sports-Specific Subscale was 35.88 (95% CI, 33.07-38.68, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), HOS-Activities of Daily Living was 23.53 (95% CI, 21.21-25.85, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), and the Nonarthritic Hip Score was 22.34 (95% CI, 18.40-26.28, P < 0.0001, I2 = 40.9%). The visual analog scale for pain decreased by 40.39 (44.39-36.40, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). The alpha angle decreased by 22.0 degrees from 62.9 degrees to 40.9 degrees after arthroscopic surgery. The rate of complication and revision surgery was 1.2% (10/832) and 3.4% (28/832), respectively, with high postoperative patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

All PROs significantly improved after surgery, with a low rate of complications and reoperation. High postoperative patient satisfaction was also reported.

Criteria for Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common pathology in athletes that often requires operative management in the form of hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the rates and level of return to play (RTP) and the criteria used for RTP after hip arthroscopy for FAI in athletes.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature, based on the PRISMA guidelines, was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Studies reporting outcomes after the use of hip arthroscopy for FAI were included. Outcomes analyzed were RTP rate, RTP level, and criteria used for RTP. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Our review found 130 studies, which included 14,069 patients (14,517 hips) and had a mean methodological quality of evidence (MQOE) of 40.4 (range, 5-67). The majority of patients were female (53.7%), the mean patient age was 30.4 years (range, 15-47 years), and the mean follow-up was 29.7 months (range, 6-75 months). A total of 81 studies reported RTP rates, with an overall RTP rate of 85.4% over a mean period of 6.6 months. Additionally, 49 studies reported the rate of RTP at preinjury level as 72.6%. Specific RTP criteria were reported in 97 studies (77.2%), with time being the most commonly reported item, which was reported in 80 studies (69.2%). A total of 45 studies (57.9%) advised RTP at 3 to 6 months after hip arthroscopy.

CONCLUSION

The overall rate of reported RTP was high after hip arthroscopy for FAI. However, more than one-fourth of athletes who returned to sports did not return at their preinjury level. Development of validated rehabilitation criteria for safe return to sports after hip arthroscopy for FAI could potentially improve clinical outcomes while also increasing rates of RTP at preinjury levels.

Favorable Patient-Reported Outcomes and High Return to Sport Rates Following Hip Arthroscopy in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the existing literature surrounding hip arthroscopy in the adolescent athlete population to determine patient-reported outcomes, return to sport rates, complications, and reoperations associated with this intervention.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, and Embase according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they were published in English with greater than 2 participants, contained patients aged 10-19 years old or classified as "high school athletes" or "middle school athletes," and reported postoperative patient-reported outcomes and return to sport. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and their associated P values were recorded. Finally, return-to-sport outcomes and sports played were also extracted from the included studies. Weighted kappa was used to assess inter-reviewer agreement.

RESULTS

Eleven studies included in the final analysis, resulting in 344 patients and 408 hips were analyzed by this review. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were reported in all studies. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was used in all but 1 study. Six of the 11 studies reported a 100% return-to-sport rate, for a total of 98/98 athletes returning to sport. Fabricant et al. did note that a majority of athletes who returned to sport were able to do so at a subjective "nearly normal" level. Only 4 of the studies reported complications, with the majority being transient neuropraxias.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent athletes who undergo hip arthroscopy demonstrate favorable postoperative patient-reported outcome scores, high rates of return to sport, and an overall low complication rate. The heterogeneity in both surgical methodology and outcome measures used for evaluation and treatment leads to continued ambiguity with regard to the optimal method for managing adolescent athletes with hip pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V, systematic review of Level II-V studies.

Routine Capsular Closure With Hip Arthroscopic Surgery Results in Superior Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In hip arthroscopic surgery, capsulotomy is performed to improve visualization and allow instrumentation of the joint. Traditionally, the defect has been left unrepaired; however, increasing evidence suggests that this may contribute to persistent pain and iatrogenic capsular instability. Nevertheless, the clinical benefit of performing routine capsular repair remains controversial.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of routine capsular closure on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), hypothesizing that superior PROs would be observed with routine capsular closure.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The terms "hip,""arthroscopy,""capsule,""capsular,""repair," and "closure" were used to query Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), SPORTDiscus, and PubMed. Articles with PROs stratified by capsular management were included. Multivariate mixed-effects metaregression models were implemented with study-level random-effects and fixed-effects moderators for capsular closure versus no repair and after controlling for surgical indication and preoperative PROs. The effect of repair on both the postoperative score and the change in scores was evaluated via the Harris Hip Score (HHS)/modified HHS (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and HOS-Sport Specific Subscale (SSS), with a supplemental analysis of additional outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 432 initial articles, 36 were eligible for analysis, with results for 5132 hip arthroscopic procedures. The capsule was repaired in 3427 arthroscopic procedures and unrepaired in 1705. Capsular repair was associated with significantly higher postoperative HHS/mHHS (2.011; SE, 0.743 [95% CI, 0.554-3.467]; P = .007), HOS-ADL (3.635; SE, 0.873 [95% CI, 1.923-5.346]; P < .001), and HOS-SSS (4.137; SE, 1.205 [95% CI, 1.775-6.499]; P < .001) scores as well as significantly superior improvement on the HHS/mHHS (2.571; SE, 0.878 [95% CI, 0.849-4.292]; P = .003), HOS-ADL (3.315; SE, 1.131 [95% CI, 1.099-5.531]; P = .003), and HOS-SSS (3.605; SE, 1.689 [95% CI, 0.295-6.915]; P = .033).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis is the largest to date evaluating the effect of capsular closure on PROs and demonstrates significantly higher mean postoperative scores and significantly superior improvement with repair, while controlling for the effects of preoperative score and surgical indication. The true magnitude of the benefit of capsular repair may be clarified by large prospective randomized studies using PRO measures specifically targeted and validated for hip arthroscopic surgery/preservation.

Outcomes and Survivorship at a Median of 8.9 Years Following Hip Arthroscopy in Adolescents with Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Matched Comparative Study with Adults

BACKGROUND

Because of the unique theoretical surgical risks, including osteonecrosis, acute iatrogenic slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and epiphyseal injury, the optimal treatment strategy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in growing adolescents has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of primary arthroscopic treatment of FAI in growing adolescents with a matched adult group.

METHODS

Patients with FAI who underwent arthroscopic treatment with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. Patients with previous ipsilateral hip surgery, an Outerbridge grade of ≥3, a preoperative Tönnis grade of ≥2, or evidence of dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle of <25°) were excluded. Eligible patients who were ≤19 years old and whose proximal femoral physis had not yet closed were matched to adult (20 to 40-year-old) counterparts in a 1:1 ratio by sex, body mass index, and time of surgery. For the adolescents, cam resection was performed with a physeal-sparing approach. Outcome scores, including the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and HOS-Sports-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Of the 196 eligible adolescents, 157 (80%) were pair-matched to adult controls, with a median postoperative follow-up of 8.9 and 6.6 years, respectively. Fourteen (9%) of the adolescents required revision hip arthroscopy compared with 18 adults (11%) (p = 0.46). No patient in the adolescent group had conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA), while 3 in the adult group had a THA (p = 0.25). For adolescents without subsequent hip surgery, the median mHHS improved from 59 preoperatively to 96 postoperatively; the HOS-ADL, from 71 to 98; and the HOS-SSS, from 44 to 94 (p < 0.001), which were significantly higher postoperative scores than those of the matched adults (p < 0.05) despite similar or inferior baseline scores. No complications were found during the office visit or at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy performed with a physeal-sparing approach for FAI in growing adolescents is safe and effective and yields superior clinical outcomes compared with those in a matched adult group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

The Effect of Femoral and Acetabular Version on Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Torsional hip deformities are common among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. However, recent studies have suggested conflicting outcomes following arthroscopy in the setting of abnormal hip version. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the literature and determine the impact of femoral and acetabular version on patient-reported outcomes following primary arthroscopic hip surgery.

METHODS

This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Studies investigating femoral and acetabular version in primary hip arthroscopy with clinical outcomes were identified, and data were extracted in duplicate.

RESULTS

Overall, 11 studies met inclusion criteria and comprised 1,297 hips (726 femora and 571 acetabulae), with a mean patient age of 29.2 years (range, 14 to 74.7 years). In patients with acetabular retroversion, there was no significant difference, when compared with the normal acetabular version group, in the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores postoperatively. Among patients with femoral retroversion, in 2 of 3 studies, the authors reported no difference in mHHS postoperatively compared with patients with normal femoral version. In patients with high femoral anteversion, in 2 of 3 studies, the authors reported a significant difference in postoperative mHHS favoring patients with normal femoral version. Studies examining high femoral anteversion included patients with borderline hip dysplasia and patients who underwent concurrent psoas-lengthening procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the definition of the normal version of the hip varied within the literature, hip arthroscopy in patients with acetabular retroversion resulted in no difference in functional outcomes compared with patients with normal version. Postoperative functional outcomes in patients with femoral retroversion and high femoral anteversion were mixed, although the procedure was possibly less effective in high femoral anteversion combined with specific clinical scenarios. Further prospective studies based on standardized definitions and version analysis techniques would be useful in identifying the precise surgical indications for safe arthroscopic surgical procedures in patients with version abnormalities of the femur and acetabulum, particularly those with high femoral anteversion and retroversion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is highly prevalent in adolescent athletes. There has been an increasing trend for arthroscopic surgery for FAI, and the results of several clinical studies on outcome after arthroscopic surgery for FAI are available.

PURPOSE

To conduct a systematic review to investigate the role of arthroscopic management for FAI in adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In August 2020, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EMBASE were accessed. All clinical trials concerning the arthroscopic treatment for adolescents with FAI were identified. Only studies on patients aged less than 18 years at the time of surgery reporting data over a minimum follow-up of 12 months were considered.

RESULTS

Data from 406 adolescents (470 procedures; mean age at surgery, 15.9 years; mean follow-up, 30.4 months) with FAI were retrieved. At a mean of 28.0 months of follow-up, 94% of the adolescents had already returned to sport. All the scores of interest were improved at the final follow-up: visual analog scale (P = .01), modified Harris Hip Score (P < .0001), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (P = .03), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (P = .01), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (P < .0001), and Tegner score (P < .0001). Complications occurred in 1.1% (5/470) of procedures, and revision arthroscopy was performed in 4.7% (22/470) of procedures.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic surgery in adolescents with FAI achieves excellent outcomes and a high rate of return to sport, with rates of complication and revision surgery of 1% and 5%, respectively.

There is no definite consensus on the adequate radiographic correction in arthroscopic osteochondroplasty for femoroacetabular impingement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and define what is considered an adequate radiographic correction in arthroscopic osteochondroplasty for FAI and to secondarily assess how radiographic outcomes relate to patient reported outcomes and complications.

METHODS

The databases EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE were searched for relevant literature from database inception until January 2021. Studies were screened by two reviewers independently and in duplicate for studies reporting on post-operative radiographic outcomes in arthroscopic osteochondroplasty for FAI. Data on radiographic outcomes as well as data reporting functional outcomes and complications were recorded. A meta-analysis was used to combine the mean pre- and post-operative radiographic outcomes using a random effects model. A risk of bias assessment was performed for all included studies using the MINORS score.

RESULTS

The most commonly reported radiographic outcome was the alpha angle with a pooled mean post-operative angle of 44° (95% CI 41°-46°), and mean pre- to post-surgical difference of - 19° (- 22 to - 16, I² = 96%), followed by the LCEA with a pooled mean post-operative angle of 30° (95% CI 29-31) and mean difference after surgery of - 4° (- 6 to - 1, I² = 97%,). Eleven studies reported on the correlation between radiographic and clinical outcomes with no consistent consensus correlation found amongst the included studies. Similarly, six studies correlated radiographic outcomes with conversion to THA with no consistent consensus correlation found amongst the included studies.

CONCLUSION

Based on this review, the main conclusion is that there is no consensus definition on the optimal radiographic correction for FAI and there was no consistent correlation between radiographic correction and functional outcomes. However, based on the uniform improvement in functional outcomes, this review suggests a post-operative alpha angle target of 44° with a correction target of 19° and LCEA target of 30° with a correction target of 3°.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Benefits of a Specific and Supervised Rehabilitation Program in Femoroacetabular Impingement Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy: A Randomized Control Trial

(1) To assess the efficacy of a specific rehabilitation protocol for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), patients who underwent hip arthroscopy (HA) were compared with a control group. (2) Patients with symptomatic FAIS who were scheduled for HA were randomized either to a control group (n = 45, 66.6% men, 41.8 ± 12.4 years) following a general post-surgical treatment protocol or to an experimental group (n = 45, 71.2% men, 40.9 ± 7.6 years) following a specific rehabilitation protocol supervised by a physiotherapist. Range of motion (ROM), orthopedic tests and pain were assessed immediately before surgery and at 4 and 14 weeks after surgery. The hip functional status was assessed by the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) before surgery and at the end of follow-up. (3) At 14 weeks after surgery and compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a lower percentage of positives for hip provocation tests (15.6% vs. 46.6% on Faber test; 15.6% vs. 77.8% on Fadir test; 2.2% vs. 20% on Ober test, experimental vs. control group, p < 0.001), a greater improvement in mHHS (27.2 vs. 10.7 points, p < 0.001) and higher ROM for all the movements evaluated: flexion (99.6 ± 12.2 vs. 89.6 ± 4.5, p < 0.001), extension (20.6 ± 5.8 vs. 13.3 ± 2.6, p < 0.001), adduction (30.6 ± 5.7 vs. 23.4 ± 8.4, p < 0.001), abduction (43.4 ± 10.7 vs. 32.8 ± 8.4, p < 0.001) and both internal (28.2 ± 8.5 vs. 18.7 ± 6.1, p < 0.001) and external hip rotation (36.8 ± 9.3 vs. 27.4 ± 5.6. p < 0.001). The pain decreased after surgery for both groups, although the reduction was greater in the experimental group at the end of intervention (13.8 ± 16.1 vs. 34.9 ± 16.3 mm, experimental vs. control group, p < 0.001). (4) The specific and supervised rehabilitation program in patients with FAIS undergoing HA showed better benefits at 14 weeks of treatment than the benefits achieved by a care protocol in terms of pain reduction and recovery of hip motion.

Clinical presentation, imaging findings, and arthroscopic features in skeletally immature and mature adolescent hip patients: a comparative double-cohort retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in clinical presentation and extent of surgery required based on skeletal maturity between two cohorts of adolescent hip arthroscopy patients. We hypothesized that skeletal immaturity would be associated with a lower frequency of pincer impingement and a decreased need for surgical acetabuloplasty. A database of 1481 hip arthroscopies performed by a single orthopaedic surgeon between 2008 and 2016 was queried. Patients ≤18 years of age with femoroacetabular impingement were divided into two groups based on Risser score: Risser 1-4 (skeletally immature) or Risser 5 (skeletally mature). Groups were compared with respect to presentation, diagnosis, and arthroscopic procedures performed. Eighty-eight skeletally immature and 49 skeletally mature patients were included. Mixed impingement was more common in skeletally mature patients than immature (67.3% vs. 48.9%, P = 0.037). Skeletal maturity was associated with a significantly increased probability of undergoing acetabuloplasty (odds ratio = 4.6, 95% confidence interval 1.4-15.5; P = 0.014). Extent of chondral degeneration was similar between groups. Our findings support the hypothesis that skeletally immature hips undergo acetabuloplasty less frequently and demonstrate similar chondromalacia compared with a skeletally mature cohort. These results suggest that arthroscopic treatment for impingement-associated hip pain may be a reasonable option to consider for symptomatic skeletally immature patients who have completed a structured course of nonoperative treatment. Additional longitudinal outcomes data are needed to clarify the natural history of impingement-associated hip pain in younger populations and whether hip arthroscopy delays progression of osteoarthritis in these patients.

Femoroacetabular impingement surgery leads to early pain relief but minimal functional gains past 6 months: experience from the FIRST trial

PURPOSE

To understand the early outcomes after hip arthroscopy and better define the trajectory of improvement in a prospective cohort of patients who have undergone hip arthroscopic osteochondroplasty for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the Femoroacetabular Impingement RandomiSed controlled Trial (FIRST) on the 108 study patients who underwent osteochondroplasty, with or without labral repair. Study outcomes included patient-reported pain (using a 100-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)), hip function (using the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12)), and health-related quality of life (using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D)) measured at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-operatively.

RESULTS

There was a decrease in mean post-operative pain VAS scores from baseline. The first 2 weeks post-operative yielded the greatest reduction in pain with a mean (SD) VAS score of 37.8 (23.4), with score stabilization between 6 months (26.9 (26.9)) and 12 months (25.3 (27.6)). Mean HOS (activities of daily living) scores improved from baseline (59.7 (16.2)) starting at 6 weeks post-operative (64.1 (19.1)). The HOS (Sports) showed no improvement from baseline (41.2 (20.4)) until 3 months (49.1 (27.9)), and continued to improve at 6 months (64.1 (28.7)) and 12 months (68.6 (30.5)). The iHOT-12 scores showed functional improvement from baseline (31.3 (18.8)), as early as 6 weeks (44.9 (22.4)) up to and including 12 months (67.1 (29.7)). EQ-5D index scores showed modest steady improvement from 6 weeks to 12 months post-operative, while the EQ-5D VAS component similarly showed modest and steady improvements from 3 months onward.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study highlight that hip arthroscopic osteochondroplasty with or without labral repair for FAI leads to early pain relief. While all scores improved from baseline, functional gains appear to plateau from 6 months onwards. These data can be used to inform decision-making about timelines for rehabilitation and return to sport, a knowledge gap in the current FAI literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in Adolescents Provides Clinically Significant Outcome Benefit at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To report the rates of achieving clinically significant outcomes as defined by the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), or substantial clinical benefit (SCB) in adolescent patients and the rates of clinical failure 5 years after undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

Data from consecutive adolescent patients (defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics as age 11 to 21 years) who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with routine capsular closure for the treatment of FAIS between January 2012 and January 2015 by a single, fellowship-trained surgeon was collected. Baseline data, clinical outcomes including Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living, HOS-Sports Subscale, modified Harris hip score, international Hip Outcome Tool, and clinical failure rates were recorded at 5 years after operative. Clinical failure was defined by revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Clinically significant outcomes was defined as achieving MCID, PASS, or SCB on at least 1 hip-specific outcome measure.

RESULTS

Of the 139 eligible patients, a total of 85 (60.4%) patients (85 hips) were included in the final analysis, with an age and body mass index average of 17.6 ± 2.5 years (range 13-21) and 22.3 ± 3.1 kg/m², respectively. The majority of the patients were female (80.6%) and participated in sports (76.2%). There was statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative score averages across every reported outcome (P < .001). At 5 years, 88.4%, 67.6%, and 64.9% reached at least 1 threshold for achieving MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively, whereas 89.2% achieved at least one of the meaningful outcome thresholds. Last, 2 patients (2.4%) failed clinically, with both undergoing revision (2.4%) because of continued pain. There were no conversions to total hip arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that a large majority (89.2%) of adolescent patients undergoing primary arthroscopic treatment for symptomatic FAIS achieved meaningful clinically significant outcomes. Furthermore, only 2.4% of patients failed clinically, requiring revision hip arthroscopy because of continued pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents: 10-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated hip arthroscopy to be an effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in individuals 18 years of age and older. Long-term outcome data in the adolescent population, however, are limited.

PURPOSE

To report 10-year outcomes after hip arthroscopy in adolescents with symptomatic FAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data were analyzed on adolescent patients younger than 18 years of age who had hip arthroscopy between March 2005 and 2009 with a minimum 10-year follow-up. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with symptomatic FAI and an associated labral tear that was treated with repair. Patients were excluded if they had previous hip procedures, acetabular dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle, <20°), avascular necrosis, previous hip fracture or dislocation, or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, or refused to participate. The primary patient-reported outcome measure was the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale. In addition, the HOS-Sport, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and patient satisfaction were collected. Failure was defined as patients having to undergo revision arthroscopy.

RESULTS

There were 60 patients (70 hips) who met inclusion criteria and had a 10-year follow-up. The mean age of the cohort was 16 ± 1.2 years, with 21 male and 49 female hips. Seven hips (10%) required revision hip arthroscopy. All revisions occurred in female patients and were associated with global laxity as well as longer duration of symptoms before time of surgery. At a mean follow-up of 12 years (range, 10-14 years), patients who did not undergo revision surgery had significant improvements from preoperatively to postoperatively in HOS-ADL (from 64 to 92; P < .01), HOS-Sport (from 40 to 86; P < .01), mHHS (from 56 to 88; P < .01), and SF-12 Physical Component Summary (from 41 to 54; P < .01). The median patient satisfaction was 10 out of 10 (very satisfied).

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy for FAI with labral repair resulted in excellent patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. There was a 10% rate of revision surgery, which was associated with global laxity and longer duration of symptoms before surgery, which should be considered in patient selection.

Insurance Coverage Criteria for Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery: Are They Responding to Improving Evidence?

BACKGROUND

With the rapidly growing body of FAI literature in the last decade, improved evidence exists to support FAI surgery. However, it remains unclear how well third-party insurance company's FAI policies have adapted over time to improved evidence. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the 2020 FAI surgery criteria of four major insurance companies utilizing a multi-center cohort of FAI patients undergoing surgery to identify rates and causes of ineligibility, and (2) to compare the rates of approval based on changes in policy from 2012 to 2020.

METHODS

Four major insurance companies' coverage policies with specific criteria for the surgical treatment of FAI were applied to this population at two time points (2012 and 2020). The policies listed various combinations of age, symptom duration, radiographic signs of FAI, radiographic signs of osteoarthritis, and physical exam findings. A prospective, multi-center cohort of 712 patients (including 45.5% males and 54.5% females with a mean age of 28.7 years) undergoing surgical treatment of FAI was utilized for analysis of insurance policies.

RESULTS

Based on 2020 FAI policies across 4 insurers, 22.5% (range 18.4-28.4%) of FAI patients would be deemed ineligible. In 2012, the average percent exclusion of the four companies was 23.7%. The most likely reason to be excluded was either failure to meet imaging criteria (alpha angle >50° or positive cross-over sign) [13%, n=94]) or the absence of an impingement sign (9%, n=65). Other causes of exclusion were <6-month symptom duration (6%, n=44), age <15 years (4%, n=28), or skeletally immaturity (3%, n=23).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that despite a six-year span of growing literature and updated policies, nearly 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with FAI would still potentially be denied coverage. This highlights a continued divide between surgeons and insurance companies. There is a major need for improved consensus regarding the diagnosis of FAI and appropriate indications for surgical intervention.Level of Evidence: IV.

Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Adolescents With a Subanalysis on Return to Sport: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

There is a plethora of literature on outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery in the adult population; however, outcomes in the adolescent population have not been as widely reported. Additionally, as adolescents represent a very active population, it is imperative to understand their athletic activity and return to sport after hip arthroscopic surgery.

PURPOSE

To analyze patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after hip arthroscopic surgery in adolescents (aged 10-19 years) and present a return-to-sport analysis in the athletic adolescent subgroup.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to identify articles that reported PROs after hip arthroscopic surgery in adolescents. The standardized mean difference was calculated to compare the effect size of hip arthroscopic surgery on various PROs. For the athletic subgroup, a return-to-sport summary was also provided.

RESULTS

Ten studies, with 618 adolescent hips and a collective study period of December 2004 to February 2015, were included in this systematic review. Across all studies, the mean age was 15.8 years (range, 11.0-19.9 years), and female patients composed approximately 56.7% of the entire cohort. The mean follow-up was 34.5 months (range, 12-120 months). The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was reported in 9 studies, and at latest follow-up, scores were excellent in 4 studies (range, 90-95) and good in the remaining 5 studies (range, 82.1-89.6). All adolescents also showed significant improvement on the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), the HOS-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), the physical component of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12P), a visual analog scale for pain (VAS), and both versions of the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12 and iHOT-33) at latest follow-up (P < .05). Further, mean improvements reported in all studies surpassed reported values of the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state for the mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, and iHOT-33. Finally, the collective return-to-sport rate among athletic adolescents was 84.9%.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement, hip arthroscopic surgery can safely be performed in adolescents and leads to significant functional improvement. Furthermore, athletic adolescents return to sport at high levels after hip arthroscopic surgery.

Hip Arthroscopy Successfully Treats Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescent Athletes

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is increasingly prevalent among adolescent athletes. Abnormal contact forces across the hip and alterations in bony morphology characteristic of FAI may be especially detrimental in this group, given their young age and active lifestyle.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report the findings, outcomes, and return to sport percentage among adolescent athletes with FAI treated with hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients younger than 18 years who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI at a single institution was performed. All athletes who were attempting to return to sport and underwent hip arthroscopy were included. Patients with previous hip surgery and/or hip conditions were excluded. Arthroscopic procedures and an assessment of intra-articular findings were recorded. Patient-reported outcome measures were recorded at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, and included the modified Harris hip score, the nonarthritic hip score, hip outcome score-sports subscale, visual analogue scale for pain, and patient satisfaction. Return to sport percentage and ability levels were also noted.

RESULTS

There were 96 eligible cases of adolescent athletes treated with hip arthroscopy; 81 (84.4%) hips in 69 patients had 2-year follow-up. Running/track and field was the most common sport (25), followed by soccer (12), dance (10), baseball/softball (9), and basketball (6). There were 61 females and 20 males, whose average age was 15.9±1.2 y (range: 13.1 to 18.0 y). The most common procedures were labral repair (81.5%), iliopsoas fractional lengthening (72.8%), femoroplasty (69.1%), and acetabuloplasty (66.7%). Capsular repair or plication was performed in most patients (81.5%). Cartilage damage was more common on the acetabulum than the femur, with Outerbridge grade 2 or higher occurring in 23.5% and 4.9% of hips, respectively. Statistically significant improvements were seen in all patient-reported outcomes from preoperative to minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 84.0% of patients had returned to their sport at latest follow-up. There were 6 (7.4%) patients who underwent revision arthroscopy at a mean of 37.3 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic FAI in adolescent athletes can be successfully treated with hip arthroscopy, with a higher return to sport rate and low complications and reoperation rate at minimum 2-year follow-up.

Higher risk of cam regrowth in adolescents undergoing arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement correction: a retrospective comparison of 33 adolescent and 74 adults

Background and purpose - The current literature does not clarify the predictors of cam regrowth and poor clinical outcome following hip arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) correction surgery. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors of cam regrowth following arthroscopic FAI correction surgery in skeletally immature patients compared with skeletally mature patients.Patients and methods - 33 teenagers (36 hips as 4 underwent bilateral hip arthroscopies, average age 16.7 [SD 1.6] years, 21 boys [22 hips], 12 girls [14 hips]) undergoing arthroscopic FAI correction and 74 adult controls (74 hips, average age 41 [SD 12] years, 42 men [42 hips], 32 women [32 hips]) were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative radiographs were obtained, and cam regrowth was evaluated. Clinical characteristics, radiographic findings, arthroscopic findings, and procedures between skeletally immature (SI) and mature (SM) patients were compared. Average follow-up period was 28 months in the SI group and 24 months in the SM group.Results - Preoperatively, 27 of 36 hips were SI, having either a Risser sign grade ≤ 4 of iliac apophysis or open physes of the proximal femur. Cam regrowth was present in 4 of 27 SI hips. The number of cam regrowth cases was significantly higher in SI patients than in SM patients (0/74 hips). 6 patients required revision hip arthroscopic surgeries (4 men: FAI recurrence due to cam regrowth; 2 women: capsulolabral adhesions). At the last follow-up, the mean modified Harris hip score and nonarthritic hip score were significantly improved postoperatively.Interpretation - 4 of 27 SI hips (95% CI 0.04-0.3) had bone regrowth after cam resection arthroscopically. Our case series showed a non-negligible risk of cam regrowth in SI patients, especially in male patients and patients aged approximately 15 years.

How Can We Define Clinically Important Improvement in Pain Scores After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome? Minimum 2-Year Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND

Patient postoperative pain is being increasingly reported in the field of hip preservation surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain is one of the most commonly utilized measures for perioperative pain assessment. Currently, there is limited understanding of clinically significant improvement in VAS pain.

PURPOSE

(1) To define the substantial clinical benefit (SCB), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the VAS pain score in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome after 2 years from surgery and (2) to identify preoperative predictors of achieving each outcome endpoint.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between November 2014 and March 2017 were collected and analyzed. Baseline data and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores were recorded at 2 years postoperatively. To quantify clinical significance of outcome achievement for the VAS pain score, the MCID, PASS, and SCB were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 976 patients were included in the final analysis. The VAS pain score threshold for achieving the MCID was defined as a decrease of 14.8; the PASS was defined as achieving a 2-year postoperative score of 21.6 points; and the SCB was defined as a decrease of 25.5 or a score of 15.4 points at 2 years. The rates of achieving the MCID, PASS, and SCB were 97.6%, 66.4%, and 71.2%, respectively. Regression analysis demonstrated that sports involvement, low body mass index, smaller preoperative alpha angle, and absence of articular damage and chondromalacia were predictive of achieving the PASS (all P < .05). Preoperative predictors for achieving the SCB included being male, no smoking history, smaller alpha angle, higher modified Harris Hip Score, and lower VAS pain score (all P < .05).

CONCLUSION

This study identified scores for VAS pain that can be used to define clinically significant outcome after arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Specifically, a decrease in pain score of 14.8 was a clinically important improvement in VAS pain, while an absolute score <15.4 or a change of 25.5 represented the upper threshold of VAS pain improvement. Additionally, there were both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors that predicted achieving clinically significant levels of postoperative pain improvement.

Athletes do better after FAI arthroscopic treatment in male population

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic surgery is becoming popular in the management of hip pathologies. There are numerous studies describing the outcomes of the treatment of athletes with this method. These outcomes are generally found to be excellent. Yet there are little data in the literature with respect to the arthroscopic treatment of nonathletes. The objective of our study is to compare the outcomes of the femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment between athletes and nonathletes using arthroscopy, using two popular scales.

METHODS

The study involved a total of 129 male patients operated at our departments between 2009 and 2013. The subjects were divided into two groups: athletes and nonathletes. The results were assessed using the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS). In addition, the length of postoperative hospitalization was evaluated.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed that athletes performed better in NAHS over each period under analysis (prior to the operation, 12 and 24 months after the operation). As regards MHHS in these periods, the results in both groups were comparable. In addition, it was found that the length of postoperative hospitalization was similar in athletes and nonathletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic treatment of FAI is an effective method producing visible effects in athletes as well as nonathletes but quicker recovery in male athletic population. In the examined population, NAHS was a better measurement tool than MMHS, showing differences between the athlete and nonathlete population.

Biomechanical Evaluation of the Depth of Resection During Femoral Neck Osteoplasty for Anterior Impingement Following Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement as a result of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has been treated traditionally with a proximal femoral osteotomy, but open and arthroscopic femoral osteoplasty is becoming increasingly popular. Cam lesions result from excess bone primarily at the anterolateral femoral head-neck junction. SCFEs result from posterior and inferior slippage of the femoral epiphysis, causing the metaphysis to move anteriorly. This study's purpose was to compare fourth-generation sawbones standard femurs with SCFE femurs to determine whether bone resection from the anterior metaphysis results in similar biomechanical properties.

METHODS

A custom fourth-generation composite SCFE sawbone was created with a 30-degree slip angle. Control group consisted of fourth-generation composite standard nondeformed medium femurs. The femoral neck at the head-neck junction was divided into 4 quadrants. All resections were done in the anterolateral quadrant. Twenty SCFE sawbones and 20 standard sawbones were divided into 4 subgroups based on resection depths of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% of the metaphysis at the head-neck junction. After resection, all proximal femurs were loaded to failure in an Instron testing machine to determine the ultimate load to failure, stiffness, and energy to failure.

RESULTS

The standard femurs were significantly stronger than the SCFE femurs (P<0.001) and the strength of the femurs decreased significantly as the resection amount increased (P<0.001). Similarly, the standard femurs withstood significantly more energy before failing than the SCFE femurs (P<0.001) and the energy to failure decreased significantly with varying resection amounts (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SCFE femurs demonstrate a significant reduction in strength and energy to failure after osteoplasty compared with nondeformed femurs in a sawbone model. Strength and energy to failure are inversely proportional to the depth of bone resection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Aggressive femoral neck osteoplasty for treatment of a SCFE deformity may lead to increased risk of fracture. Further studies are necessary to determine the safe depth of resection in a clinical setting.

Functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty after a previous hip arthroscopy: a retrospective comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite patients demonstrating significant short-term clinical improvement from a hip arthroscopy (HA), a number of patients progress to significant osteoarthritis of the hip requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aims to evaluate if there is any difference in the functional outcome of patients undergoing THA after a previous hip arthroscopy compared to patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis of the hip.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2013, in a group of 414 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy, we identified 18 patients who underwent a subsequent uncemented THA. These formed the study group. During the same period, 625 patients underwent an uncemented THA performed for primary OA, of which 63 patients were matched to the study group for age, follow-up and implants used. These formed the control group. Pre-op and post-op Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) were recorded for all patients.

RESULTS

A mean follow-up of 26.5 and 26.3 months was observed in the study and control groups respectively. The median (interquartile ranges) preoperative OHS were 14 (8.25, 17.0) and 18.5 (13.25, 24.75) in the 2 groups. Corresponding postoperative scores were 40 (31.25, 45) and 46 (43, 48). Median difference between the preoperative and postoperative OHS was 27 (19, 31) and 25 (18.25, 31). Adjusting for the pre-treatment scores, the postoperative scores in the study arm were significantly lower than for the control arm with an estimate (SE) of -0.464 (p = 0.012). Post-hoc power analysis showed that the study was sufficiently powered to detect a meaningful difference in scores.

CONCLUSION

Total hip arthroplasty after hip arthroscopy leads to satisfactory functional outcomes. However, the functional outcome in this group is significantly worse than in a matched cohort of patients undergoing THA for osteoarthritis. There was no difference in the rate of complications between the 2 groups.

Editorial Commentary: Femoroacetabular Impingement and Open Physes-To Operate or Not to Operate? Is That the Only Question?

Our clinical understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have improved tremendously over the past 2 decades. However, we still have major questions to answer when it comes to the exact etiology of FAI and the role played by intense adolescent athletic activity in the development of FAI. In a society in which there is increasing sports specialization in young people and also rising rates of overuse injuries, the balance between surgical intervention and early preventive measures has yet to be clearly defined. Although we may be able to "safely" treat FAI surgically and provide clinical improvement for these patients, the question remains: Are we addressing with surgery a condition that could be prevented with earlier precautionary measures? It is our responsibility to answer that question for our patients.

Simultaneous Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in Adolescent Athletes With Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement represents a common cause of hip pain in adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy for bilateral symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement in adolescent athletes.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected in a prospective database on patients who underwent unilateral or simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy and included complications, reoperation rate, and return to play time. Differences in International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT)-12 scores according to hip side and postoperative follow-up time (preoperative, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo) were evaluated using a 2×6 repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni-corrected paired t tests.

RESULTS

In total, 24 patients (36 hips) were studied, of whom 12 underwent simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy (24 hips) and a case-matched control group of 12 patients underwent unilateral hip arthroscopy. There were 5 males in each group (41.7%). Average age was 15.7 and 16.5 years in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively. No patients were lost to follow-up. In the bilateral group, a significant increase in mean iHOT-12 score was observed between 1.5- and 3-month follow-up (61.8 vs. 82.8, respectively; P=0.003), and 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up (91.4, 95.1, and 96.6, respectively, P=0.004). At all follow-up times, there were no significant differences in mean iHOT-12 scores or other outcome measures between bilateral and unilateral cohorts. Time to return to preinjury level of activity was similar between the bilateral and unilateral groups (4.7 vs. 4.9 mo, respectively; P=0.40). One transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy occurred in each group, though no other complications were documented. No patients required revision surgery by latest follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral simultaneous hip arthroscopy is safe and reproducible in adolescent athletes, achieving equivalent outcomes, and similar rehabilitation time when compared with unilateral surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-therapeutic study.

Osteoid Osteoma About the Hip in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The etiology of hip pain in pediatric and adolescent patients can be unclear. Osteoid osteoma (OO) about the hip in children has only been described in case reports or small studies. The present study assessed the clinical presentation and diagnostic course, imaging, and treatment approaches in a large cohort of pediatric cases of OO about the hip.

METHODS

Medical record and imaging results were reviewed for all cases of OO identified within or around the hip joint in patients <20 years old between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2015, at a tertiary-care pediatric center. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty children and adolescents (52% female; mean age, 12.4 years; age range, 3 to 19 years) were identified. Night pain (90%) and symptom relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (88%) were common clinical findings. Sclerosis/cortical thickening was visible in 58% of radiographs, although a radiolucent nidus was visible in only 42%. Diagnostic imaging findings included perilesional edema and a radiolucent nidus on 100% of available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, respectively. Initial alternative diagnoses were given in 23 cases (46%), the most common of which was femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Delay in diagnosis of >6 months occurred in 43% of patients. Three patients underwent operative procedures for other hip diagnoses, but all had persistent postoperative pain until the OO was treated. Of the 41 patients (82%) who ultimately underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 38 (93%) achieved complete post-RFA symptom resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial misdiagnosis, the most common of which was FAI, and delayed correct diagnosis are common in pediatric OO about the hip. Presenting complaints were variable and nonspecific MRI findings were frequent. Night pain and relief with NSAIDs were present in the vast majority of cases. CT scans provided definitive diagnosis in all patients who received them. As increasing numbers of young, active patients are being evaluated for various causes of hip pain, such as FAI, OO should not be overlooked in the differential diagnosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

Co-diagnoses of spondylolysis and femoroacetabular impingement: a case series of adolescent athletes

Locating the source of lumbopelvic–hip pain requires the consideration of multiple clinical pathways. Although low back pain has an incidence of 50% in the adolescent population, the pathophysiology in this population typically differs from that of other age groups. Dynamic mechanical impairments of the hip, such as femoroacetabular impingement, may contribute to the pathogenesis of adolescent low back pain. Eight adolescent male athletes who presented to a single provider with a primary complaint of low back pain with hip pain or motion loss on exam and were ultimately diagnosed with lumbar spondylolysis and dynamic mechanical hip issues between 2009 and 2011 were included. The age at spondylolysis diagnosis ranged from 15 to 19 years (mean ± standard deviation: 16.3 ± 1.3 years). Seven patients had cam-type impingement, whereas one presented with pincer-type impingement. All patients demonstrated either decreased internal rotation at 90 degrees of hip flexion and neutral abduction or pain on the Flexion Adduction Internal Rotation test on at least one of hip. All eight patients were treated initially with 6 weeks of physical therapy consisting of attempted restoration of hip motion and the graduated progression of hip and spine stabilization exercises. Five patients (62.5%) returned to sport at an average of 11.2 weeks (range: 6–16 weeks). For three patients (37.5%), hip pain and motion loss persisted, thus requiring surgery. All subjects had symptoms for at least 6 weeks, with 6 months as the longest duration. This report is the first documented series of adolescent athletes with co-diagnoses of spondylolysis and femoroacetabular impingement.

Study Information: This retrospective case series was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Hospital for Special Surgery.

Clinical and Radiographic Predictors of Acetabular Cartilage Lesions in Adolescents Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Acetabular cartilage lesions are a known cause of poor outcomes after hip arthroscopy and are seen regularly among adolescents. However, studies identifying preoperative factors predictive of acetabular cartilage lesions have been limited to adult populations.

PURPOSE

To assess clinical and radiographic predictors of acetabular cartilage lesions in a large cohort of adolescents undergoing hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for idiopathic femoroacetabular impingement or acetabular labral tears at a children's hospital were reviewed. Demographic predictors were analyzed by use of univariate logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. A matched case-control analysis was subsequently performed to identify radiographic predictors of acetabular cartilage lesions through use of univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Four hundred two patients (446 hips) undergoing hip arthroscopy between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed. Median age was 16.7 years (range, 13.6-19.0) and 72% of patients were female. Ninety-five hips (21%) were found to have an acetabular cartilage lesion at the time of arthroscopic surgery. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1), male sex (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-5.0), and body mass index (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14) were found to be predictive of intraoperative acetabular cartilage lesions. In the matched case-control analysis, femoral alpha angle as calculated on a Dunn lateral radiograph was independently predictive of an intraoperative acetabular cartilage lesion (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6). Additionally, the presence of a crossover sign was independently associated with a decreased odds of an acetabular cartilage lesion (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7). On multivariate analysis, alpha angle (Dunn lateral) (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.1) and crossover sign (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7) remained independently associated with the presence of an acetabular cartilage lesion. The presence of an acetabular labral tear was not predictive of an associated cartilage lesion (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.39-3.47; P = .78).

CONCLUSION

In an adolescent population undergoing hip arthroscopy, older age, male sex, and higher body mass index were predictive of acetabular cartilage lesions. From an imaging standpoint, increased alpha angle increased the likelihood of an acetabular cartilage lesion whereas the presence of a crossover sign decreased this likelihood. Predicting the presence of an acetabular cartilage lesion is important when considering a hip arthroscopy procedure to facilitate preoperative planning and to more accurately set patient expectations.

Clinically Meaningful Improvements After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Regardless of Gender

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine if adolescent and young adult patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) experience clinically meaningful improvements in functional outcome scores.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients under age 18 who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI was identified using our institution's hip registry. Demographics, preoperative radiographic measurements, and preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores [Hip Outcome Score (HOS), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), and Sports-Specific Subscale (SS), and modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS)] were collected. Percentage of patients achieving minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were determined using published cutoffs for HOS and MHHS in FAI patients.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients met study inclusion criteria, and 37 patients (86%) were available at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Mean age was 17.0±1.4 years, 70% were female, and 8.1% had an open proximal femoral physis. All competitive high school and college athletes were able to return to sport. Patients experienced significant improvements following hip arthroscopy in HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and MHHS scores (all P<0.0001). MCID was achieved in 81% of patients (27/34) for HOS-ADL, 97% (33/34) for HOS-SS, and 84% (27/32) for MHHS. PASS was achieved for 76% of patients (26/34) for HOS-ADL, 79% (27/34) for HOS-SS, and 81% (26/32) for MHHS. Lower body mass index but not age or sex was correlated with a greater improvement in MHHS scores (r=0.39; P=0.03). There were 2 minor complications and no revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent and young adult patients experienced statistically significant improved functional outcomes 2 years after hip arthroscopy for FAI. In addition, these outcomes can be achieved with a low complication rate and a high return to preoperative activity. Approximately 80% of patients achieved clinically significant outcomes based on MCID and PASS criteria. Patient improvements in MHHS were equal regardless of age or sex; however, lower preoperative body mass index led to greater postoperative MHHS improvements.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-therapeutic case series.

Most Military Service Members Return to Activity Duty With Limitations After Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Determine which proportion of active-duty service members return to duty (RTD), RTD without limitations, which surgical intervention returns these personnel at a better proportion and with the ability to perform their military duties after surgery compared with the pre-injury state.

METHODS

A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases was performed with keywords related to RTD for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for study methodology. Methodologic quality of individual studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies (884 service members/886 hips) qualified for inclusion. Limited evidence from level III to IV studies indicates that service members RTD at a proportion ranging from 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53% to 62%) to 84% (95% CI: 73% to 91%), but only 39% (95% CI: 35% to 44%) to 59% (95% CI: 49% to 69%) do so without limitations. Mean duration of follow-up was 33.2 ± 11.3 months. No studies reported on actual duty requirements before versus after surgery, RTD criteria, or career longevity. Only 1 of 5 studies reported the RTD time-frame (mean 5 months). Only 2 of 5 studies reported complications, with a rate of 9.4% ± 6.3%. Three of 5 studies reported failures at a rate of 7.2% ± 4.7%, respectively. Femoroplasty (mean 56% of procedures in 4 studies) and acetabuloplasty (mean 55% of procedures in 4 studies) were the most commonly used procedures in studies reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

RTD is poorly defined in the included studies. Limited evidence substantiates that approximately 75% of service members remain on active duty for at least 1 to 2 years after surgery for FAI syndrome, whereas only approximately 47% do so without limitations at mid-term follow-up. Similarly, despite improvements in patient-reported outcome measures, service members still report continued pain and functional limitations after FAI syndrome surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Revisiting the Anteroinferior Iliac Spine: Is the Subspine Pathologic? A Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Subspine impingement is a recognized source of extraarticular hip impingement. Although CT-based classification systems have been described, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the morphology of the anteroinferior iliac spine (AIIS) with plain radiographs nor to our knowledge has any study compared its appearance between plain radiographs and CT scan and correlated AIIS morphology with physical findings. Previous work has suggested a correlation of AIIS morphology and hip ROM but this has not been clinically validated. Furthermore, if plain radiographs can be found to adequately screen for AIIS morphology, CT could be selectively used, limiting radiation exposure.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of AIIS subtypes in a cohort of patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement; (2) to compare AP pelvis and false profile radiographs with three-dimensional (3-D) CT classification; and (3) to correlate the preoperative hip physical examination with AIIS subtypes.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome was performed. Between February 2013 and November 2016, 601 patients underwent hip arthroscopy. To be included here, each patient had to have undergone a primary hip arthroscopy for the diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Each patient needed to have an interpretable set of plain radiographs consisting of weightbearing AP pelvis and false profile radiographs as well as full documentation of physical findings in the medical record. Patients who additionally had a CT scan with 3-D reconstructions were included as well. During the period in question, it was the preference of the treating surgeon whether a preoperative CT scan was obtained. A total of 145 of 601 (24%) patients were included in the analysis; of this cohort, 54% (78 of 145) had a CT scan and 63% (92 of 145) were women with a mean age of 31 ± 10 years. The AIIS was classified first on patients in whom the 3-D CT scan was available based on a previously published 3-D CT classification. The AIIS was then classified by two orthopaedic surgeons (TGM, MRK) on AP and false profile radiographs based on the position of its inferior margin to a line at the lateral aspect of the acetabular sourcil normal to vertical. Type I was above, Type II at the level, and Type III below this line. There was fair interrater agreement for AP pelvis (κ = 0.382; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.239-0.525), false profile (κ = 0.372; 95% CI, 0.229-0.515), and 3-D CT (κ = 0.325; 95% CI, 0.156-0.494). There was moderate to almost perfect intraobserver repeatability for AP pelvis (κ = 0.516; 95% CI, 0.284-0.748), false profile (κ = 0.915; 95% CI, 0.766-1.000), and 3-D CT (κ = 0.915; 95% CI, 0.766-1.000). The plane radiographs were then compared with the 3-D CT scan classification and accuracy, defined as the proportion of correct classification out of total classifications. Preoperative hip flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, flexion adduction, internal rotation, subspine, and Stinchfield physical examination tests were compared with classification of the AIIS on 3-D CT. Finally, preoperative hip flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation were compared with preoperative lateral center-edge angle and alpha angle.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AIIS was 56% (44 of 78) Type I, 39% (30 of 78) Type II, and 5% (four of 78) Type III determined from the 3-D CT classification. For the plain radiographic classification, the distribution of AIIS morphology was 64% (93 of 145) Type I, 32% (46 of 145) Type II, and 4% (six of 145) Type III on AP pelvis and 49% (71 of 145) Type I, 48% (70 of 145) Type II, and 3% (four of 145) Type III on false profile radiographs. False profile radiographs were more accurate than AP pelvis radiographs for classification when compared against the gold standard of 3-D CT at 98% (95% CI, 96-100) versus 80% (95% CI, 75-85). The false profile radiograph had better sensitivity for Type II (97% versus 47%, p < 0.001) and specificity for Types I and II AIIS (97% versus 53%, p < 0.001; 98% versus 90%, p = 0.046) morphology compared with AP pelvis radiographs. There was no correlation between AIIS type as determined by 3-D CT scan and hip flexion (rs = -0.115, p = 0.377), internal rotation (rs = 0.070, p = 0.548), flexion adduction internal rotation (U = 72.00, p = 0.270), Stinchfield (U = 290.50, p = 0.755), or subspine tests (U = 319.00, p = 0.519). External rotation was weakly correlated (rs = 0.253, p = 0.028) with AIIS subtype. Alpha angle was negatively correlated with hip flexion (r = -0.387, p = 0.002) and external rotation (r = -0.238, p = 0.043) and not correlated with internal rotation (r = -0.068, p = 0.568).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in this study suggest the false profile radiograph is superior to an AP radiograph of the pelvis in evaluating AIIS morphology. Neither preoperative hip internal rotation nor impingement tests correlate with AIIS type as previously suggested questioning the utility of the AIIS classification system in identifying pathologic AIIS anatomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, diagnostic study.

Prevalence and Consistency in Surgical Outcome Reporting for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

The purposes of this review were (1) to collate and synthesize research studies reporting any outcome measure on both open and arthroscopic surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and (2) to report the prevalence and consistency of outcomes across the included studies.

METHODS

A computer-assisted literature search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Embase databases was conducted using keywords related to FAI syndrome and both open and arthroscopic surgical outcomes, resulting in 2,614 studies, with 163 studies involving 14,824 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria. Two authors independently reviewed study inclusion and data extraction with independent verification. The prevalence of reported outcomes was calculated and verified by separate authors.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2016, there has been a 2,600% increase in the publication of surgical outcome studies. Patients had a mean duration of symptoms of 27.7 ± 21.5 months before surgery. Arthroscopy was the surgical treatment used in 71% of studies. The mean final follow-up period after surgery was 32.2 ± 17.3 months. Follow-up time frames were reported in 78% of studies. Ten different patient-reported outcome measures were reported. The alpha angle was reported to be measured 42% less frequently as a surgical outcome than as a surgical indication. Surgical complications were addressed in only 53% of studies and failures in 69%. Labral pathology (91% of studies reporting) and chondral pathology (61%) were the primary coexisting pathologies reported. Clinical signs, as defined by the Warwick Agreement on FAI syndrome, were reported in fewer than 25% of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Most FAI syndrome patients have longstanding pain and potential coexisting pathology. Patient-reported outcome measures and diagnostic imaging are the most frequently reported outcomes. Measures of hip strength and range of motion are under-reported. It is unclear whether the inconsistency in reporting is because of lack of measurement or lack of reporting of specific outcomes in these studies. Current surgical outcomes are limited to mid-term surgical follow-up time frames and inconsistent outcome reporting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level I through IV studies.

Venous Thromboembolism Events After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic literature review focused on hip arthroscopy was to (1) report the venous thromboembolism (VTE) event incidence in patients who receive VTE prophylaxis and those who do not, (2) report how VTE prophylaxis is currently being administered, and (3) report operative and patient-related risk factors for VTE identified in the literature.

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed were searched from database inception to October 10, 2016, and screened in duplicate for relevant studies. Data were collected regarding VTE prophylaxis, traction use, surgical time, VTE incidence, patient and operative factors, and postoperative weight bearing and rehabilitation. Study quality was assessed in duplicate with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria.

RESULTS

Outcome analyses included 14 studies that involved 2,850 patients (2,985 hips). The weighted mean follow-up period was 19 ± 8 months, ranging from 7 days to 103 months. The weighted mean age was 40.7 ± 7 years, ranging from 6 to 82 years, and 39.6% of patients were male patients. The overall weighted proportion of VTE events after hip arthroscopy found in 14 included studies was 2.0% (95% confidence interval, 0.01%-4.1%), with 25 VTE events. Several studies reported patient risk factors, which included increased age, increased body mass index, prolonged traction time, and use of oral contraceptives.

CONCLUSIONS

The use and efficacy of VTE prophylaxis are highly under-reported within hip arthroscopy. The low incidence of VTE events found in this review (2.0%) suggests that prophylaxis may not be necessary in low-risk patients undergoing hip arthroscopy; however, the true rate may be under-reported. Current literature suggests that prophylaxis is typically not prescribed. Early mobility and postoperative rehabilitation may also help to further mitigate the risk of VTE events, but use of these strategies needs further prospective evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II through IV studies.

Prior Arthroscopy Leads to Inferior Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Match-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most common reoperations after hip arthroscopy. Although arthroscopy causes changes in the hip joint and the surrounding soft tissues that can make THA more challenging, previous reports on arthroscopy before THA have not demonstrated any significant effect on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent a THA following an ipsilateral hip arthroscopy were matched to a control group of THA patients with no history of ipsilateral hip surgery. Matching criteria were age within 5 years, sex, body mass index within 5, surgical approach, and robotic assistance. Harris Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score-12, visual analog scale score, satisfaction, and postoperative complication and reoperation rates were compared at minimum 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-five THA after arthroscopy patients were successfully matched to control patients. There were no significant differences in demographics between study groups. The THA after arthroscopy group had significantly lower Harris Hip Score, Forgotten Joint Score-12, and satisfaction at latest follow-up. They had higher visual analog scale score and complication rate in differences that closely approached significance. There was no significant difference in reoperation rate.

CONCLUSION

A prior hip arthroscopy may adversely affect the clinical outcomes of THA. This potential risk should be considered when assessing the candidacy of a patient for hip arthroscopy.

Relationship Between Age at Onset of Symptoms and Intraoperative Findings in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

Background:

Hip arthroscopic surgery is intended to treat multiple abnormalities in an effort to delay the progression to osteoarthritis, especially in young patients. However, the length of time in which patients experience joint pain before seeking a specialist for a diagnosis can delay hip preservation surgery and influence clinical outcomes.

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between age at symptom onset and findings during hip arthroscopic surgery as well as outcomes after 2 years of clinical follow-up.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

From February 2008 to March 2015, data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery at a single institution. Anatomic and pathological characteristics were recorded intraoperatively. The mean age at onset of symptoms was calculated and correlated with intraoperative findings using Pearson correlation and logistic regression. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with 4 patient-reported outcome measures: the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score–Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). Pain was estimated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Furthermore, patients with an age at onset of symptoms below the mean (34.6 years) were compared with those of an age at onset of symptoms above the mean. The 2 groups were compared using the Student t test and the chi-square test. P values <.05 were considered significant.

Results:

A total of 1697 patients met the inclusion criteria. Body mass index was weakly correlated with age (r = 0.3). Younger patients had a lower prevalence of combined Seldes type 1 and 2 labral tears; acetabular labrum articular disruption (ALAD) grade 2, 3, and 4 acetabular chondral lesions; and Outerbridge grade 2, 3, and 4 femoral head chondral lesions (P < .05 for all). More advanced age was correlated with wider labral tears and chondral lesions based on a clock face (r ≥ 0.2, P < .05). Patients younger than 34.6 years had a lower prevalence of gluteus medius and ligamentum teres tears (P ≤ .001). The prevalence of synovitis was positively correlated with age, while instability was negatively correlated with age (P = .04). The improvement of scores from preoperatively to 2-year follow-up in the younger patient group was 62.69 to 83.82 for the mHHS, 64.97 to 87.35 for the HOS-ADL, 43.46 to 73.37 for the HOS-SSS, 63.01 to 85.19 for the NAHS, and 5.61 to 2.53 for pain VAS. All score improvements were statistically significant (P < .001). Regarding the older patient group, the improvement of scores from preoperatively to 2-year follow-up was 58.55 to 78.27 for the mHHS, 57.59 to 79.66 for the HOS-ADL, 35.63 to 61.88 for the HOS-SSS, 55.28 to 77.55 for the NAHS, and 5.72 to 3.01 for pain VAS. All score improvements were statistically significant (P < .001).

Conclusion:

Of the multiple intraoperative findings in hip arthroscopic surgery, many are related to age at onset of symptoms. Although we found a statistically significant improvement in clinical outcomes in both groups after 2-year follow-up, apparently the less complex and smaller lesions observed in both the articular cartilage and the labrum of younger patients result in better outcomes compared with older patients.

Short-term outcomes of open hip preservation surgery for symptomatic extraarticular femoroacetabular impingement

INTRODUCTION

The purposes of this study were to describe: (i) short-term disease-specific patient-reported outcome scores (PROMs); and (ii) factors associated with reoperation or treatment failure in patients undergoing open hip preservation surgery for symptomatic extraarticular FAI.

METHODS

Patients undergoing open hip preservation surgery for symptomatic extraarticular FAI were identified from a prospective, single-centre hip preservation registry (n = 51 patients; median clinical follow-up 24 [range 11-49] months). Hip-specific PROMs were assessed preoperatively, 6 months, and each year subsequently. Patients undergoing reoperation or treatment failure (<10 point improvement in iHOT-33 postoperatively) over the study period were identified. Preoperative associated factors were explored on a univariate basis.

RESULTS

International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) improved from 33 (standard deviation [SD] 18) to 62 (26) at most recent follow-up and 76% of patients improved by minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Harris Hip Score improved from 53 (15) to 75 (17) at most recent follow-up and 79% of patients improved by MCID. Hip Outcome Score (HOS) Sport improved from 45 (26) to 66 (28) at most recent follow-up and 60% of patients improved by MCID. Continued improvements in mean follow-up scores were seen from 1 year to 2 years. Overall, 7 patients underwent reoperation and 9 patients failed to improve by MCID. Preoperative HOS Sport was higher in patients experiencing reoperation or treatment failure (58 [SD 19] vs. 40 [SD 27] respectively; p = 0.03). No other associated demographic, physical examination, or radiographic factors were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Open treatment of extraarticular FAI results in short-term improvements in hip-specific PROMs in most patients. Higher HOS Sport scores were associated with reoperation or treatment failure. Longer-term follow-up is necessary to define maximum improvements in this challenging patient population.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents Provides Clinically Significant Outcome Improvement

PURPOSE

To define minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for adolescents undergoing arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery.

METHODS

A prospective institutional hip preservation registry was reviewed to identify hip arthroscopies performed for FAI. Patients with pre-existing hip conditions such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Legg-Calve-Perthese were excluded. Included patients were 18 years and younger. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) were administered as part of the registry. MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method, and SCB was calculated using a physical function anchor question. Receiver operating characteristic analysis with area under the curve (AUC) was used for psychometric analyses.

RESULTS

Forty-seven adolescents were identified. The majority of patients were female (n = 32, 68.1%) with a mean age of 16.5 (±1.1) years. The MCID (% achieving) for the mHHS, HOS activities of daily living (ADL), HOS Sport, and iHOT-33 was 9.5 (85%), 9.8 (79%), 12.1 (85%), and 10.7 (94%), respectively. Ninety-two percent of adolescents reported some form of improved hip physical ability on the anchor question. The following 1-year absolute outcome scores were significantly representative of an SCB state on the mHHS, HOS ADL, HOS Sport, and mHHS, respectively (AUC): 93.5 (0.79), 98.5 (0.84), 96.9 (0.81), and 85.9 (0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents undergoing arthroscopic FAI surgery achieve clinically significant outcome improvement. We found that the vast majority of adolescents achieve MCID on hip-specific patient-reported outcome tools. However, although adolescents readily achieve MCID, a considerable improvement in postoperative outcome score is often needed to perceive a substantial benefit (SCB). The available hip outcome tools may be subject to ceiling effects for measuring clinically significant outcome improvement in adolescents.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Outcomes of Hip Arthroplasty After Failed Hip Arthroscopy: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy is increasingly being used in joint preservation surgery with clear benefits in the treatment of prearthritic conditions. A number of patients, however, will still go on to require subsequent hip arthroplasty, and at present, little evidence exists determining the impact that prior hip arthroscopy may have on the outcomes of a subsequent arthroplasty.

METHODS

Using prospectively collated data, we identified 35 patients who had a hip arthroplasty (22 total hip arthroplasties and 13 hip resurfacing arthroplasties) after prior ipsilateral hip arthroscopy (cases). Cases were matched for age, gender, and prosthesis type with 70 controls (patients who received a primary arthroplasty over the same period, without prior arthroscopy). Outcome measures included range of movement, implant survival, complications, and functional outcome (Oxford Hip Score and Harris Hip Score).

RESULTS

There was no demonstrable difference in improved range of motion after hip arthroplasty between the 2 groups, across any axis of movement (flexion, extension, internal/external rotation, abduction, and adduction; P = .07-.78). There was no significant difference in complication rate (P = .72). Overall 7-year implant survival was 85.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75-95.8). There was no difference in survival between cases (87.6%; 95% CI, 73.5-100) and controls (86.3%; 95% CI, 74.6%-98.0%; P = .2). Ten of the 11 revision arthroplasties performed were due to adverse reactions to metal debris in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty cases (P = .01). There was no difference in improvement of functional outcome postarthroplasty between groups (P = .48-.76).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that hip arthroscopy does not adversely influence outcome of a subsequent hip arthroplasty.

Femoral Derotation Osteotomy Technique for Excessive Femoral Anteversion

Excessive femoral anteversion may lead to increasing stress placed on the anterior acetabulum and soft tissues, which can predispose to intra-articular hip pathology. By addressing the excessive femoral anteversion in combination with intra-articular hip pathology, the results will be durable over time. This technique details how to perform a femoral derotation osteotomy for excessive femoral anteversion after addressing intra-articular pathology with hip arthroscopy in one surgical intervention. This allows the surgeon to address both the underlying pathoanatomy and the resultant intra-articular sequelae.

Functional Outcomes and Cam Recurrence After Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents

PURPOSE

To compare the functional outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in adolescent patients and non-adolescent patients, and to report on the rate of cam recurrence within 2 years after femoral osteoplasty in a limited sample of the adolescent group.

METHODS

From 2010 to 2014, patients younger than 18 years with symptomatic FAI (alpha angle >50°) who underwent hip arthroscopy with minimum 2-year follow-up or reoperation were identified. A group of non-adolescent patients with identical inclusion criteria, except age of 18 years or older, was also identified for comparison. In addition, a separate group of adolescent patients with 2-year postoperative radiographs was reviewed for cam recurrence. Demographic data, operative data, and radiographic and clinical outcomes (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living [HOS-ADL], Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale [HOS-SSS], and International Hip Outcome Tool 33 [iHOT-33] score) were collected.

RESULTS

We identified 34 adolescent patients (38 hips) with an average age of 16 years (range, 13-17 years). The mean clinical follow-up period was 36.1 ± 11.6 months (range, 24.1-71.7 months) and 29.6 ± 2.4 months (range, 27.9-31.3 months) without and with reoperation, respectively. A control group of 296 non-adolescent patients (306 hips), with a mean age of 31 years (range, 18-59 years), was identified as our non-adolescent group. The mean clinical follow-up period was 34.1 ± 11 months (range, 24.0-77.4 months) and 15.1 ± 9.1 months (range, 3.6-34.6 months) without and with reoperation, respectively. Significant improvement was noted in adolescents in the changes in outcome scores (mHHS, 22.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 15.4-29.0]; HOS-ADL, 18.6 [95% CI, 11.9-25.2]; HOS-SSS, 33.5 [95% CI, 24.5-42.5]; and iHOT-33 score, 30.5 [95% CI, 21.8-39.2]; P < .001). Similar improvements were observed in non-adolescents (mHHS, 21.0 [95% CI, 19.0-23.0]; HOS-ADL, 16.6 [95% CI, 14.6-18.6]; HOS-SSS, 30.1 [95% CI, 26.6-33.6]; and iHOT-33 score, 34.9 [95% CI, 31.5-38.3]; P < .001). There was no evidence of a difference in follow-up survey scores between groups (P > .203). Revision surgery was required in 2 adolescent hips (5.3% [95% CI, 1.5%-17.3%]) and 19 non-adolescent hips (6.2% [95% CI, 4.0%-9.5%]). Minimum 2-year radiographs were available for review in 24 adolescent patients (30 hips). The alpha angle (mean ± standard deviation) was reduced from 55.4° ± 12.1° preoperatively to 38.7° ± 4.9° at 6 weeks postoperatively (mean difference, -16.4° [95% CI, -19.8° to -12.9°]; P < .001). At 2 years, the alpha angle remained at 39.2° ± 11.2°, which did not differ from 6-week measurements (mean difference, 0.5° [95% CI, -2.9° to 3.9°]; P = .784). There were no cases of cam recurrence (0% [95% CI, 0%-11.4%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant improvement in clinical outcomes can be anticipated after arthroscopic treatment of FAI in adolescents. From a limited sample of our adolescent population, the risk of cam recurrence appears low; however, further follow-up is needed to ensure this does not represent a biased sample of the initial population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement morphology in asymptomatic youth soccer players: magnetic resonance imaging study with clinical correlation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement morphology (FAIM), cam- or pincer-type, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic adolescent soccer players, and to evaluate the possible correlation between alterations on MRI and clinical examination findings.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of FAIM in asymptomatic youth soccer players aged 13-18 years. A total of 112 hips in 56 players (mean age 15.3 years) were evaluated by MRI. Images were examined by two musculoskeletal radiologists for signs of FAIM. Cam-type (impingement) deformity was diagnosed by alpha angle ≥55° or head-neck offset <7 mm. Pincer-type (impingement) deformity was diagnosed by center-edge angle (CEA) ≥35° or acetabular index ≤0°. Other MRI changes, characteristic of FAIM, were observed. Clinical examination was performed to determine the range of motion (ROM) of the hips. In addition, specific tests for anterolateral and posteroinferior impingement were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MRI findings consistent with FAIM among this young population was 84.8% (95/112). The alpha angle was ≥55° in 77.7% (87/112) of hips, while the CEA was altered in 10.7% (12/112) of hips. Qualitative MRI findings consistent with FAIM were highly prevalent, and included loss of sphericity of the femoral head (77%), osseous bump (44%), femoral neck edema (21%), and acetabular osteitis (9%). The anterior impingement test was positive in 15% of the hips evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Youth soccer players have a high prevalence of FAIM as diagnosed by MRI. There is no correlation between physical examination findings and MRI evidence of FAIM in this population.

Does Bony Regrowth Occur After Arthroscopic Femoroplasty in a Group of Young Adolescents?

PURPOSE

To evaluate femoral head-neck bone regrowth and PROs in skeletally immature patients that underwent arthroscopic femoroplasties over a minimum 2-year period.

METHODS

Eleven skeletally immature hips (10 patients) with open femoral head physes underwent femoroplasty between October 2008 and November 2013. Inclusion criteria were minimum 2-year follow-up with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and radiographs preoperatively, at 2 weeks, and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Exclusion criteria were >16 years of age, preoperative Tönnis grade >1 and previous hip conditions. Preoperative radiographs were used to assess skeletal immaturity, which was indicated by a Risser score ≤4 and femoral head physis >1 mm. Alpha angles were measured preoperatively, at 2 weeks, and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. PROs, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score, were measured preoperatively and at the latest follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 14.7 years (range: 13.2-15.9). Mean follow-up was 35.7 months (range: 23.3-61.4). All hips tested positive for anterior impingement preoperatively. The mean preoperative alpha angle was 61.8°, which decreased to 41.5° postoperatively (P < .0001) and was 40.7° at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. No bony regrowth was documented at the latest follow-up. Mean improvements in scores were as follows: mHHS = 58.5 to 79.8 (P < .0001), NAHS = 56.8 to 87.1 (P = .008), HOS-SSS = 34.3 to 78.3 (P = .004), and VAS score = 7.5 to 1.3 (P < .0001). Mean patient satisfaction was 8.7 ± 1.7. One hip (9.0%) required revision arthroscopy at 31.1 months. No postoperative complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Bony regrowth of the femoral head-neck region did not occur in this study of skeletally immature females who underwent arthroscopic femoroplasty. In this group of patients, hip arthroscopic treatment of FAI and labral tears is a safe and favorable intervention because of its high patient satisfaction and outcome scores and absence of postoperative complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic study.

Hip arthroscopy results in improved patient reported outcomes compared to non-operative management of waitlisted patients

Hip arthroscopy (HA) is an established treatment option to address intra-articular pathology of the hip. However, some clinicians encourage non-operative management (NOM). Non-operative management may include active measures such as physiotherapy and intra-articular steroid injections, or NOM may involve so called watchful waiting with no active intervention. These approaches, along with surgery have been detailed recently in the Warwick Agreement, a Consensus Statement regarding diagnosis and treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome The aim of this study is to compare the change in clinical outcome scores of waitlisted patients with intra-articular hip pathology who receive no active treatment with matched controls that have undergone HA. Patients less than 60 years of age were identified from a HA waiting list in a single hospital in the Australian public hospital system. Patient reported outcomes (PRO) were collected whilst patients waited for surgery. During this waiting period no specific treatment was offered. A separate group of patients who had previously undergone HA were matched based on age, sex, body mass index and baseline non-arthritic hip scores (NAHS). The groups were compared using the NAHS as the primary outcome measures. Modified Harris Hip Scores were also collected and compared. Thirty-six patients were included in each group, with a mean follow up of 19 months (12–36). There were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI and NAHS between groups at baseline. At final follow up, mean NAHS scores after HA were significantly higher than scores after NOM, 82.1 (36.4–100.0) versus 48.9 (11.3–78.8), respectively (P < 0.001) with a large effect size for mean change in scores between groups (d = 1.77, 95% CI 1.21–2.30). Mean mHHS after HA were significantly higher than scores after NOM, 84.3 (15.4–100.0) versus 48.1 (21.0–66.0) respectively (P < 0.001), with a large effect size for mean change in scores between groups (d = 1.92, 95% CI 1.34–2.46). HA may lead to significant improvements in PRO when compared to non-operative management of waitlisted patients with intra-articular pathology of the hip at 18 months follow-up.

High Rate of Return to Running for Athletes After Hip Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Capsular Plication

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is most commonly diagnosed in athletes who sustain repetitive flexion loading to their hips. No studies to date have focused solely on patients' return-to-running ability after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate patients' ability to return to running after hip arthroscopy for FAI and capsular plication.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Clinical data were retrospectively retrieved for 51 consecutive patients with FAI (22 men, 29 women) who had undergone hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI and identified themselves as recreational or competitive runners on intake forms. Two-year outcome measures included the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales. A postoperative return-to-running survey was used to obtain running-specific information.

RESULTS

Patient age and body mass index (BMI) were a mean (±SD) of 26.3 ± 7.8 years and 23.7 ± 3.3 kg/m², respectively. Before surgery, patients had refrained from running because of pain for a mean of 8.1 ± 5.7 months. After surgery, 48 patients (94%) returned to running at a mean of 8.5 ± 4.2 months. Patients who had discontinued running for more than 8 months before surgery had a longer return-to-running time than did those who had stopped for less than 8 months (10.6 ± 4.2 vs 7.6 ± 4.1 months; P = .01). After 2 years, mean preoperative distance had decreased significantly ( P < .01) from 9.5 ± 6.5 miles per week when healthy to 6.4 ± 5.8 miles postoperatively. Despite decreased mileage, all 2-year outcomes scores improved significantly ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Recreational and competitive runners with FAI returned to running 94% of the time at a mean of 8.5 months after hip arthroscopy. However, runners should be counseled before their surgery that they may run fewer miles than when they were pain free. Additionally, patients with a higher BMI and/or longer preoperative lull may have a longer recovery time.