High incidence of athletic pubalgia symptoms in professional athletes with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement

Nonsurgical Management of Adductor-related groin pain with Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection and Physical Therapy in a Competitive Soccer Player: A Case Report

Introduction

Adductor-related groin pain involves an injury to the common aponeurosis connecting the rectus abdominus and adductor longus to the pubis. It commonly occurs in sports that require cutting and pivoting and can result in significant loss of playing time. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is often indicated for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and may represent an alternative treatment for patients with adductor-related groin pain. The purpose of this case report is to describe the non-surgical management of adductor-related groin pain in a competitive soccer player with a with an ultrasound (US)-guided PRP injection and physical therapy management.

Case Description

A 17-year-old male competitive soccer player with right-sided adductor-related groin pain was treated with an US-guided PRP and a multi-phased physical therapy regimen based on tissue healing and individual patient/criteria progression. The patient completed 12 physical therapy sessions over six weeks post PRP injection.

Outcomes

At the end of treatment, clinically meaningful improvements were observed in pain intensity, passive range of motion, strength (handheld dynamometry, Biodex), functional tests, psychosocial (OSPRO-YF) and patient-reported outcomes (HAGOS, LEFS). The subject returned to sport at six weeks post injection without limitation and at three months follow up, the subject reported that he had returned to 95% of his previous level of play.

Discussion

This case report may offer support for PRP as an alternative treatment in the management of adductor-related groin pain. Incorporation of PRP as an adjunct to physical therapy led to improvements on all outcomes that surpassed the clinical significance change criteria.

Level of evidence

5.

Associations Between Hip Pathology, Hip and Groin Pain, and Injuries in Hockey Athletes: A Clinical Commentary

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), particularly cam morphology, is highly prevalent among elite hockey athletes. Moreover, hip and groin pain has become a common issue in hockey, with approximately 50% of European professional athletes reported to experience a hip or groin problem during a season. While most athletes will not miss training or competition due to this, restricted competitive performance and increased risk of reduced physical and psychological well-being are likely. Recent research suggests that the development of cam morphology is related to the repetitive shear stresses experienced at the hip joint during adolescence from skating. This condition likely increases the potential for intra-articular and extra-articular injuries in these athletes later in their careers. Research also indicates that the hip joint mechanics during forward skating substantially increase the possibility of sustaining a labral tear compared to other sports. Such an injury can increase femoral head movement within the joint, potentially causing secondary damage to the iliofemoral ligament, ligamentum teres and joint capsule. These injuries and the high density of nociceptors in the affected structures may explain the high prevalence of hip and groin pain in hockey athletes. Compensatory adaptations, such as reduced hip strength, stability, and range-of-motion (ROM) likely increase the opportunity for core muscle injuries and hip flexor and adductor injuries. Specifically, the limited hip ROM associated with cam morphology appears to exacerbate the risk of these injuries as there will be an increase in pubic symphysis stress and transverse strain during rotational movements. It is hoped that this article will assist practitioners currently working with hockey athletes to develop evidence-informed monitoring strategies and training interventions, aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of hip and groin problems, ultimately enhancing athlete performance and well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical commentary was to examine current evidence on common hip pathologies in hockey athletes, exploring potential associations between hip and groin pain and the biomechanics of hockey activities.

Level of Evidence

5.

PREHAB FAI- Prehabilitation for patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome -Protocol for an assessor blinded randomised controlled feasibility study

BACKGROUND

The past decade has seen an exponential growth of minimally invasive surgical procedures. Procedures such as hip arthroscopy have rapidly grown and become the standard of care for patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS). Although, the results of such procedures are encouraging, a large proportion of patients do not achieve optimal outcomes due to chronicity and deconditioning as a result of delay in diagnosis and increased waiting times amongst other factors. In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials, moderate certainty evidence supported prehabilitation over standard care in optimising several domains including muscle strength, pain and health related quality of life in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical interventions. However, the role of prehabilitation in patients with FAI syndrome undergoing hip arthroscopy has received little attention.

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility, suitability, acceptability and safety of a prehabilitation programme for FAI to inform a future definitive randomised control trial to assess effectiveness.

METHODS

A systematically developed prehabilitation intervention based on a literature review and international consensus will be utilised in this study. A mixed methodology encompassing a two-arm randomised parallel study alongside an embedded qualitative component will be used to answer the study objectives. Patients will be recruited from a tertiary referral NHS centre for young adult hip pathology in the UK. Patient reported outcomes such as iHOT-12, Brief Pain Inventory Scale (Short form), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Patient Global Impression of Change score will be obtained alongside objective measurements such as Muscle Strength and Star Excursion Balance Test at various time points. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline (prior to prehabilitation intervention), after prehabilitation before surgery, and at 6 weeks+/- 4 weeks and 6 months +/- 4 weeks (planned primary endpoint for definitive RCT) postoperatively when participants attend the research site for clinical care and remotely at 12 months +/- 4 weeks postoperatively. Mean change and 95% CI, and effect size of outcome measures will be used to determine the sample size for a future RCT. For the qualitative component, in depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists and focus groups with participants will be conducted to assess the feasibility, suitability, and acceptability of the prehabilitation intervention using a predetermined success criteria. All qualitative data will be recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

DISCUSSION

This study will be first of its kind to evaluate a systematically developed prehabilitation intervention for patients with FAIS undergoing hip arthroscopy. This study will provide important preliminary data to inform feasibility of a definitive RCT in the future to evaluate effectiveness of a prehabilitation intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 15371248, 09/03/2023.

TRIAL PROTOCOL

Version 2.3, 26th June 2023.

Return to Play After Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a pathomechanical process whereby abnormal contact between proximal femur and acetabulum at end range of hip motion induces chondrolabral lesions within the hip joint. Surgery followed by a rehabilitation program or physical therapy with possible addition of an intra-articular corticosteroid injection are the two predominant treatments. The majority of authors recognize that a well-designed rehabilitation protocol is essential to achieve good outcomes with both nonoperative and surgical treatment. However, there is little evidence about what is the best rehabilitation protocol and most of the literature available is based on expert level opinion. This current review investigates the recent literature on nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation protocol and return to play in FAI patients and describes our approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Historically, rehabilitation protocols for treatment of FAI as well as return to play protocols were based on experts' opinion and low-level evidence studies. In order to improve standardization of protocols and to allow a better comparison in between different protocols, different authors have created standardized rehabilitation protocols with consensus building methods comparing them with other treatment options in high-level evidence trials (FASHIoN trial, etc.). Despite the excellent results reported after nonoperative and post-surgical rehabilitation, and the high RTP rate after FAI treatment, there is a significant variability in between protocols. Further high-level evidence studies are necessary in order to establish a gold standard in rehabilitation and RTP protocols.

Risk Factors for Athletic Pubalgia in Collegiate Football Student-Athletes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Athletic pubalgia (AP) is an increasingly recognized injury among young athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics associated with AP in college football players.

HYPOTHESIS

Repetitive explosive movements that require aggressive core muscle activation results in AP in collegiate football players.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort design.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

Football student-athletes at a single Division I collegiate institution from January 2010 to December 2019 were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was surgery for AP. The odds of AP were determined using logistic regression, with the dependent variable being whether or not the student-athlete received AP surgery. Independent variables included Olympic weightlifting (OWL) exposure, primary playing position (skill position vs nonskill position), and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

A total of 1154 total student-athlete exposures met the inclusion criteria. Of the 576 student-athletes exposed to OWL (OWL occurred throughout entire calendar year), 20 developed AP, whereas 7 student-athletes not exposed to OWL (OWL was not performed at any point during calendar year) developed AP. Student-athletes exposed to OWL had a 2.86 (95% CI, 1.25-7.35; P = 0.02) times higher odds of AP than players not exposed after controlling for primary playing position and BMI. Skill position players had a 9.32 (95% CI, 1.71-63.96; P = 0.01) times higher odds of AP than nonskill position players when controlling for BMI and OWL training.

CONCLUSION

Modifiable factors that increase exposure to repetitive explosive activities, such as OWL and playing a skill position, may be important considerations in developing AP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The cause of AP is multifactorial and poorly understood. Identifying factors associated with AP informs athletes, athletic trainers, physicians, and coaches.

Core Muscle Injury Producing Groin Pain in the Athlete: Diagnosis and Treatment

Groin pain is a common cause of pain in the athlete and may be the result of a variety of causes. Musculoskeletal groin injuries are often associated with muscle strain, particularly the adductor and abdominal muscles, termed "core muscle injury" (CMI). Since the early 1960s, there have been a growing number of articles intending to identify, define, prevent, and treat this condition; to date, however, the lack of a universal definition and treatment approach has complicated the narrative around CMI. This article intends to review the recent literature surrounding CMI, identifying common defining characteristics, as well as delineating treatment protocols that benefit the injured patient populations. Emphasis is placed on the clinical outcomes of different treatment methodologies and failure rates.

Swinging injuries in competitive baseball players

Injuries are common in competitive baseball players and can occur in all facets of the game. The majority of the existing literature on injuries in baseball players has focused on injuries secondary to the overhead throw with very little attention given to injuries sustained while batting. The baseball swing is a complex, often violent, motion that predisposes batters to a variety of injuries affecting the spine, trunk, pelvis, and extremities. Knowledge of injury patterns that commonly occur during the baseball swing and radiologic findings important to the treating physician can help radiologists provide accurate imaging interpretations that appropriately guide patient management.

Arthroscopic resection as a rapid recovery treatment for Os acetabuli in soccer players who had undergone hip arthroscopy: a case series with 1-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Os acetabuli (OSA) is defined as a radiopaque structure located around the acetabular rim highly related to Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI). Its treatment depends on the perspective of post-surgical joint instability. Ossicle resection is recommended if the femoral head is covered enough by the labrum. Previous research has described the results of this technique in general population. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes and the time and rate of return to play (RTP) after hip arthroscopy and OSA removal in soccer players.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database containing all the consecutive soccer players who had undergone hip arthroscopy between 2018 and 2019. The subjects diagnosed with OSA and a center-edge angle (CEA) > 25 ° were included in the analysis. All the patients were treated with arthroscopic removal of the OSA and femoral osteoplasty. Hip function was assessed using the Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) before and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Rate of RTP and competitive level at RTP were assessed at a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2019, 90 soccer players were treated with hip arthroscopy in our facilities. Six of them (6.6%) were diagnosed with OSA. Mean (SD) MHHS values were 69.7 (12.1) before the surgery, 89.7 (6.7) at 3 months post-surgery and 95.7 (5.1) at 12 months post-surgery. All the subjects reported significant improvements in their MHHS scores at 3 and 12 months post-surgery compared with pre-surgery levels (p < 0.01). Non-significant differences were found between 3 and 12 months post-surgery (p > 0.05). All the subjects (100%) returned to previous competitive levels.

CONCLUSIONS

After surgery, all the soccer players returned to previous competitive level. Preoperative MHHS improved significantly at 3 months maintained for up to 12 months.

A proposed algorithm for the treatment of core muscle injuries

In recent years, there has been increased awareness and treatment of groin injuries in athletes. These injuries have been associated with various terminologies including sports hernia, core muscle injury (CMI), athletic pubalgia and inguinal disruption, among others. Treatment of these injuries has been performed by both orthopaedic and general surgeons and may include a variety of procedures such as rectus abdominis repair, adductor lengthening, abdominal wall repair with or without mesh, and hip arthroscopy for the treatment of concomitant femoroacetabular impingement. Despite our increased knowledge of these injuries, there is still no universal terminology, diagnostic methodology or treatment for a CMI. The purpose of this review is to present a detailed treatment algorithm for physicians treating patients with signs and symptoms of a CMI. In doing so, we aim to clarify the various pathologies involved in CMI, eliminate vague terminology, and present a clear, stepwise approach for both diagnosis and treatment of these injuries.

Resisted adduction sit-up test (RASUT) as a screening tool for pelvic versus hip pathology

Groin pain is a common symptom in hip and pelvic pathology and differentiating between the two remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a test combining resisted adduction with a sit-up (RASUT) differentiates between pelvic and hip pathology. The RASUT was performed on 160 patients with complaints of hip or groin pain who subsequently had their diagnosis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or surgery. Patients were categorized as having pelvic pathology (athletic pubalgia or other) or hip pathology (intra-articular or other). Athletic pubalgia was defined as any condition involving the disruption of the pubic aponeurotic plate. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive accuracy, negative predictive accuracy and diagnostic odds ratios were computed. Seventy-one patients had pelvic pathology (40 athletic pubalgia), 81 had hip pathology and 8 had both. The RASUT was effective in differentiating pelvic from hip pathology; 50 of 77 patients with a positive RASUT had pelvic pathology versus 29 of 83 patients with a negative test (P < 0.001). RASUT was diagnostic for athletic pubalgia (diagnostic odds ratio 6.08, P < 0.001); 35 of 45 patients with athletic pubalgia had a positive RASUT (78% sensitivity) and 73 of 83 patients with a negative RASUT did not have athletic pubalgia (88% negative predictive accuracy). The RASUT can be used to differentiate pelvic from hip pathology and to identify patients without athletic pubalgia. This is a valuable screening tool in the armamentarium of the sports medicine clinician.

A Systematic Review Shows High Variation in Terminology, Surgical Techniques, Preoperative Diagnostic Measures, and Geographic Differences in the Treatment of Athletic Pubalgia/Sports Hernia/Core Muscle Injury/Inguinal Disruption

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of reported terminologies, surgical techniques, preoperative diagnostic measures, and geographic differences in the treatment of core muscle injury (CMI)/athletic pubalgia/inguinal disruption.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify clinical studies or articles that described a surgical technique to treat CMI refractory to nonoperative treatment. The search phrase used was "core muscle injury" OR "sports hernia" OR "athletic pubalgia" OR "inguinal disruption." The diagnostic terminology, country of publication, preoperative diagnostic measures, surgical technique, and subspecialty of the operating surgeons described in each article were extracted and reported.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 3 surgical technique articles and 28 clinical articles (2 Level I evidence, 1 Level II, 4 Level III, and 21 Level IV). A total of 1,571 patients were included. The most common terminology used to describe the diagnosis was "athletic pubalgia," followed by "sports hernia." Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis were the most common imaging modalities used in the preoperative evaluation of CMI/athletic pubalgia/inguinal disruption. Tenderness-to-palpation testing was the most common technique performed during physical examination, although the specific locations assessed with this technique varied substantially. The operating surgeons were general surgeons (16 articles), a combination of orthopaedic and general surgeons (7 articles), or orthopaedic surgeons (5 articles). The most common procedures performed were open or laparoscopic mesh repair, adductor tenotomy, primary tissue (hernia) repair, and rectus abdominis repair. The procedures performed differed on the basis of surgeon subspecialty, geographic location, and year of publication.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of diagnostic methods and surgical procedures have been used in the treatment of a CMI/athletic pubalgia/sports hernia/inguinal disruption. These procedures are performed by orthopaedic and/or general surgeons, with the procedures performed differing on the basis of surgeon subspecialty and geographic location.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, systematic review of Level I to V studies.

Outcomes and rate of return to play in elite athletes following arthroscopic surgery of the hip

Background

The tremendous physical demands of elite performance increase the risk of elite athletes sustaining various orthopaedic injuries. Hip pain is common in high-level athletes representing up to 6% of all athletic injuries. Expedient diagnosis and effective treatment are paramount for their future sporting careers and to prevent subsequent joint degeneration.

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcome and the rate of return to play (RTP) following arthroscopic procedures in the hip (osteoplasty, chondroplasty, labral repair and/or debridement, capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy or any soft tissue procedure) in elite athletes. Elite athletes were defined as those who represented their country in international contests or were competing professionally for the purpose of this study.

Methods

A computer-based systematic search, following the PRISMA Guidelines, was performed on CENTRAL, PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Google Scholar and Web of Science from inception until January 1, 2020, identifying studies that looked at return to sports post-hip arthroscopy in elite athletes. Weighted means were calculated for the RTP rate and duration and for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

After eligibility screening, 22 articles were included with a total of 999 male and seven female patients, 1146 hips and a mean age of 28.4 ± 3.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 35.8 ± 13.4 months and 15.9 ± 9.6% of athletes had undergone bilateral procedures. Overall, 93.9% (95% CI: 90.5, 96.6, P < 0.0001) of patients demonstrated RTP after 6.8 ± 2.1 months post-surgery and all PROMs improved post-operatively. During follow-up, 9.6% (95% CI: 5.2, 15.2, P = 0.025) patients needed further intervention.

Conclusion

A high percentage of elite athletes return to the same level of competition after hip arthroscopy, with a low rate of further interventions. Hip arthroscopy appears to be an efficacious treatment for hip and/or groin pain, caused by pathologies such as FAI or labral tears, in elite athletes in the shorter term. Long term outcomes need further evaluation.

Arthroscopic Correction of Femoroacetabular Impingement for Concomitant Inguinal Disruption in Athletes With Dual Pathology

BACKGROUND

Inguinal disruption and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are well-recognized sources of groin pain in athletes; however, the relationship between inguinal disruption and FAI remains unclear. In cases of dual pathology, where both entities coexist, there is no definitive consensus regarding which pathology should be prioritized for treatment in the first instance.

PURPOSE

(1) To examine the 2-year effectiveness and clinical outcome in athletes presenting with dual pathology in which the FAI component alone was treated with arthroscopic deformity correction. (2) To compare 2-year patient-reported outcome measures between athletes undergoing only hip arthroscopy (HA) and athletes undergoing groin repair and HA.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

All patients undergoing HA for the treatment of FAI with concomitant clinical signs of inguinal disruption at initial consultation were between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were male sex, age <40 years, and involvement in competitive sporting activity. Athletes with previous HA on the symptomatic side, Tönnis grade >1, or lateral center-edge angle <25° were excluded. Revision HA or subsequent groin surgery was documented. Outcome evaluation consisted of validated patient-reported outcome measures (modified Harris Hip Score; University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale; 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) completed preoperatively and a minimum 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinically important difference was assessed by using a distribution-based technique (SD, 0.5) and an anchor-based technique (percentage of possible improvement). Level of satisfaction and return to play were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 113 cases of dual pathology were included in 91 patients with a mean ± SD age of 26.3 ± 5.1 years. The index surgical procedure was HA for 104 cases (92%) and groin repair for 9 (8%). For patients undergoing HA as the index procedure, 98.1% (102/104 cases) were successfully followed up to establish survivorship. In 89.2% (91/102 cases), no additional groin surgery was required. In 11 cases (10.8%), additional groin surgery was required for persisting inguinal-related groin pain. At 2 years after the operation, there was no difference for any patient-reported outcome measure (P > .099), improvement from baseline (P > .070), or proportion of cases achieving the minimal clinically important difference (P > .120) between the HA-only group and the group undergoing HA and groin repair at any stage. There was also no difference between groups in terms of return-to-play rate (P = .509) or levels of satisfaction (pain, P = .204; performance, P = .345).

CONCLUSION

In patients with dual pathology, treatment of the FAI component alone using arthroscopic hip surgery results in a successful outcome without need for groin repair in 89.2% of cases. No statistical difference in clinical outcome 2 years after surgery was observed between athletes undergoing 1 procedure (HA alone) and those undergoing 2 procedures (HA and groin repair at any stage).

Editorial Commentary: Hip-Spine Syndrome: When the Hip Does Not Move, the Spine Labors Double

When the hip does not move, the spine labors double. For example, limited hip extension results in lumbar spine hyperextension and an increase in spinal facet joint loading due to premature coupling. Patients who undergo hip surgery show significant improvement in concomitant lower back problems, and symptomatic low back pain resolves in approximately 80% of patients after total hip arthroplasty. When an impairment in hip range of motion (limitation or asymmetry) is identified, a logical relationship to lumbar pathology should be explored, and treatment options may include interventions that improve hip joint range of motion.

Use of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Clinical Outcomes After Core Muscle Injury Repair

Background

Core muscle injury (CMI), often referred to as a sports hernia or athletic pubalgia, is a common cause of groin pain in athletes. Imaging modalities used to assist in the diagnosis of CMI include ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To determine if preoperative MRI findings predict clinical outcomes after surgery for CMI.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on a consecutive series of patients who were operatively treated for CMI by a single surgeon. CMI was diagnosed based on history, physical examination, and a positive US. In addition, all patients underwent a preoperative MRI. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the MRI was interpreted as positive or negative for CMI. All patients underwent mini-open CMI repair. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected both pre- and postoperatively and included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, and the modified Harris Hip Score.

Results

A total of 39 hips were included in this study, of which 17 had a positive MRI interpretation for CMI (44%) and 22 had a negative MRI interpretation (56%). Mean age at the time of surgery was 35 years (range, 17-56 years), and mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 12-35 months). No significant difference was found between groups in mean age or time to follow-up. Patients in both groups demonstrated significant improvement from preoperative to most recent follow-up in terms of the UCLA activity score (P < .05). VAS scores significantly improved for patients with a positive MRI interpretation (P = .001) but not for those with a negative MRI interpretation (P = .094). No significant difference on any PROs was found between groups at the most recent follow-up.

Conclusion

Successful clinical outcomes can be expected in patients undergoing surgery for CMI diagnosed based on history, physical examination, and US. Patients with a preoperative MRI consistent with CMI may experience greater improvement in pain postoperatively, although MRI does not predict postoperative activity level in these patients.

Make the Right Diagnosis: My Pearls for Working Up Hip-related Pain

The origin of pain around the hip is commonly more elusive than other joints; often obscured by compensatory disorders. Hip problems tend to be multifactorial and require a multidisciplinary approach in the evaluation. The best strategy is to team with a capable physical therapist to unveil the layers of problems. Ultrasonography and imaging/ultrasound-guided injections can be the most valuable adjunct to the history and physical examination. Plain radiographs are an essential element in the workup. Magnetic resonance imaging can underestimate damage in the joint, but positive findings can sometimes be the normal consequence of age and activity. Magnetic resonance imaging is often as important for what it rules out as much as what it rules in. Computed tomography scans with 3-dimensional reconstructions can be especially helpful in surgical planning but are not used in routine screening, being thoughtful of radiation exposure even with low-dose protocols. Arthroscopic access to the hip is more challenging than other joints, and similarly, unlocking its clinical secrets can be more imposing as well.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Core Muscle Injury in Athletes: Diagnosis and Algorithms for Success

Athletic hip injuries account for a substantial portion of missed time from sports in high-level athletes. For both femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and core muscles injuries, a thorough history and physical examination are paramount to guide the treatment. While advanced imaging including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently obtained, a wealth of information can be ascertained from standard radiographs alone. For patients with isolated or combined FAI and core muscle injuries (CMIs), the initial treatment is often nonoperative and consists of rest, activity modification, and physical therapy of the hips, core, and trunk. Injections may then aid in both confirming diagnosis and temporary symptom abatement. Arthroscopic procedures for refractory FAI in experienced hands have been shown to be both safe and efficacious. While surgical repair options for CMIs are significantly more variable, long-term studies have demonstrated the rapid resolution of symptoms and high return to play rates. More recently, anatomic and clinical correlations between FAI and CMIs have been identified. Special attention must be paid to elite athletes as the incidence of concurrent FAI with CMI is extremely high yet with significant symptom variability. Predictable return to play in athletes with coexisting symptomatic intra-articular and extra-articular symptomatology is incumbent upon the treatment of both pathologies.

Femoral Derotation Osteotomy Improves Hip and Spine Function in Patients With Increased or Decreased Femoral Torsion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of proximal femoral derotation osteotomy (PFDO) on the hip and spine function of patients with abnormal femoral torsion.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent PFDO to treat increased or decreased femoral torsion between July 2014 and February 2019. The exclusion criteria were: previous fracture, fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis or osteotomy in the ipsilateral femur; PFDO associated to varus or valgus osteotomy; Tönnis grade 2 or 3 osteoarthritis; and PFDO performed to treat knee abnormalities. Hip function was assessed through the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). A subgroup of consecutive patients with low back pain before the PFDO and operated after 2017 had the spine function assessed through the Oswestry disability index (ODI).

RESULTS

A total of 37 hips (34 patients) were studied: 15 hips with increased femoral torsion and 22 with decreased femoral torsion. Eight patients were male and 26 were female. The average age at PFDO was 33 years (range, 15-54 years). At a mean follow-up of 24 months (range, 12-65 months), the mean mHHS improved from 58.1 ± 14.3 before PFDO to 82 ± 15.6 at the most recent follow-up (P < .001). Improvement in the mHHS above the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was observed in 33 hips (89%). In the subgroup of 14 consecutive patients with ODI available, the ODI improved from a mean of 45% ± 16% before the PFDO to 22% ± 17% at the most recent follow-up (P = .001). Nine (64.3%) of the 14 patients presented improvement in the ODI above the MCID. Revision procedure with a larger intramedullary nail was necessary in 2 hips to treat nonunion.

CONCLUSION

Proximal femoral derotation osteotomy improves the hip and spine function in patients with increased or decreased femoral torsion and nonarthritic hips.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Acetabular Labral Tears - Part 2: Clinical Diagnosis, Physical Examination and Imaging

The clinical diagnosis of femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) continues to evolve as the understanding of normal and pathological hips progresses. Femoral acetabular impingement is currently defined as a syndrome in which the diagnosis consists of the combination of a previously-obtained comprehensive clinical history, followed by a consistent and standardized physical examination with specific orthopedic maneuvers. Additionally, radiographic and tomographic examinations are used for the morphological evaluation of the hip, and to ascertain the existence of sequelae of childhood hip diseases and the presence of osteoarthritis. The understanding of the femoral and acetabular morphologies and versions associated with images of labral and osteochondral lesions obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contributes to the confirmation of this syndrome in symptomatic patients, and helps in the exclusion of differential diagnoses such as iliopsoas tendon snaps, subspine impingement, ischiofemoral impingement, and other hip joint pathologies.

Definitions of Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy: Are We Speaking the Same Language and Are We Measuring the Right Outcome?

Background:

Return to sport is a commonly studied outcome of hip arthroscopy that is relevant to both patients and providers. There exists substantial variability in criteria used to define successful return to sport.

Purpose:

To review and evaluate the definitions used in the literature so as to establish a single standard to enable comparison of outcomes in future studies.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2019, for studies relating to hip arthroscopy and return to sport. Articles included were those that met the following criteria: (1) contained 2 or more patients, (2) studied patients 18 years of age and older, (3) reported postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy, (4) clearly defined return to play, and (5) were written in English. Excluded articles (1) reported outcomes for nonoperative or open treatments, (2) did not clearly define return to play, or (3) were review articles, meta-analyses, or survey-based studies. Return-to-play definitions and additional metrics of postoperative performance and outcome were recorded.

Results:

A total of 185 articles were identified, and 28 articles were included in the final review, of which 18 involved elite athletes and 10 involved recreational athletes. Of articles studying elite athletes, 6 (33%) defined return to play as participation in regular or postseason competition, 3 (17%) extended the criteria to the preseason, and 2 (11%) used participation in sport-related activities and training. The remaining 7 (39%) reported rates of return to the preoperative level of competition but did not specify preseason versus regular season. All 10 articles evaluating recreational athletes defined return to play based on patient-reported outcomes. Four (40%) did so qualitatively, while 6 (60%) did so quantitatively.

Conclusion:

There exists significant variability in criteria used to define successful return to sport after hip arthroscopy, and these criteria differ among elite and recreational athletes. For elite athletes, return to the preoperative level of competition is most commonly used, but there exists no consensus on what type of competition—regular season, preseason, or training—is most appropriate. For recreational athletes, patient-reported data are most commonly employed, although there are clear differences between authors on the ways in which these are being used as well.

The prevalence of athletic pubalgia imaging findings on MRI in patients with femoroacetabular impingement

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of athletic pubalgia imaging findings on MRI in patients with femoroacetabular impingement and assess for correlative risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective search identified 156 hips with femoroacetabular impingement and a control group of 113 without femoroacetabular impingement that had an MRI performed between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2018. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed studies for the presence of acute osteitis pubis, chronic osteitis pubis, adductor tendinosis, and tendon tear; rectus abdominis tendinosis and tendon tear; and aponeurotic plate tear. Findings were correlated with various clinical and imaging risk factors. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Imaging findings of adductor tendinosis (p = 0.02) and chronic osteitis pubis (p = 0.01) were more prevalent in FAI patients than controls. Univariate analyses in FAI patients showed that an alpha angle ≥ 60° had a higher prevalence of aponeurotic plate tears (p = 0.02) and adductor tendinosis (p = 0.049). Multivariate analyses showed that an alpha angle ≥ 60° had a higher prevalence of chronic osteitis pubis (OR = 2.27, p = 0.031), sports participation had a higher prevalence of adductor tendon tears (OR = 4.69, p = 0.013) and chronic osteitis pubis (OR = 2.61, p = 0.0058), and males had a higher prevalence of acute osteitis pubis (OR = 5.17, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Sports participation, alpha angle ≥ 60°, and male sex predict a higher prevalence of athletic pubalgia imaging findings in patients with femoroacetabular impingement.

Hip-spine syndrome: rationale for ischiofemoral impingement, femoroacetabular impingement and abnormal femoral torsion leading to low back pain

The term 'hip-spine syndrome' was introduced in recognition of the frequent occurrence of concomitant symptoms at the hip and lumbar spine. Limitations in hip range of motion can result in abnormal lumbopelvic mechanics. Ischiofemoral impingement, femoroacetabular impingement and abnormal femoral torsion are increasingly linked to abnormal hip and spinopelvic biomechanics. The purpose of this narrative review is to explain the mechanism by which these three abnormal hip pathologies contribute to increased low back pain in patients without hip osteoarthritis. This paper presents a thorough rationale of the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the aforementioned hip pathologies, and how each contributes to premature coupling and limited hip flexion/extension. The future of hip and spine conservative and surgical management requires the implementation of a global hip-spine-pelvis-core approach to improve patient function and satisfaction.

Meta-Analysis of the Surgical and Rehabilitative Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Athletes With Femoroacetabular Impingement

OBJECTIVES

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) poses a threat to athletes' capacity to compete. This review aims to estimate the rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI as well as identify factors that may affect athletes' outcomes.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

Four databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched in July 2015 by 2 reviewers. Studies were required to include athletes who were treated with hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI and also report return to sport as an outcome. A validated tool was used for quality assessment and level of agreement between raters was calculated. A meta-analysis for proportions returning to sport was performed on the available data using MedCalc software. Additional outcomes were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 case series involving 823 patients were included in the review, with moderate to high methodological quality. 88.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 83.4%-92.4%] of athletes returned to sport after arthroscopy and 85.3% (95% CI, 77.6%-91.6%) returned to preinjury level. All outcome measures used reported measurable improvements. Complication rates were low.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of athletes return to sport after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Severity of intraarticular damage and degree of degenerative changes affect ability to return to sport. Additional validated outcome measures should be used together with return to sport. Future studies should be prospective with longer-term follow-up to provide a higher level of evidence for outcomes.

Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in NCAA Division I Athletes: Experience at a Single Institution

Background:

The rate of return to sport after surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome (FAIS) has been studied in high-level athletes. However, few studies examining this rate have focused exclusively on National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes.

Purpose:

To evaluate the return-to-sport rate after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and to examine the influence of sport type on the clinical presentation of FAIS in collegiate athletes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included in this study were NCAA Division I student-athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS at our institution between 2010 and 2017. Exclusion criteria were history of previous hip pathology, pediatric hip disease, radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade >0), prior lower extremity procedure, history of chronic pain, osteoporosis, or history of systemic inflammatory disease. Athletes were categorized into 6 subgroups based on the type of sport (cutting, contact, endurance, impingement, asymmetric/overhead, and flexibility) by using a previously reported classification system. Patient characteristics and preoperative, intraoperative, and return-to-sport variables were compared among sport types.

Results:

A total of 49 hip arthroscopies for FAIS were performed in 39 collegiate athletes (10 females, 29 males; mean age, 19.5 ± 1.3 years). A total of 1 (2.6%) cutting athlete, 15 (38.5%) contact athletes, 8 (20.5%) impingement athletes, 6 (15.4%) asymmetric/overhead athletes, and 9 (23.1%) endurance athletes were included in the study. There were no differences among sports groups with respect to the FAI type. Endurance athletes had lower rates of femoral osteochondroplasty (45.5%) and labral debridement (0.0%) (P < .0001). Contact sport athletes had higher rates of labral debridement (50.0%; P < .0001). Patients were evaluated for return to sport at an average of 1.96 ± 0.94 years. Overall, the return-to-sport rate was 89.7%. There were no differences in return-to-sport rates based on the sport type except for endurance athletes, who returned at a lower rate (66.6%; P < .001). No differences in return-to-sport rate (P = .411), duration after return (P = .265), or highest attempted level of sport resumed (P = .625) were found between patients who underwent labral repair versus debridement.

Conclusion:

Collegiate-level athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS returned to sport at high and predictable rates, with endurance athletes possibly returning to sport at lower rates than all other sport types. Surgical procedures may be influenced by sport type, but the rate of return to sport between athletes who underwent labral debridement versus labral repair was similar.

Return to Play in Amateur Soccer Players Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy: Short- to Mid-Term Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To describe patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and return to play at any level in amateur soccer players undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome at short- to mid-term follow-up.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between March 2009 and June 2014. Patients who participated in amateur soccer within 1 year prior to surgery and intended to return to their sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome were considered for inclusion in our study. Patients were excluded if they had a preoperative Tönnis osteoarthritis grade of 2 or greater, previous ipsilateral hip conditions or hip surgical procedures, or Workers' Compensation status. The patients from the initial group who had preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative measures for the modified Harris Hip Score, Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale for pain were included in our final group. In addition to PROs, data regarding the patients' return to soccer, surgical complications, and secondary surgical procedures were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were eligible for inclusion in our study, of whom 34 (82.9%) had a mean follow-up period of 47.4 months. Five patients were not eligible because they did not intend to return to soccer. There were 15 male hips (44.1%) and 19 female hips (55.9%). The mean age at surgery was 20.8 ± 7.4 years. All PROs and the visual analog scale score improved significantly from preoperatively to latest follow-up. Of the 34 patients, 27 (79.4%) returned to soccer. Of the patients who returned to soccer, 19 (70.4%) were competing at the same level or a higher level compared with their highest level within 1 year of surgery. Regardless of competitive level, 21 patients (77.8%) reported that their athletic ability was the same as or higher than it was within 1 year of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy was associated with significant improvements in PROs for amateur soccer players. There was a high level of return to soccer and a high proportion of patients whose competitive level was similar or improved. As such, hip arthroscopy is a good option for soccer players, in the absence of underlying osteoarthritis, presenting with hip pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Outcomes following surgical management of inguinal-related groin pain in athletes: a case series

To determine the outcomes of a limited surgical intervention, consisting of neurolysis, inguinal wall repair and/or adductor debridement of adhesions based on intraoperative findings. Retrospective case series. Outpatient orthopedic/general surgery clinic. Fifty-one athletes treated surgically for inguinal-related groin pain from 2009 to 2015. Limited surgical intervention, consisting of neurolysis, inguinal wall repair and/or adductor debridement based on intra-operative findings. Ability to return to sport at the same level, time to return to play. Fifty-one athletes were included in the study with an average follow-up of 4.42 years (range 2.02–7.01). The average age was 24.2 years (range 16–49) and consisted of 94.0% males and 6.0% females. Nerve entrapment was demonstrated in 96.2% of cases with involvement of the ilioinguinal in 92.5%, the iliohypogastric in 30.8% and the genitofemoral in 13.2%. Attenuation of the posterior inguinal wall was present and repaired in 79.3% of cases. Scar tissue was present around the adductor origin and required debridement in 56.7% of cases. Forty-nine (96.1%) athletes returned to sport at the same level of play at an average of 5.9 weeks. Two athletes required a revision surgery. High rates of return to sport were achieved after surgery for inguinal-related groin pain that addresses the varying pathology and associated nerve entrapment.

Athletes experience a high rate of return to sport following hip arthroscopy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the rate at which patients return to sport following arthroscopic hip surgery.

METHODS

The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched by two reviewers, and titles, abstracts, and full-text articles screened in duplicate. English language studies investigating hip arthroscopy with reported return to sport outcomes were included. A meta-analysis of proportions was used to combine the rate of return to sports using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Overall, 38 studies with 1773 patients (72% male), with a mean age of 27.6 years (range 11-65) and mean follow-up of 28.1 months (range 3-144) were included in this review. The pooled rate of return to sport was: 93% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 87-97%] at any level of participation; 82% (95% CI = 74-88%) at preoperative level of sporting activity; 89% (95% CI = 84-93%) for competitive athletes; 95% (95% CI = 89-98%) in pediatric patients; and 94% (95% CI 89.2-98.0%) in professional athletes. There was significant correlation between a shorter duration of preoperative symptoms and a higher rate of return to sports (Pearson correlation coefficient = - 0.711, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy yields a high rate of return to sport, in addition to marked improvement in pain and function in the majority of patients. The highest rates of return to sport were noted in pediatric patients, professional athletes, and those with a shorter duration of preoperative symptoms. This study provides clinicians with evidence-based data on athletes' abilities to return to sport after arthroscopic hip surgery and identifies sub-populations with the highest rates of return to sport.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Radiographic Prevalence of Sacroiliac Joint Abnormalities and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To quantify the prevalence of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) abnormalities in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) by use of various imaging modalities and to compare outcomes based on SIJ abnormalities.

METHODS

Plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS from January 2012 to January 2016 were identified. The exclusion criteria included patients undergoing bilateral or revision surgery, those with a history of dysplasia, and those with less than 2 years' follow-up. On radiographs, the SIJs were graded using modified New York criteria for spondyloarthropathy. CT and MRI scans were reviewed for joint surface erosion, subchondral sclerosis, joint space narrowing, pseudo-widening, bone marrow edema, and ankylosis. Patients with SIJ abnormalities were matched to patients without SIJ abnormalities in a 1:2 ratio by age and body mass index. Outcomes included the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and VAS for satisfaction.

RESULTS

Of 1,009 consecutive patients, 743 (73.6%) were included; 187 (25.2%) showed SIJ changes. Of these 187 patients, 164 (87.7%) had changes on plain radiographs, 88 (47.1%) had changes on CT, and 125 (66.8%) had changes on MRI. SIJ changes on any imaging modality were weakly correlated with pain to palpation of the SIJ (r = 0.11, P = .004) on physical examination. Pain to palpation of the SIJ on physical examination (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; P = .031) and a history of SIJ pain (OR, 1.93; P = .018) increased the odds of having an SIJ abnormality on any imaging modality. After matching, patients without SIJ abnormalities had a significantly greater HOS-ADL (95.4 vs 90.6, P = .001), HOS-SS (91.1 vs 77.5, P < .001), and mHHS (91.3 vs 84.5, P < .001) and a significantly lower VAS pain score (10.9 vs 25.7, P < .001) than patients with abnormalities at a mean follow-up of 34.1 ± 9.7 months (range, 24-54 months). Patients without SIJ abnormalities had greater odds of achieving the minimal clinically important difference for the HOS-ADL (OR, 2.91; P = .001) and for the HOS-SS (OR, 2.83; P < .001) but not for the mHHS (OR, 1.73; P = .081).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of SIJ abnormalities (25.2%) is seen on imaging in FAIS patients. These patients may show significantly inferior clinical outcomes and persistent postoperative pain after FAIS treatment. The results of this study may allow treating orthopaedic surgeons to better inform patients with SIJ abnormalities that they may not achieve clinically significant outcome improvement after hip arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Randomized clinical trial of open suture repair versus totally extraperitoneal repair for treatment of sportsman's hernia

Background

Sportsman's hernia/athletic pubalgia is a recognized cause of chronic groin pain in athletes. Both open and laparoscopic surgical repairs have been described for treatment, but there are no comparative studies. The hypothesis here was that relief of pain would be achieved earlier in patients treated with open minimal suture repair than totally extraperitoneal repair.

Methods

A randomized multicentre trial in four European countries was conducted to compare open minimal suture repair with totally extraperitoneal repair. The primary endpoint was complete relief of pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) score 20 or less on a scale from 0 to 100 mm) at 1 month. Secondary endpoints included complications, time to return to sporting activity, and number of patients returning to sport within 1 year.

Results

A total of 65 athletes (92 per cent men) with a median age of 29 years were enrolled (31 open repair, 34 totally extraperitoneal repair). By 4 weeks after surgery, median preoperative VAS scores had dropped from 70–80 to 10–20 in both groups (P &lt; 0·001). Relief of pain (VAS score 20 or less) during sports activity 4 weeks after surgery was achieved in 14 of 31 patients after open repair and 24 of 34 after totally extraperitoneal repair (P = 0·047). Return to full sporting activity was achieved by 16 and 18 patients respectively after 1 month (P = 0·992), and by 25 versus 31 after 3 months (P = 0·408).

Conclusion

Totally extraperitoneal repair was less painful than open repair in the first month, but otherwise both procedures were similarly effective in treating chronic pain due to sportsman's hernia. Registration number: NCT02297711 ( http://www.clinical.trials.gov).

Editorial Commentary: Proximal Hamstring Injuries-Is the Hip to Blame?

There is a growing understanding of the relation between femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and injury to adjacent structures. Patients with proximal hamstring pathology appear to have a high prevalence of underlying FAI. The kinetic chain phenomenon is a potential explanation of the high correlation between proximal hamstring injury and underlying FAI of the hip.

Increased Prevalence of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Patients With Proximal Hamstring Tendon Injuries

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of clinically diagnosed femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in a consecutive series of patients presenting with proximal hamstring tendon injury and to correlate this with pelvic anatomic factors.

METHODS

The prevalence of clinically symptomatic cam-, pincer-, and mixed-type and overall FAI was calculated among a consecutive series of patients presenting to a hip preservation clinic with a confirmed clinical and radiographic diagnosis of proximal hamstring tendon injury between 2012 and 2017. The presence of a cam lesion was determined by an alpha angle > 50° on radiographs and computed tomography radial sequences of the head-neck junction and a femoral head-neck offset ratio < 0.18. Clinical diagnoses of osseous impingement were determined according to accepted pathomorphologic signs and measurements. A diagnosis of FAI was confirmed by imaging findings of acetabular overcoverage for pincer-type FAI and the presence of an anterior or lateral cam lesion for cam-type FAI.

RESULTS

Overall, 120 hips in 97 patients (mean age, 45 years) were included in this study. A clinical diagnosis of FAI was noted in 70.8% of hips (pincer-type 9.2%, cam-type 40.8%, mixed-type 20.8%), an approximate 2- to 7-fold increased prevalence in comparison with the general population from prior studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of FAI is high in patients with symptomatic proximal hamstring tendon pathology. Because FAI results in restriction of hip range of motion and altered pelvic tilt, future studies are warranted to investigate whether the presence of FAI acts as a predisposing factor for injury to the hamstring muscle complex.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Radiographic Prevalence of Symphysis Pubis Abnormalities and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The decreased hip range of motion seen in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) may lead to compensatory increased motion at the symphysis pubis (SP) with resultant increased stress on the joint, which can subsequently lead to osteitis pubis.

PURPOSE

To quantify the prevalence of SP abnormalities in patients with FAIS through the use of imaging modalities and to compare outcomes based on the presence of SP abnormalities.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 1009 consecutive patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS from January 2012 to January 2016 were identified. Exclusion criteria were patients undergoing revision or bilateral surgery, patients with dysplasia, and patients with less than 2-year follow-up. On radiographs, SP joints were reviewed for joint surface erosions, subchondral sclerosis and cysts, and ankylosis. MRI scans were reviewed for marrow edema in the subarticular pubic bone, subchondral sclerosis and cysts, joint surface erosions, and ankylosis. Patients with SP abnormalities were matched 1:2 to patients without SP abnormalities by age and body mass index. Outcomes included the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), HOS-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12), and visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and satisfaction.

RESULTS

830 patients were included; 23 (2.8%) demonstrated SP abnormalities. Of the 726 (72%) MRI scans reviewed, 15 (1.8%) showed bone marrow edema, subchondral sclerosis, erosions, or ankylosis. After matching, patients without SP abnormalities had significantly greater HOS-ADL (95.7 vs 83.0; P = .008), HOS-SS (91.6 vs 61.9; P = .003), iHOT-12 (89.5 vs 74.6; P = .046), and VAS satisfaction (91.3 vs 58.8; P = .004) scores, in addition to less postoperative pain (6.3 vs 23.5; P < .001). No significant differences were found in the mHHS (92.5 vs 82.2; P = .08). Patients without SP abnormalities had higher odds of achieving the minimal clinically important difference for the HOS-ADL (odds ratio [OR], 4.5; 95% CI, 1.3-14.1; P = .010), the HOS-SS (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.8-18.5; P = .006), and the mHHS (OR, 14.5; 95% CI, 1.8-24.7; P = .013).

CONCLUSION

A low prevalence (1.8%-2.6%) of SP joint abnormality is seen on imaging in patients with FAIS. These patients may demonstrate significantly inferior clinical outcomes and persistent postoperative pain after FAIS treatment.

Hip Joint Torsional Loading Before and After Cam Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) aims to preserve the native hip and restore joint function, although it is unclear how the capsulotomy, cam deformity, and capsular repair influence joint mechanics to balance functional mobility.

PURPOSE

To examine the contributions of the capsule and cam deformity to hip joint mechanics. Using in vitro, cadaveric methods, we examined the individual effects of the surgical capsulotomy, cam resection, and capsular repair on passive range of motion and resistance of applied torque.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

Twelve cadaveric hips with cam deformities were skeletonized to the capsule and mounted onto a robotic testing platform. The robot positioned each intact hip in multiple testing positions: (1) extension, (2) neutral 0°, (3) flexion 30°, (4) flexion 90°, (5) flexion-adduction and internal rotation (FADIR), and (6) flexion-abduction and external rotation. Then the robot performed applicable internal and external rotations, recording the neutral path of motion until a 5-N·m of torque was reached in each rotational direction. Each hip then underwent a series of surgical stages (T-capsulotomy, cam resection, capsular repair) and was retested to reach 5 N·m of internal and external torque again after each stage. During the capsulotomy and cam resection stages, the initial intact hip's recorded path of motion was replayed to measure changes in resisted torque.

RESULTS

Regarding changes in motion, external rotation increased substantially after capsulotomies, but internal rotation only further increased at flexion 90° (change +32%, P = .001, d = 0.58) and FADIR (change +33%, P < .001, d = 0.51) after cam resections. Capsular repair provided marginal restraint for internal rotation but restrained the external rotation compared with the capsulotomy stage. Regarding changes in torque, both internal and external torque resistance decreased after capsulotomy. Compared with the capsulotomy stage, cam resection further reduced internal torque resistance during flexion 90° (change -45%, P < .001, d = 0.98) and FADIR (change -37%, P = .003, d = 1.0), where the cam deformity accounted for 21% of the intact hip's torsional resistance in flexion 90° and 27% in FADIR.

CONCLUSION

Although the capsule played a predominant role in joint constraint, the cam deformity provided 21% to 27% of the intact hip's resistance to torsional load in flexion and internal rotation. Resecting the cam deformity would remove this loading on the chondrolabral junction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings are the first to quantify the contribution of the cam deformity to resisting hip joint torsional loads and thus quantify the reduced loading on the chondrolabral complex that can be achieved after cam resection.

Management of osteitis pubis in athletes: rehabilitation and return to training - a review of the most recent literature

Osteitis pubis is a common cause of chronic groin pain, especially in athletes. Although a precise etiology is not defined, it seems to be related to muscular imbalance and pelvic instability. Diagnosis is based on detailed history, clinical evaluation, and imaging, which are crucial for a correct diagnosis and proper management. Many different therapeutic approaches have been proposed for osteitis pubis; conservative treatment represents the first-line approach and provides good results in most patients, especially if based on an individualized multimodal rehabilitative management. Different surgical options have been also described, but they should be reserved to recalcitrant cases. In this review, a critical analysis of the literature about athletic osteitis pubis is performed, especially focusing on its diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Preoperative Symptom Duration Is Associated With Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Prolonged disease chronicity has been implicated as a cause of suboptimal clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), possibly due to disease progression, deconditioning, and the development of compensatory pathomechanics.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of increasing duration of preoperative symptoms on patient-reported outcomes, reoperation, and clinical failure of hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed to identify all patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy between January 1, 2012, and July 30, 2014, by a single surgeon, with minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patient demographics, comorbid medical conditions, and preoperative outcome scores were compared between patients with preoperative symptoms lasting less than 2 years and those with symptoms lasting 2 years or longer. Multivariate regressions were used to compare Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific (HOS-SS), and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) between the 2 cohorts at 2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 624 patients were included, with an average age of 34.0 ± 13.5 years; 235 (37.7%) patients had experienced preoperative symptoms 2 years or longer. Patients with symptoms lasting less than 2 years had statistically significant higher outcome scores than those with symptoms lasting 2 or more years for the HOS-ADL (86.3 ± 16.4 vs 80.3 ± 19.9, respectively), HOS-SS (75.0 ± 25.3 vs 65.1 ± 29.0), and mHHS (79.1 ± 16.6 vs 74.0 ± 18.8), as well as higher satisfaction (82.1 ± 30.7 vs 71.1 ± 31.6) and lower pain scores (2.6 ± 2.3 vs 3.5 ± 2.6). On multivariate analysis, patients with symptoms 2 years or longer had significantly higher visual analog scale-Pain score (β = 0.6, P = .039) and lower HOS-ADL (β = -3.4, P = .033), HOS-SS (β = -6.3, P = .012), and satisfaction (β = -6.7, P = .028) at 2-year follow-up. Patients with longer duration of symptoms also demonstrated less improvement in HOS-SS (β = -10.3, P = .001) at 2 years after surgery. Patients with symptoms for 2 years or longer were significantly less likely to achieve a patient acceptable symptomatic state for HOS-ADL (relative risk [RR] = 0.8, P = .024) and HOS-SS (RR = 0.8, P = .032) at 2 years of follow-up. Patients with symptoms 2 years or longer also demonstrated significantly higher rates of revision arthroscopy (RR = 10.1, P = .046).

CONCLUSION

Patients with untreated, FAIS-related symptoms lasting 2 years or longer before arthroscopic management had significantly worse patient-reported outcomes and higher rates of reoperation at 2 years after surgery when compared with those patients with a shorter duration of preoperative symptoms.

Athletic Pubalgia Secondary to Rectus Abdominis-Adductor Longus Aponeurotic Plate Injury: Diagnosis, Management, and Operative Treatment of 100 Competitive Athletes

Background

A rectus abdominis-adductor longus (RA-AL) aponeurotic plate injury, commonly associated with athletic pubalgia, sports hernia, or a core muscle injury, causes significant dysfunction in athletes. Increased recognition of this specific injury distinct from inguinal hernia abnormalities has led to better management of this debilitating condition.

Hypothesis

Surgical repair of RA-AL aponeurotic plate injuries will result in decreased symptoms and high rates of return to play.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Using our billing and clinical database, patients who underwent RA-AL aponeurotic plate repair by a single surgeon at a single institution were contacted for Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and return-to-play data. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis by history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging who failed 6 to 12 weeks of appropriate conservative treatment were indicated for surgery. Surgical repair involved adductor longus fractional lengthening, limited adductor longus tenotomy, and a turn-up flap of the released adductor tendon and aponeurosis onto the rectus abdominis for imbrication reinforcement.

Results

Of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 85 (85%) were contacted. A total of 82 (96%) patients were able to return to play at a mean of 4.1 months after repair. Hip function was rated as 98% of normal and sports function as 92% of normal. Factors associated with negative outcomes were multiple procedures, prior inguinal hernia repair, and female sex. Negative outcomes were demonstrated by decreased HOS scores and decreased sports function. The overall complication rate was 7%.

Conclusion

RA-AL aponeurotic plate repair by the method of an adductor-to-rectus abdominis turn-up flap is a safe procedure with high return-to-play success. Patients who had previously undergone inguinal hernia repair or other hip/pelvic-related surgery and female patients had worse outcomes.

Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of arthroscopic treatment for intra-articular hip pathology has demonstrated improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a lower rate of complications, reoperation, and patient morbidity as compared with traditional methods. Although the use of this minimally invasive approach has increased in prevalence, no evidence-based return-to-play (RTP) criteria have been developed to ensure an athlete's preparedness for sporting activities.

PURPOSE

To determine if there exists sufficient evidence in the literature to support an RTP protocol and functional assessment after hip arthroscopy, as well as to assess the mean rate and duration of RTP.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The search terms "hip arthroscopy," "return to play," and 10 related terms were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, yielding 263 articles. After screening, 22 articles were included. RTP timeline, rehabilitation protocols, and conditional criteria measures were assessed with previously established criteria. Pooled estimates were calculated for RTP rate and duration, and weighted mean scores were determined for PROs.

RESULTS

A total of 1296 patients with 1442 total hips were identified. Although 54.5% (12 of 22) of studies did not provide a guideline for RTP duration after hip arthroscopy, 36.4% (8 of 22) recommended a duration of 4 months, while 9.1% (2 of 22) recommended 3 months. The most frequently described postoperative rehabilitation protocols were weightbearing guidelines (15 studies) and passive motion exercises (9 studies). Only 2 studies satisfied the criteria for a sufficient RTP protocol, and 3 provided a specific replicable test for RTP. The mean RTP duration was 7.4 months (95% CI, 6.1-8.8 months), and the return rate was 84.6% (95% CI, 80.4%-88.8%; P = .008) at a mean ± SD follow-up of 25.8 ± 2.4 months. Mean modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) improved from 63.1 to 84.1 postoperatively (+33.3%), while Non-arthritic Hip Score improved from 61.7 to 86.8 (+40.7%). A lower preoperative mHHS was significantly associated with a higher postoperative improvement ( r = -0.95, P = .0003).

CONCLUSION

Significant variability exists in RTP protocols among institutions owing to a lack of standardization. Despite a high overall rate of RTP and improvement in PROs after hip arthroscopy, the majority of rehabilitation protocols are not evidence based and rely on expert opinion. No validated functional test currently exists to assess RTP.

Groin pain in athletes and non-interventional rehabilitative treatment: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Groin pain is a common complaint both in high-performance and recreational athletes. Diagnosis is based on the patient's history and physical examination. Imaging assessments are often considered to exclude other pathologies. To date there is no strong evidence to support conservative or surgical treatment options. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the more effective non-interventional rehabilitative treatments for the management of groin pain in athletes and, if possible, provide guidelines useful for clinical practice.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, Web of Science, Google and Google Scholar. Databases were investigated from January 1997 until March 2017.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The results reported in the randomized clinical trial studies highlight that active treatment is better than passive treatment to improve clinical signs of groin pain. Comparing the active strategy with multi-modal treatment the latter allows a faster return to sport activity. Although the evidence remains poor, all the included literature highlights that an integrated strategy which combines active and passive treatment, the assessment of perceived pain, a return to running program and specific-sport exercises is an effective strategy for management of groin pain in athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we shed some light on common key aspects able to improve the typical signs of groin pain, on the basis of available data we were unable to provide practice guidelines. Further studies are necessary to set the best treatment algorithm for the management of groin pain in athletes.

Articular and peri-articular hip lesions in soccer players. The importance of imaging in deciding which lesions will need surgery and which can be treated conservatively?

Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide engaging millions of participants each year. During play, injuries occur rather frequently and most of them involve the hip joint and the surrounding structure. In professional athletes, injuries are often complex scenarios and in the case of misdiagnosis, patients' return to play is delayed or it may progress to a more serious injury with consequent damage for their career and for the soccer team. The most frequent articular pathologies are Femoro-acetabular impingement and labral tears. Stress fracture, avulsion, ischiofemoral impingement, subspine impingement, athletic pubalgia, muscle injuries and Morel-Levallèe lesion are the most frequent hip peri-articular pathologies whereas snapping hip may be both intra- or extra-articular pathology. With an increasing number of football players, the radiologist plays a crucial role in the detection and characterization of the extent of the injuries. This article reviews the current imaging concepts frequently seen in injuries around the hips of professional football players focusing in particular on the most suitable therapeutic approaches, whether surgical or conservative.

Epidemiology of Hip and Groin Injuries in Collegiate Athletes in the United States

Background:

Hip and groin pain is a common complaint among athletes. Few studies have examined the epidemiology of hip and groin injuries in collegiate athletes across multiple sports.

Purpose:

To describe the rates, mechanisms, sex-based differences, and severity of hip/groin injuries across 25 collegiate sports.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Data from the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 academic years were obtained from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA ISP). The rate of hip/groin injuries, mechanism of injury, time lost from competition, and need for surgery were calculated. Differences between sex-comparable sports were quantified using rate ratios (RRs) and injury proportion ratios (IPRs).

Results:

In total, 1984 hip/groin injuries were reported, giving an overall injury rate of 53.06 per 100,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). An adductor/groin tear was the most common injury, comprising 24.5% of all injuries. The sports with the highest rates of injuries per 100,000 AEs were men’s soccer (110.84), men’s ice hockey (104.90), and women’s ice hockey (76.88). In sex-comparable sports, men had a higher rate of injuries per 100,000 AEs compared with women (59.53 vs 42.27, respectively; RR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.28-1.55]). The most common injury mechanisms were noncontact (48.4% of all injuries) and overuse/gradual (20.4%). In sex-comparable sports, men had a greater proportion of injuries due to player contact than women (17.0% vs 3.6%, respectively; IPR, 4.80 [95% CI, 3.10-7.42]), while women had a greater proportion of injuries due to overuse/gradual than men (29.1% vs 16.7%, respectively; IPR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.46-2.06]). Overall, 39.3% of hip/groin injuries resulted in time lost from competition. Only 1.3% of injuries required surgery.

Conclusion:

Hip/groin injuries are most common in sports that involve kicking or skating and sudden changes in direction and speed. Most hip/groin injuries in collegiate athletes are noncontact and do not result in time lost from competition, and few require surgery. This information can help guide treatment and prevention measures to limit such injuries in male and female collegiate athletes.

Decreased Hip Internal Rotation Increases the Risk of Back and Abdominal Muscle Injuries in Professional Baseball Players: Analysis of 258 Player-seasons

INTRODUCTION

The relationship of hip range of motion (ROM) to shoulder, elbow, abdominal, and back injuries remains undefined.

METHODS

We assessed hip ROM on players reporting to Major League Spring Training for an organization over six seasons (2010 to 2015). Hip ROM was correlated with player abdominal, back, shoulder, and elbow injury status for those seasons using multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 258 player-seasons (129 pitchers and 129 position players) resulted in 20 back and 35 abdominal injuries across all players and 28 elbow and 25 shoulder injuries in pitchers. Hip ROM did not correlate with shoulder or elbow injuries. Hip internal rotation deficit of 5° correlated with core injury (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; P = 0.024 for pitchers; OR, 1.35; P = 0.026 for position players) and back injury (OR, 1.160; P = 0.022 for pitchers).

DISCUSSION

Hip internal rotation deficits were predictive of back and abdominal injuries but not shoulder or elbow injury.

Femoroacetabular impingement surgery allows 74% of athletes to return to the same competitive level of sports participation but their level of performance remains unreported: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is one source of hip pain that can limit sport participation among athletes.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the return to sport (RTS) rate for athletes after surgery for FAI syndrome.

METHODS

A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and EMBASE databases was performed using keywords related to RTS and RTS at preinjury level (RTS_PRE) of competition for FAI syndrome. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale.

RESULTS

35 studies (1634 athletes/1828 hips) qualified for analysis. Based on evidence of limited to moderate strength (level 3b to 4 studies), athletes return to sport at preinjury level post surgery for FAI syndrome at a rate of only 74% (67%-81%). Only 37% of studies reported RTS_PRE. The mean time from surgery to RTS was 7.0±2.6 months. The mean follow-up postsurgery was 28.1±15.5 months. Professional athletes returned to sport (p=0.0002) (although not the preinjury sport level; p=0.63) at a higher rate than collegiate athletes. Only 14% of studies reported on athletic presurgery and postsurgery athletic performance, which means it is impossible to comment on whether athletes return to their previous level of performance or not. No studies reported on the specific criteria used to permit players to return to sport. 20% of studies reported on career longevity, 51% reported surgical complications and 77% reported on surgical failures.

CONCLUSION

There was limited to moderate evidence that one in four athletes did not return to their previous level of sport participation after surgery for FAI syndrome. Only 37% of the included studies clearly distinguished RTS from RTS_PRE. Poor outcome reporting on athletic performance postsurgery makes it difficult to determine to what level of performance these athletes actually perform. Thus, if a player asks a surgeon 'Will I get back to my previous level of performance?' there are presently little to no published data from which to base an answer.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017072762.

Hip and Groin Injuries in Baseball Players

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the clinical significance of the most common hip and groin injuries in baseball players, as well as an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and treatment of these injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

(a) Limitations in throwing velocity, pitch control, and bat swing speed may be secondary to decreased mobility and strength within the proximal kinetic chain, which must harness power from the lower extremities and core. (b) Approximately 5.5% of all baseball injuries per year involve the hip/groin and may lead to a significant amount of time spent on the disabled list. Injuries involving the hip and groin are relatively common in baseball players. Our knowledge of the mechanics of overhead throwing continues to evolve, as does our understanding of the contribution of power from the lower extremities and core. It is paramount that the team physician be able to accurately diagnose and treat injuries involving the hip/groin, as they may lead to significant disability and inability to return to elite levels of play. This review focuses on hip- and groin-related injuries in the baseball player, including femoroacetabular impingement, core muscle injury, and osteitis pubis.

Cam morphology and inguinal pathologies: is there a possible connection?

Background

To analyse the prevalences of the cam and pincer morphologies in a cohort of patients with groin pain syndrome caused by inguinal pathologies.

Materials and methods

Forty-four patients (40 men and 4 women) who suffered from groin pain syndrome were enrolled in the study. All the patients were radiographically and clinically evaluated following a standardised protocol established by the First Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference on Terminology, Clinical Evaluation and Imaging Assessment in Groin Pain in Athlete. Subsequently, all of the subjects underwent a laparoscopic repair of the posterior inguinal wall.

Results

The study demonstrated an association between the cam morphology and inguinal pathologies in 88.6% of the cases (39 subjects). This relationship may be explained by noting that the cam morphology leads to biomechanical stress at the posterior inguinal wall level.

Conclusions

Athletic subjects who present the cam morphology may be considered a population at risk of developing inguinal pathologies.

Level of evidence

Level IV, Observational cross-sectional study.

Prevalence of Surgical Repair for Athletic Pubalgia and Impact on Performance in Football Athletes Participating in the National Football League Combine

PURPOSE

To examine the prevalence and impact of athletic pubalgia (AP) surgery in elite American football athletes participating in the National Football League (NFL) Combine.

METHODS

Results from 1,311 athletes participating in the Combine from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated. Athletes with a history of AP repair were identified using the NFL Combine Database. Athlete history and available imaging was reviewed. NFL performance based on draft status, games played, games started, and current status in the NFL was gathered using publicly available databases. Statistical analysis was performed to detect for significant associations between athlete history and NFL performance in the presence of AP repair and pelvic pathology on postsurgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

AP repair was identified in 4.2% (n = 55) of athletes. MRI was performed in 35% (n = 19 of 55) with AP repair, of which 53% (n = 10 of 19) had positive pathology. Athletes with repair were not at risk of playing (P = .87) or starting (P = .45) fewer regular season games, going undrafted (P = .27), or not being on an active NFL roster (P = .51). Compared with athletes with negative imaging findings, positive pathology on MRI did not have a significant impact on games played (P = .74), games started (P = .48), draft status (P = .26), or being on an active roster (P = .74). Offensive linemen (P = .005) and athletes with a history of repair within 1 year of the Combine (P = .03) had a significantly higher risk of possessing positive pathology on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes with a history of successful AP surgery invited to the NFL Combine and those with persistent pathology on MRI are not at increased risk for diminished performance in the NFL. Offensive linemen and athletes less than 1 year out from surgery have a higher risk for positive MRI findings at the pubic symphysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic study-case series.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Athletic Hip Injuries

Historically, athletic hip injuries have garnered little attention; however, these injuries account for approximately 6% of all sports injuries and their prevalence is increasing. At times, the diagnosis and management of hip injuries can be challenging and elusive for the team physician. Hip injuries are seen in high-level athletes who participate in cutting and pivoting sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Described previously as the "sports hip triad," these injuries consist of adductor strains, osteitis pubis, athletic pubalgia, or core muscle injury, often with underlying range-of-motion limitations secondary to femoroacetabular impingement. These disorders can happen in isolation but frequently occur in combination. To add to the diagnostic challenge, numerous intra-articular disorders and extra-articular soft-tissue restraints about the hip can serve as pain generators, in addition to referred pain from the lumbar spine, bowel, bladder, and reproductive organs. Athletic hip conditions can be debilitating and often require a timely diagnosis to provide appropriate intervention.