Editorial Commentary: Minimizing Traction Force and Time as Well as Application of Specific Technical Pearls Might Trump the Importance of Choosing Between Post or Postless Hip Arthroscopy With Regards to Complications

Editorial Commentary: Trends in Hip Arthroscopy Require Rapid Dissemination From Higher-Volume and Academic Surgeons to the Greater Orthopaedic Community

Trends in hip arthroscopy show that labral repair and preservation, capsular repair and preservation, and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement during hip arthroscopy are associated with superior short-term and mid- to longer-term outcomes. Hip arthroscopy, and in particular arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement correction, is in its infancy compared with many other orthopaedic procedures. As we assimilate knowledge, data, and evidence-based research, it is critical to evaluate surgical trends and how they affect our management of these patients and pathologies. However, it is important to recognize that there is great variability with regards to surgical volume and awareness of impending evidence-based research for relatively newer procedures such as hip arthroscopy. This can lead to delays for incorporating newer evidence-based techniques. The gap is closing, but the time required to close this disparity in management trends between higher-volume/academic surgeons and the orthopaedic community as a whole could be shorter. Whether this delay for adapting evidence-based trends is consistent across the spectrum of orthopaedic surgery or specific to smaller subspecialty areas such as hip arthroscopy is unclear. Regardless, it is essential that those who are performing the larger volume of cases and research must raise our voices, turn up our loudspeakers, and publish, present, and use social media platforms to spread the word of the latest evidence-based trends quickly! It is equally critical for the greater orthopaedic community to listen for the benefit of patients. If all parties collaborate, we can get up to speed in a timelier manner and achieve the best-possible outcomes together.

Predicting Outcomes in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) continues to rise in incidence, and thus there is an increased focus on factors that predict patient outcomes. The factors that impact the outcomes of arthroscopic FAIS treatment are complex. The purpose of this review is to outline the current literature concerning predictors of patient outcomes for arthroscopic treatment of FAIS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple studies have shown that various patient demographics, joint parameters, and surgical techniques are all correlated with postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic FAIS surgery, as measured by both validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores and rates of revision surgery including hip arthroplasty. To accurately predict patient outcomes for arthroscopic FAIS surgery, consideration should be directed toward preoperative patient-specific factors and intraoperative technical factors. The future of accurately selecting patient predictors for outcomes will only improve with increased data, improved techniques, and technological advancement.

A High Incidence of Perineal Post-Related Complications After Hip Arthroscopy Is Self-Reported by Patients in Anonymous Online Forums

Purpose

To evaluate online, self-reported pudendal nerve or perineal injuries related to the use of a perineal post during hip arthroscopy.

Methods

Public posts on Reddit and the Health Organization for Pudendal Education were searched to identify anonymous individuals reporting symptoms of pudendal nerve or perineal injury following hip arthroscopy. Included posts were by any individual with a self-reported history of hip arthroscopy who developed symptoms of pudendal nerve injury or damage to the perineal soft tissues. Demographic information and details about a person's symptoms and concerns were collected from each post. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results

Twenty-three online posts reported on a perineal post-related complication following hip arthroscopy. Sex information was available in 16 (70%) posts (8 male, 8 female). Twenty-two posts reported a sensory injury, and 4 posts reported a motor injury with sexual consequences (sexual dysfunction, dyspareunia, impotence). Symptom duration was available in 15 (65%) posts (8 temporary, 7 permanent). Permanent symptoms included paresthesia of the perineum or genitals (7) and sexual complaints (5). Two posts stated they were counseled preoperatively about the possibility of this injury. Zero patients reported that a postless hip arthroscopy alternative was an option made available to them before surgery.

Conclusions

A high incidence of permanent pudendal nerve, perineal skin, and genitourinary/sexual complications are self-reported and discussed online by patients who have undergone post-assisted hip arthroscopy. These patients report being uninformed and undereducated about the possibility of sustaining a post-related complication. No patient reported being informed of postless hip arthroscopy preoperatively.

Clinical Relevance

Identifying and evaluating self-reported patient information in online medical forums can provide important information about patient experiences and outcomes.