Hip arthroscopy versus best conservative care for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (UK FASHIoN): a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Diagnostic Capability of Intra-Articular Injections for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To review and critically appraise available literature concerning the diagnostic capability of intra-articular injections for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

SETTING

N/A.

PARTICIPANTS

N/A.

INTERVENTIONS

N/A.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Studies assessing pain relief following intra-articular injections for the diagnosis of FAI syndrome, compared with arthroscopy as diagnostic reference standard, were considered eligible. Searches were performed across 8 databases, and the risk of bias was evaluated through the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.

RESULTS

From 489 articles identified, 4 were included for analysis. Intra-articular injections were composed of anesthetic agents (such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine), combined or not with corticosteroids (triamcinolone and betamethasone). All studies were judged as "at risk of bias", and a substantial heterogeneity was found considering assessment methods and pain relief thresholds for a positive response to intra-articular injections. Overall, 2 studies reported that intra-articular injections presented a high accuracy in determining the presence of FAI syndrome. However, the remaining 2 studies indicated that intra-articular injections might present restricted diagnostic capability to discriminate FAI syndrome from healthy individuals or those with other hip pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on limited evidence, the diagnostic capability of intra-articular injections for FAI syndrome cannot be supported. It remains unclear which pain relief thresholds are related to a higher diagnostic capability. The combination of anesthetics with corticosteroids should also be further explored, including multiple pain assessments for evaluation of prolonged effects.

Functional Outcomes, Complications, and Failure Rates in Workers' Compensation Patients Following Hip Arthroscopic Repair: A Systematic Review

Background

Studies on the feasibility of hip arthroscopy in workers' compensation (WC) patients have been largely inconsistent or limited by study design, necessitating the need for a systematic review.

Purpose

We sought to systematically compare clinically significant differences between WC patients and their counterparts in relation to (1) functional outcomes, (2) complications, and (3) failure rates after hip arthroscopy.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases for studies published between January 1996 and February 2021. In combination with "AND" or "OR" Boolean operators, the following keywords were implemented: "hip arthroscopy," "workers' compensation," "outcomes," "complications," "revision," and "failure rates." Two reviewers screened eligible studies, evaluated methodological quality, and abstracted data.

Results

In the 13 studies pooled, comprising 1874 patients, 276 (14.7%) patients received WC benefits. Twelve studies utilized functional outcomes, 2 studies assessed pain, and 3 studies evaluated satisfaction. Despite scoring lower in these measures preoperatively, WC patients demonstrated significant improvements after hip arthroscopy. Three studies linked compensation with marginally inferior functional scores, but this association was not significant at longer follow-up. Seven studies examined complication incidence, and 6 studies addressed failure rates, with all reporting no significant differences in rates of complications, secondary arthroscopies, or conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusions

The findings of this systematic review suggest that hip arthroscopy offers clinically significant benefits, regardless of WC status. Postoperative results in WC patients, including functional scores, pain, satisfaction, complications, and failure rates, were favorable, and the degree of improvement was at least comparable with their counterparts. Further studies should consider prospective study designs with larger cohorts and extended follow-up.

Trends in Cartilage Repair Techniques for Chondral Defects in the Hip in Germany: An Epidemiological Analysis from 2006 to 2022

Cartilage repair techniques for chondral defects in the hip are crucial for treating conditions like femoroacetabular impingement, developmental dysplasia, and osteonecrosis, especially in young patients to delay the progression of osteoarthritis. This study aims to present age and sex distributions and trends in hip-preserving surgeries in Germany from 2006 to 2022, analyzing 116,179 procedures using the German OPS coding system. The procedures were categorized into three groups: debridement, refixation, and regeneration. Arthroscopy was more common than arthrotomy (98,916 vs. 17,263). Males underwent more procedures than females (63,771 vs. 52,408). Debridement had a monomodal age distribution peaking at 43.42 years, while refixation and regeneration exhibited bimodal patterns. Regenerative procedures were primarily performed on younger patients (average 27.73 years). A Joinpoint analysis showed an initial increase in procedures, peaking around 2013, followed by a decline. Arthroscopic procedures peaked at approximately 9000 in 2013, whereas arthrotomies peaked at around 1200 after 2014. The decline in procedures post-2013 may reflect refined surgical indications and a shift towards outpatient settings. These findings underscore the trend towards minimally invasive, scaffold-based treatments, with regenerative techniques showing promising outcomes in younger patients. Future research should focus on prospective comparative studies and cost-benefit analyses to guide clinical decision-making.

Clinical Outcomes of the Arthroscopic Capsular Suture-Lifting Technique in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Patients With Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background

Patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are likely to present with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH). Considering the prolonged risk of negative prognosis in these patients, the need for surgical management of the capsule has been emphasized. Although previous studies have advocated different techniques of capsular closure during surgery, no consensus has been achieved. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a new arthroscopic capsular suture-lifting technique for the treatment of FAI combined with BDDH.

Hypothesis

The arthroscopic capsular suture-lifting technique would achieve better anterior stability and show better clinical outcomes compared with routine capsular closure.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed with FAI and BDDH and who underwent hip arthroscopy in our hospital between September 1, 2017, and April 30, 2021, were evaluated. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the capsule closure methods used: capsular suture-lifting technique (lifting group) and routine capsular closure (control group). Anteroposterior hip radiography, Dunn view radiography, and computed tomography imaging were carried out for all patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Patient-reported outcomes, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, were collected preoperatively and at least 1 year after surgery and compared between the 2 groups. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate changes in preoperative to postoperative mHHS scores and VAS. Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate significant differences in postoperative mHHS and VAS scores in the 2 groups.

Results

In all, 144 patients were included in this study, of whom 77 (53.5%) underwent the arthroscopic capsular suture-lifting technique and 67 (46.5%) underwent routine arthroscopic surgery. The patients in both groups had significant improvement in postoperative mHHS and VAS compared with the preoperative assessment (P < .05). The postoperative VAS score of patients in the suture-lifting group was significantly lower (2.6 vs 3.8; P < .05) and the mHHS score was significantly higher (75.2 vs 68.5; P < .05) than those of patients in the control group. Of the 77 patients in the suture-lifting group, 68 (88.3%) surpassed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and 49 (63.6%) achieved the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Of the 67 patients in the control group, 26 (38.8%) surpassed MCID and 32 (47.8%) achieved PASS. The percentage of patients achieving MCID and PASS in the suture-lifting group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = .007 for MCID; P = .03 for PASS).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the arthroscopic capsular suture-lifting technique provided good clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with FAI combined with BDDH. This technique showed better improvement of postoperative clinical outcomes than routine capsular closure.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in High-Level Athletes: A 10-Year Follow-up

Background

Arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has previously been reported to have favorable short-term results in high-level athletes. Less is known about long-term outcomes.

Purpose

To report outcomes 10 years after hip arthroscopy for FAIS in high-level athletes using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between November 2011 and January 2013 were included in a local hip arthroscopy registry and completed preoperative PROMs. At 10-year follow-up, the same PROMs were completed. Inclusion criteria were age <40 years at time of surgery, no prior hip surgeries, and a pre-symptomatic Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) level of 7 or 8. The exclusion criterion was total hip arthroplasty at follow-up. The PROMs included the international Hip Outcome Tool-12 items (iHOT-12), the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for overall hip function, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and European Quality of Life-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), HSAS, and a single question on patient satisfaction. The rates of patients achieving minimal important change and reporting Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were reported for HAGOS and iHOT-12. For iHOT-12, preoperative results were compared with 1, 5, and 10-year follow-ups.

Results

A total of 45 patients (34 men, 11 women; 70 hips; mean age 24.4 years at time of surgery) were included, with 77 patients eligible for inclusion. Significant improvements (P < .001) were seen at 10-year follow-up in all HAGOS subscales: Symptoms, Pain, Daily Activity, Sports, Physical Activity, Quality of Life (50.3 vs 78.6, 59.2 vs 86.8, 65.9 vs 88.8, 37.1 vs 81.1, 24.4 vs 81.1, 32.1 vs 79.3), iHOT-12 (40.1 vs 81.6), EQ-5D (0.59 vs 0.89), EQ-VAS (65.6 vs 80.4), and VAS for overall hip function (48 vs 79). For iHOT-12, the largest change was seen between preoperative and 1-year follow-up values, with consistent results over time. There was no statistically significant difference between HSAS levels preoperatively and at 10-year follow-up (HSAS level 4), with 24% of patients reporting a HSAS level 7 or 8 at the follow-up. Of the patients, 93% reported satisfaction with the surgery. PASS was achieved in 82% for iHOT-12, with a range of 76% to 91% for HAGOS subscales. Furthermore, 93% exceeded the minimal important change for iHOT-12, and a range of 67% to 84% for HAGOS.

Conclusion

In a high-level athletic population, significant improvements in long-term outcomes are reported after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with patients reporting a high satisfaction rate. The results also show that the largest improvement occurs within the first postoperative year, with results being maintained for 10 years.

Arthroscopic Pincer Resection Utilizing an Outside-In Approach for Intra-articular Access

In the standard approach to hip arthroscopy, access to the joint is achieved using fluoroscopic guidance to enter the central compartment of the hip using the Seldinger technique, penetrating the capsule with a needle and subsequently cannulating and obtaining direct visualization of the joint. In such a way, arthroscopists then proceed with accessory portal creation and capsulotomy, as desired, under direct intra-articular visualization. In cases with severe pincer morphology or coxa profunda, it may not be possible to safely access the central compartment under fluoroscopic guidance due to significant lateral overcoverage of the femoral head. We present an outside-in arthroscopic approach for accessing the hip joint in such patients, allowing for safe visualization, osseous pincer resection, and improved central compartment access while minimizing the risk to cartilage and labral tissue.

Feasibility of interdisciplinary evaluation in non-arthritic hip pain: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Physical therapy and orthopaedic surgery are two common treatments for non-arthritic hip pain. Interdisciplinary evaluation across these disciplines may produce a more supportive treatment-planning process; however, the feasibility of such an evaluation remains unknown.

HYPOTHESIS OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of an interdisciplinary evaluation with an orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist for non-arthritic hip pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational feasibility study of a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Participants were randomized to an interdisciplinary (surgeon + physical therapist) or standard (surgeon) evaluation in a hip preservation clinic. Recruitment rate was recorded. Retention rate was calculated for all variables of interest. Enrollment and refusal reasons were recorded as patient quotes and categorized by a single grader. Time spent in clinic was compared across groups using Mann Whitney U tests (P ≤ 0.05). Study clinicians were interviewed, and responses were categorized based on pre-determined themes.

RESULTS

Eighty-one percent of eligible patients enrolled over a 15-month recruitment period. Willingness(n = 16), urgency to resolve pain(n = 10), financial compensation(n = 1), interest in research(n = 42), physical therapy(n = 6), or multiple-provider care(n = 15) were participants' enrollment reasons; reason was not recorded for 22 participants. Time(n = 11), preference for single-provider care(n = 6), current physical therapy treatment(n = 1), and disinterest in physical therapy(n = 7) or research(n = 2) were refusal reasons of patients who did not enroll. Retention for primary variables of interest was 100% in both groups. Participants spent, on average, 23.5 min more time in clinic for the interdisciplinary evaluation compared to the standard (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An interdisciplinary evaluation for patients with non-arthritic hip pain that included a physical therapist and orthopaedic surgeon in a hip preservation clinic was feasible and may better inform the treatment planning process.

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in middle-aged individuals is strongly associated with the development of hip osteoarthritis within 10-year follow-up: a prospective cohort study (CHECK)

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to determine the association and absolute risk of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) for the development of radiographic hip osteoarthritis (RHOA).

METHODS

This is a nationwide, multicentre prospective cohort study (Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee) with 1002 individuals aged between 45 and 65 years. Hips without definitive RHOA (Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade≤1) at baseline and with anteroposterior pelvic radiographs at baseline and 10-year follow-up available (n=1386 hips) were included. FAIS was defined by the baseline presence of a painful hip, limited internal hip rotation≤25° and cam morphology defined by an alpha angle>60°. The outcomes were incident RHOA (KL grade≥2 or total hip replacement (THR)) and incident end-stage RHOA (KL≥3 or THR) within 10 years.

RESULTS

Of the 1386 included hips (80% women; mean age 55.7±5.2 years), 21 hips fulfilled criteria for FAIS and 563 hips did not fulfil any of the FAIS criteria (reference group; no symptoms, no signs, no cam morphology). Within 10-year follow-up, 221 hips (38%) developed incident RHOA and 15 hips (3%) developed end-stage RHOA (including 9 hips with THR). Adjusted for sex, age and body mass index, FAIS with cam morphology resulted in an OR of 6.85 (95% CI 2.10 to 22.35) for incident RHOA and 47.82 (95% CI 12.51 to 182.76) for incident end-stage RHOA, compared with hips not having any FAIS criteria. The absolute risk of FAIS was 81% for incident RHOA and 33% for incident end-stage RHOA.

CONCLUSION

FAIS was strongly associated with the development of RHOA within 10 years. Although the baseline prevalence of FAIS was low, the high absolute risk of FAIS for RHOA warrants further studies to determine preventive strategies.

How to Best Identify Acetabular Retroversion on Radiographs: Thresholds to Guide Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND

Acetabular retroversion is associated with impingement and instability. An adequate interpretation of acetabular version and coverage on radiographs is essential to determine the optimal treatment strategy (periacetabular osteotomy vs hip arthroscopic surgery). The crossover sign (COS) has been associated with the presence of acetabular retroversion, and the anterior wall index (AWI) and posterior wall index (PWI) assess anteroposterior acetabular coverage. However, the radiographic appearance of the acetabulum is sensitive to anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) morphology and pelvic tilt (PT), which differs between the supine and standing positions.

PURPOSE

To (1) identify differences in the acetabular appearance between the supine and standing positions among patients presenting with hip pain; (2) determine factors (acetabular version, AIIS morphology, and spinopelvic characteristics) associated with the crossover ratio (COR), AWI, and PWI; and (3) define relevant clinical thresholds to guide management.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients who presented to a hip preservation surgical unit (n = 134) were included (mean age, 35 ± 8 years; 58% female; mean body mass index, 27 ± 6). All participants underwent supine and standing anteroposterior pelvic radiography to assess the COS, COR, AWI, and PWI as well as standing lateral radiography to determine standing PT. Computed tomography was used to measure supine PT, acetabular version, and AIIS morphology. Acetabular version was measured at 3 transverse levels, corresponding to the 1-, 2-, and 3-o'clock positions. The correlation between radiographic characteristics (COR, AWI, and PWI) and acetabular version, AIIS morphology, and PT was calculated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to define thresholds for the COR, AWI, and PWI to identify retroversion (version thresholds: <10°, <5°, and <0°).

RESULTS

The COS was present in 55% of hips when supine and 30% when standing, with a mean difference in the COR of 12%. The supine COR (rho = -0.661) and AWI/PWI ratio (rho = -0.618) strongly correlated with acetabular version. The COS was more prevalent among patients with type 2 AIIS morphology (71%) than among those with type 1 AIIS morphology (43%) (P = .003). COR thresholds of 23% and 28% were able to identify acetabular version <5° (sensitivity = 81%; specificity = 80%) and <0° (sensitivity = 88%; specificity = 85%), respectively. An AWI/PWI ratio >0.6 was able to reliably identify acetabular version <0° (sensitivity = 83%; specificity = 84%). In the presence of a COR >30% and an AWI/PWI ratio >0.6, the specificity to detect retroversion was significantly increased (>90%).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of the COS was very common among patients with hip pain. False-positive results (high COR/normal version) may occur because of AIIS morphology/low PT. Relevant thresholds of COR >30% and AWI/PWI ratio >0.6 can help with diagnostic accuracy. In cases in which either the COR or AWI/PWI ratio is high, axial cross-sectional imaging can further help to avoid false-positive results.

Neuropathic pain is a feature in patients with symptomatic femoral acetabular impingement

Femoral acetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a cause of hip pain thought to be nociceptive, although pain phenotypes e.g., burning, pain attacks, prickling, numbness etc., are reported, mimicking neuropathic pain. Although no lesion to the somatosensory system is identified, neuropathic pain (NeP) may explain why nociceptive-focussed treatments are not always successful.

OBJECTIVE

To identify NeP in patients with FAIS and investigate if related to poorer outcomes.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of the Femoral Acetabular Impingement Trial (FAIT). Outcome of interest: PainDETECT questionnaire; secondary outcomes of interest; International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT33), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and VAS 'average pain over a month', at baseline and 8 months follow-up. Intervention (surgery or physiotherapy) were pooled.

RESULTS

173 data sets at baseline; 123 at 8 months follow-up. Baseline painDETECT identified three groups: 69% nociceptive, 19% unclear and 12% neuropathic pain phenotypes. Baseline, median scores were higher for the neuropathic group compared to the nociceptive group demonstrating borderline anxiety (9.5(5.3 to 14.2), 5(3 to 8), higher normal values for depression (7.5(2.3 to 11.8), (4(2 to 9), higher average pain (7 (6 to 8), 5(4 to 6) and lower iHOT33 14.2(9 to 21.1), 38.4(26.2 to 55.7). Post treatment, there was a median change in the neuropathic score in both iHOT33 (40.8 (25 to 76.5) with a median difference of 24.13 (CI 95% 10.46 to 45.92) and average pain 4.5(1.5 to 7) with a median difference of 2 (CI 95% 1 to 5) but to a lesser amount than the nociceptive group, iHOT33 (64(38.2 to 86.6) with a median difference of 15.50 (CI 95% 6.41 to 21.82) and average pain 3(1 to 5.7) with a median difference of 1 (CI 95% 0.5 to 1).

CONCLUSION

NeP exists in symptomatic FAIS patients and is associated with increased average pain, and functional limitations. Nociceptive-targeted treatment improves hip function and pain but with less improvement in the NeP group when compared to the nociceptive group. Pain phenotyping before intervention may improve outcomes. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.

The Otto Aufranc Award: Does Hip Arthroscopy at the Time of Periacetabular Osteotomy Improve the Clinical Outcome for the Treatment of Hip Dysplasia? A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

A periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is often sufficient to treat the symptoms and improve quality of life for symptomatic hip dysplasia. However, acetabular cartilage and labral pathologies are very commonly present, and there is a lack of evidence examining the benefits of adjunct arthroscopy to treat these. The goal of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of patients undergoing PAO with and without arthroscopy, with the primary end point being the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 at 1 year.

METHODS

In a multicenter study, 203 patients who had symptomatic hip dysplasia were randomized: 97 patients undergoing an isolated PAO (mean age 27 years [range, 16 to 44]; mean body mass index of 25.1 [range, 18.3 to 37.2]; 86% women) and 91 patients undergoing PAO who had an arthroscopy (mean age 27 years [range, 16 to 49]; mean body mass index of 25.1 [17.5 to 25.1]; 90% women).

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (range, 1 to 5), all patients exhibited improvements in their functional score, with no significant differences between PAO plus arthroscopy versus PAO alone at 12 months postsurgery on all scores: preoperative International Hip Outcome Tool-33 score of 31.2 (standard deviation [SD] 16.0) versus 36.4 (SD 15.9), and 12 months postoperative score of 72.4 (SD 23.4) versus 73.7 (SD 22.6). The preoperative Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome pain score was 60.3 (SD 19.6) versus 66.1 (SD 20.0) and 12 months postoperative 88.2 (SD 15.8) versus 88.4 (SD 18.3). The mean preoperative physical health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System score was 42.5 (SD 8.0) versus 44.2 (SD 8.8) and 12 months postoperative 48.7 (SD 8.5) versus 52.0 (SD 10.6). There were 4 patients with PAO without arthroscopy who required an arthroscopy later to resolve persistent symptoms, and 1 patient from the PAO plus arthroscopy group required an additional arthroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized controlled trial has failed to show any significant clinical benefit in performing hip arthroscopy at the time of the PAO at 1-year follow-up. Longer follow-up will be required to determine if hip arthroscopy provides added value to a PAO for symptomatic hip dysplasia.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Groin Injuries Among Soccer Players

Groin injuries and femoroacetabular impingement are common among soccer players and can provide a challenge in diagnosis, as well as treatment. Nonoperative and operative measures are the 2 predominant treatments. This current review investigates the recent literature on groin and femoroacetabular impingement injuries in soccer players, as well as potential treatment modalities.

Effect of the presence of cysts in the hip joint on hip arthroscopy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence and size of fibrous cysts affected postoperative results in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2019, a total of 261 patients (138 males, 123 females; mean age: 39.5±11.9 years; range, 18 to 66 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy with the diagnosis of cam-pincer-mixed-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral pathologies were retrospectively analyzed. The study groups (impingements and labral pathologies) and the presence of cyst (or cyst size: <5 mm, 5-8 mm, >8 mm) were used as the fixed effects, and the analysis was adjusted for baseline age, sex, and preoperative scores. Pre- and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores that were applied to all patients were used as an indication of clinical results.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative mHHS score of the patients with a cyst was significantly lower compared to the patients without a cyst (56.8±12.3 vs. 60.3±12.7, p=0.026). The mean change in the mHHS score and the mean percentage change in VAS score were significantly higher in the patients with a cyst compared to the patients without a cyst (mHHS score: 28.1±14.0 vs. 22.5±14.1, p=0.002; VAS score: 61.9±30.2 vs. 52.6±47.4, p=0.038). The increase in mHHS score over time for patients with a cyst was significantly higher than the patients without cysts in the pincer group (38.1±11.1 vs. 19.3±13.5, p<0.001). The patients with a cyst size of >8 mm had a significantly higher increase in the mHHS scores compared to the patients with a cyst size of <5 mm (29.5±12.9 vs. 23.5±13.8, p=0.043).

CONCLUSION

Subchondral cysts in the femoral head and neck junction accompanied cam-type and mixed-type FAI, while subchondral cysts in the acetabulum accompanied pincer-type impingement. In all groups, the mean increase in mHHS scores and the mean decrease in VAS scores were higher in patients with subchondral cysts than in patients without cysts. In patients with subchondral cysts, if the lesion causing FAI is treated arthroscopically, it can positively affect the functional results.

Preoperative Hip Injection Response Does Not Reliably Predict 2-Year Postoperative Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

To determine whether response to preoperative local anesthetic or corticosteroid intra-articular injections can predict 2-year postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS at a single institution from 2014 to 2020. Patients who underwent preoperative intra-articular hip injections were classified based on injection type (local anesthetic or corticosteroid) and whether they experienced pain relief after injection (responders or nonresponders). Responders were matched 2:1 to nonresponders by age, body mass index, and sex. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component Summary score, SF-12 Physical Component Summary score, and visual analog scale pain score were collected preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Mean score change and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement were calculated and compared between groups.

RESULTS

The matched cohort included 126 total patients (42 nonresponders and 84 responders; 74.6% female sex; age [mean ± standard deviation], 30.9 ± 9.9 years; body mass index, 24.7 ± 3.7) with no differences in demographic or radiographic hip variables. Both groups showed significant 2-year postoperative score improvements across all PROs, except the SF-12 Mental Component Summary score, which remained unchanged. There was no difference in mean score change or MCID achievement across all PROs between the corticosteroid injection responder and nonresponder groups. In the local anesthetic group, MCID achievement was similar across all PROs, except the visual analog scale pain score, which showed a greater percentage of MCID achievement among local anesthetic nonresponders (89.5%) than in responders (55.0%, P = .03). Significant ceiling effects were most readily apparent within the injection responder group, with greater percentages of patients achieving maximal 2-year postoperative survey scores (HOOS-Activities of Daily Living, 36.9%; HOOS-Pain, 19.0%; HOOS-Quality of Life, 15.5%; and HOOS-Sport, 32.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Response to preoperative injection with either corticosteroid or local anesthetic did not predict 2-year outcomes after hip arthroscopy in patients with FAIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective matched-cohort study.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference, Substantial Clinical Benefit, and Patient Acceptable Symptom State Values After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Are Highly Dependent on Their Study Population and Calculation Methods: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To provide a summary of available literature on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted via the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase to identify studies that calculated MCID, SCB, or PASS for patient-reported outcome measures after hip arthroscopy for FAI. The electronic search strategy used was as follows: hip AND arthroscopy AND (MCID OR "minimal clinically important difference" OR SCB OR "substantial clinical benefit" OR PASS OR "patient acceptable symptom state"). Inclusion criteria were English-language studies published from 1980 to 2023 reporting clinical outcome scores and calculated values of MCID, PASS, or SCB for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies (5 Level II, 19 Level III, and 18 Level IV) met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most commonly used outcome measures across MCID, SCB, and PASS were the Hip Outcome Score sports-specific subscale and the activities of daily living subscale, the modified Harris Hip Score, and the 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool. The range of MCID values for Hip Outcome Score sports-specific subscale, Hip Outcome Score activities of daily living subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, and 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool were 7.2-15.7, 7.3-15.4, 7.2-16.8, and 8.8-16.2 respectively. Similarly, for SCB the values ranged from 77.9-96.9, 90.4-98.5, 20.0-98.4, and 66.7-87.5, respectively. Lastly, the PASS values ranged from 63.9-80.9, 85.9-99.2, 74.0-97.0, and 59.5-86.0, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MCID, SCB, and PASS values for patient-reported outcome measures after hip arthroscopy for the management of FAI are highly dependent on their associated study including study population and calculation methods.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: An Updated Review

Treatment strategies for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome have evolved in tandem with increased comprehension of FAI's impact on hip joint health. Early intervention, including arthroscopic surgery, has gained popularity due to its potential to delay the progression of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic surgery has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating FAI syndrome, with robust evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its use. Despite arthroscopic surgery's success, complications and reoperations are not uncommon. The incidence ranges from 1% to 31% and 4% to 13%, respectively. Adjunctive biologic treatments, such as bone marrow aspirate concentrates and platelet-rich plasma, have shown promise in chondral lesion management. However, robust evidence supporting their routine use in FAI syndrome is currently lacking. Among conservative treatment methods, intra-articular injections offer diagnostic and therapeutic benefits for FAI patients. While they may provide pain relief and aid in prognosis, their long-term efficacy remains a subject of debate. Comparative studies between conservative and arthroscopic treatments highlight the importance of personalized approaches in managing FAI syndrome. In conclusion, recent advancements in FAI syndrome management have illuminated various treatment modalities. Arthroscopic surgery stands as a pivotal intervention, offering substantial benefits in pain relief, function, and quality of life. However, careful patient selection and postoperative monitoring are crucial for optimizing outcomes. Adjunctive biologics and intra-articular injections show promise but require further investigation. Tailoring treatment to individual patient characteristics remains paramount in optimizing FAI syndrome management.

Hip Arthroscopy Versus Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Acetabular Labral Tears in Patients Older Than 40 Years: 24-Month Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The indications for hip arthroscopy in patients aged ≥40 years remain controversial, as observational studies have suggested that advanced age portends poor functional outcomes, poor durability of improvement, and high rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE

To compare hip arthroscopy versus nonoperative management for symptomatic labral tears in patients aged ≥40 years with limited radiographic osteoarthritis.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

This single-surgeon, parallel randomized controlled trial included patients aged ≥40 years with limited osteoarthritis (Tönnis grades 0-2) who were randomized 1:1 to arthroscopic surgery with postoperative physical therapy (SPT) or physical therapy alone (PTA). Patients who received PTA and achieved unsatisfactory improvement were permitted to cross over to SPT after completing ≥14 weeks of physical therapy (CO). The primary outcomes were the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 score and modified Harris Hip Score at 24 months after surgery, and secondary outcomes included other patient-reported outcome measures and the visual analog scale for pain. The primary analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis using linear mixed-effects models. Sensitivity analyses included modified as-treated and treatment-failure analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients were included, with 52 (53.6%) patients in the SPT group and 45 (46.4%) patients in the PTA group. Of the patients who underwent PTA, 32 (71.1%) patients crossed over to arthroscopy at a mean of 5.10 months (SD, 3.3 months) after physical therapy initiation. In both intention-to-treat and modified as-treated analyses, the SPT group displayed superior mean patient-reported outcome measure and pain scores across the study period for nearly all metrics relative to the PTA group. In the treatment-failure analysis, the SPT and CO groups showed greater improvement across all metrics compared with PTA; however, post hoc analyses revealed no significant differences in improvement between the SPT and CO groups. No significant differences were observed between groups in rates of total hip arthroplasty conversion.

CONCLUSION

In patients ≥40 years of age with limited osteoarthritis, hip arthroscopy with postoperative physical therapy led to better outcomes than PTA at a 24-month follow-up. However, additional preoperative physical therapy did not compromise surgical outcomes and allowed some patients to avoid surgery. When surgery is indicated, age ≥40 years should not be considered an independent contraindication to arthroscopic acetabular labral repair.

REGISTRATION

NCT03909178 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Patient Factors Influencing Outcomes at 12-Year Follow-up of Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has increased in popularity since the early 2000s when it was first described, although only a few midterm follow-up studies have been published.

PURPOSE

To describe the outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement at a mean 12-year follow-up and to determine the risk factors for failure.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and a radiographic evaluation were completed preoperatively and at midterm follow-up. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to their clinical evolution. The success group consisted of patients whose NAHS at the final follow-up was above the established Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) threshold of 81.9, whereas patients who underwent a second surgical intervention or did not reach the PASS threshold at final follow-up were assigned to the failure group. These groups were compared to identify preoperative differences in demographic, pathological, and surgical factors.

RESULTS

A total of 95 hips were included, after 23 were lost to follow-up (80.5% follow-up). At a mean follow-up of 12.1 years (range, 9.2-16.0 years), 9 hips required total hip arthroplasty (9.5%), 5 required revision hip arthroscopy (5.3%), 29 did not achieve the NAHS PASS threshold (30.5%), and 52 achieved the NAHS PASS threshold (54.7%). The mean NAHS was 82.4 at final follow-up compared with 66.9 preoperatively (mean difference = 15.5; P < .001). Higher mean body mass index (24.9 vs 23.0; P = .030), older age (30.0 vs 27.2; P = .035), and inferior preoperative lateral joint space width (3.9 vs 4.4; P = .019) were associated with inferior prognosis in the failure group versus success group. Osteoarthritis progression was observed in 69.2% of the failure group and in 34.8% of the success group (P = .082). Labral ossification was observed in 78.3% of all patients, and its lateral projection length was statistically associated with failure (P = .015).

CONCLUSION

At a mean 12-year follow-up, hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement led to significant clinical improvement, with 55% PASS achievement. In total, 31% of patients were below the PASS threshold, 5% had revision arthroscopy, and only 9% had conversion to total hip arthroplasty for a 45% global failure rate. Increased body mass index, older age, and smaller preoperative lateral joint space width were significant negative prognostic factors. Postoperative degenerative changes were highly prevalent and demonstrated association with failure.

Clinical Equipoise in the Management of Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Concomitant Tönnis Grade 2 Hip Osteoarthritis or Greater: An International Expert-Panel Delphi Study

PURPOSE

To gather global-expert opinion on the management of patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and Tönnis grade 2 hip osteoarthritis (OA) or greater.

METHODS

An internet-based modified Delphi methodology was used via an online platform (Online Surveys) using the CREDES (Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies) guidelines. The expert panel comprised 27 members from 18 countries: 21 orthopaedic surgeons (78%), 5 physiotherapists (18%), and 1 dual orthopaedic surgeon-sport and exercise medicine physician (4%). Comments and suggestions were collected during each round, and amendments were performed for the subsequent round. Between each pair of rounds, the steering panel provided the experts with a summary of results and amendments. Consensus was set a priori as minimum agreement of 80%.

RESULTS

Complete participation (100%) was achieved in all 4 rounds. A final list of 10 consensus statements was formulated. The experts agreed that there is no single superior management strategy for FAIS with Tönnis grade 2 OA and that Tönnis grade 3 OA and the presence of bilateral cartilage defects (acetabular and femoral) is a contraindication for hip preservation surgery. Nonoperative management should include activity modification and physiotherapy with hip-specific strengthening, lumbo-pelvic mobility training, and core strengthening. There was no consensus on the need for 3-dimensional imaging for initial quantification of joint degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

There is clinical equipoise in terms of the best management strategy for patients with FAIS and Tönnis grade 2 OA, and therefore, there is an urgent need to perform a randomized controlled trial for this cohort of patients to ascertian the best management strategy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, expert opinion.

Predictors of Clinical Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy: 10-Year Follow-up Analysis of 1038 Patients

BACKGROUND

Although hip arthroscopy has been shown to have beneficial outcomes, there is a paucity of literature examining predictive factors of 10-year clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE

(1) To identify predictive factors of 10-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy and (2) to compare these factors with those found in 2-year and 5-year studies.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed on all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between February 2008 and June 2012. Patients were included if they had a minimum 10-year follow-up on 2 patient-reported outcome measures: Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and modified Harris Hip Score. Exclusion criteria included previous ipsilateral hip conditions. Using bivariate and multivariate analyses, that authors analyzed the effects of 37 pre- and intraoperative variables on the NAHS, modified Harris Hip Score, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

RESULTS

Of the 883 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 734 (83.1%) had follow-up data. The mean follow-up time was 124.4 months (range, 120.0-153.1 months). Six variables were significant predictors of NAHS in both multivariate and bivariate analyses: revision status, body mass index (BMI), duration of symptoms, preoperative NAHS, age at onset of symptoms, and need for acetabular microfracture. Positive predictors of 10-year survivorship included acute injury and gluteus medius repair, while negative predictors included revision arthroscopy, Tönnis grade, acetabular inclination, iliopsoas fractional lengthening, and notchplasty.

CONCLUSION

Multiple predictive factors including age, BMI, revision status, and preoperative outcome scores were identified for long-term survivorship and functional outcomes. These may prove useful to clinicians in refining indications and guiding patients on expected outcomes of hip arthroscopy.

Bibliometric analysis of the acetabular labrum

The acetabular labrum (AL) plays a crucial role in the normal physiological functioning of the hip joint. This study aims to present an overview of the current status and research hotspots concerning the AL and to explore the field from a bibliometric perspective. A total of 1918 AL-related records published between January 1, 2000 and November 8, 2023 were gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection database. By utilizing tools such as HisCite, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the R package "bibliometrix," the regions, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords were analyzed to predict the latest trends in AL research. Global research interest and publication output related to this topic continues to escalate. The United States leads in international collaborations, number of publications, and citation frequency, underscoring its preeminent position in this field. The American Hip Institute emerged as the most prolific institution, making the greatest contribution to publications. Notably, Arthroscopy and the American Journal of Sports Medicine are the 2 most popular journals in this domain, accounting for 13.29% and 10.1% of publications, respectively, and were also found to be the most co-cited journals. Amongst authors, Benjamin G. Domb leads with 160 articles (8.35%), while Marc J. Philippon is the most frequently cited author. The keyword co-occurrence network showed 3 hot clusters, including "AL," "femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)," and "osteoarthritis." In addition, "survivorship," "FAI," and "patient-reported outcomes" were identified as trending topics for future exploration. This study represents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis, summarizing the present state and future trends in AL research. The findings serve as a valuable resource for scholars, offering practical insights into key information within the field and identifying potential research frontiers and emerging directions in the near future.

Squatting biomechanics following physiotherapist-led care or hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) can cause hip pain and chondrolabral damage that may be managed non-operatively or surgically. Squatting motions require large degrees of hip flexion and underpin many daily and sporting tasks but may cause hip impingement and provoke pain. Differential effects of physiotherapist-led care and arthroscopy on biomechanics during squatting have not been examined previously. This study explored differences in 12-month changes in kinematics and moments during squatting between patients with FAIS treated with a physiotherapist-led intervention (Personalised Hip Therapy, PHT) and arthroscopy.

Methods

A subsample (n = 36) of participants with FAIS enrolled in a multi-centre, pragmatic, two-arm superiority randomised controlled trial underwent three-dimensional motion analysis during squatting at baseline and 12-months following random allocation to PHT (n = 17) or arthroscopy (n = 19). Changes in time-series and peak trunk, pelvis, and hip biomechanics, and squat velocity and maximum depth were explored between treatment groups.

Results

No significant differences in 12-month changes were detected between PHT and arthroscopy groups. Compared to baseline, the arthroscopy group squatted slower at follow-up (descent: mean difference -0.04 m∙s-1 (95%CI [-0.09 to 0.01]); ascent: -0.05 m∙s-1 [-0.11 to 0.01]%). No differences in squat depth were detected between or within groups. After adjusting for speed, trunk flexion was greater in both treatment groups at follow-up compared to baseline (descent: PHT 7.50° [-14.02 to -0.98]%; ascent: PHT 7.29° [-14.69 to 0.12]%, arthroscopy 16.32° [-32.95 to 0.30]%). Compared to baseline, both treatment groups exhibited reduced anterior pelvic tilt (descent: PHT 8.30° [0.21-16.39]%, arthroscopy -10.95° [-5.54 to 16.34]%; ascent: PHT -7.98° [-0.38 to 16.35]%, arthroscopy -10.82° [3.82-17.81]%), hip flexion (descent: PHT -11.86° [1.67-22.05]%, arthroscopy -16.78° [8.55-22.01]%; ascent: PHT -12.86° [1.30-24.42]%, arthroscopy -16.53° [6.72-26.35]%), and knee flexion (descent: PHT -6.62° [0.56- 12.67]%; ascent: PHT -8.24° [2.38-14.10]%, arthroscopy -8.00° [-0.02 to 16.03]%). Compared to baseline, the PHT group exhibited more plantarflexion during squat ascent at follow-up (-3.58° [-0.12 to 7.29]%). Compared to baseline, both groups exhibited lower external hip flexion moments at follow-up (descent: PHT -0.55 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [0.05-1.05]%, arthroscopy -0.84 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [0.06-1.61]%; ascent: PHT -0.464 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [-0.002 to 0.93]%, arthroscopy -0.90 N∙m/BW∙HT[%] [0.13-1.67]%).

Conclusion

Exploratory data suggest at 12-months follow-up, neither PHT or hip arthroscopy are superior at eliciting changes in trunk, pelvis, or lower-limb biomechanics. Both treatments may induce changes in kinematics and moments, however the implications of these changes are unknown.

Trial registration details

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12615001177549. Trial registered 2/11/2015.

First-line treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and hip-related quality of life: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing a 6-month supervised strength exercise intervention to usual care (the Better Hip Trial)

INTRODUCTION

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a motion-related and position-related clinical condition of the hip associated with pain, reduced physical function and hip-related quality of life (QoL). Interestingly, higher maximal muscle strength is associated with less pain, better physical function and improved QoL in people with FAIS. Furthermore, preliminary evidence suggests that a proportion of patients with FAIS respond positively to strength exercise as first-line treatment. Nonetheless, there is little evidence supporting a specific exercise intervention offered as a first-line treatment. We will conduct a randomised controlled trial investigating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-month strength exercise intervention compared with usual care as first-line treatment in patients with FAIS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial that will be conducted at hospitals and physiotherapy clinics across Denmark and Australia. A total of 120 patients with FAIS will be randomised (1:1) to 6 months of supervised strength exercise or usual care. The primary outcome is the change in hip-related QoL measured using the International Hip and Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT-33) from baseline to the end of intervention. A health economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal and healthcare perspective based on the data collection over a 12-month period starting at baseline. The analysis will calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios using quality-adjusted life-years and iHOT-33 scores while estimating costs using microcosting and cost questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include objectively measured physical function at baseline and after 6 months and patient-reported outcomes measured at baseline, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has been approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Central Denmark Region (journal no 1-10-72-45-23) and La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee (HEC24042) and is registered at the Central Denmark Region List of Research Projects (journal no 1-16-02-115-23). Informed consent will be obtained from each participant before randomisation. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05927935.

Editorial Commentary: The Hip "Windshield Wiper Sign": An Osteochondral Defect of the Anterolateral Femoral Head, Predicts Instability and Allows Planning of Combined Arthroscopic Cartilage Therapy and Periacetabular Osteotomy

The new radiographic "windshield wiper sign" detects hip instability and an instability-related osteochondral defect of the anterolateral femoral head. It is visible on plain radiographs as well as on magnetic resonance imaging and during arthroscopy, in hips otherwise considered normal or borderline based on the lateral center-edge angle. In the past 2 decades, femoral acetabular impingement syndrome with labral lesions and cartilage lesions have been treated with excellent results. Recently the focus has shifted to complex cases, revision surgery, and capsular management preventing postoperative hip instability. Microinstability of the hip causes poor outcomes, but preoperatively, there has been no gold standard for radiographic assessment of hip instability. On plain radiographs, we use the lateral center-edge angle and the anterior center-edge angle, and we can also use the Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof Index and the gothic arch angle. These signs help detect cases in which arthroscopic surgery alone would provide poor results and a concurrent osteotomy (e.g., a periacetabular osteotomy) is needed. We now understand that hip instability in hips otherwise considered normal or borderline dysplastic can be detected by the windshield wiper sign. This is important knowledge for concomitant arthroscopic combined with osteotomy because the need for cartilage therapy can be determined preoperatively.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and the Effect of Osteochondroplasty on Hip Osteoarthritis Prevention: The Pandora's Box Opening Process

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess the effect of osteochondroplasty on osteoarthritis (OA) prevention, comparing radiological evolution between identical hips from the same patient who had undergone unilateral surgery.

DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed radiological evolution between hips with similar shape from the same patient who had undergone unilateral surgery. In all, 56 FAI patients (112 hips) with a mean age of 42.18 ± 9.16 years and had undergone unilateral arthroscopy treatment have been included. Four independent researchers measured Wiberg, Acetabular and Alpha angles, Extrusion index, and Tönnis classification preoperatively to verify that operated and non-operated hips had the same shape. OA evolution was assessed by joint space width (JSW) in 3 different articular points and Tönnis classification.

RESULTS

No preoperative anatomical differences were present between groups (P > 0.05). At the end of follow-up (31.9 months), a decrease of JSW in the 3 points measured was found in OP hips (OP vs. N-OP; P < 0.01). These results were correlated with changes in the proportion of patients who progressed to grade III in Tönnis classification (from 1.3% preoperative to 23.2% at the end of follow-up).

CONCLUSIONS

Osteochondroplasty and labrum procedures were not associated with OA prevention. The OP hips showed a faster OA degeneration, which was not seen in the N-OP. These results will encourage hip surgeons to perform further investigations to avoid the "Pandora's Box Opening Process."

Variation in the Cost of Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Pathological Conditions: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite growing interest in delivering high-value orthopaedic care, the costs associated with hip arthroscopy remain poorly understood. By employing time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC), we aimed to characterize the cost composition of hip arthroscopy for labral pathological conditions and to identify factors that drive variation in cost.

METHODS

Using TDABC, we measured the costs of 890 outpatient hip arthroscopy procedures for labral pathological conditions across 5 surgeons at 4 surgery centers from 2015 to 2022. All patients were ≥18 years old and were treated by surgeons who each performed ≥20 surgeries during the study period. Costs were normalized to protect the confidentiality of internal hospital cost data. Descriptive analyses and multivariable linear regression were performed to identify factors underlying cost variation.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 515 women (57.9%) and 375 men (42.1%), with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 37.1 ± 12.7 years. Most of the procedures were performed in patients who were White (90.6%) or not Hispanic (93.4%). The normalized total cost of hip arthroscopy per procedure ranged from 43.4 to 203.7 (mean, 100 ± 24.2). Of the 3 phases of the care cycle, the intraoperative phase was identified as the largest generator of cost (>90%). On average, supply costs accounted for 48.8% of total costs, whereas labor costs accounted for 51.2%. A 2.5-fold variation between the 10th and 90th percentiles for total cost was attributed to supplies, which was greater than the 1.8-fold variation attributed to labor. Variation in total costs was most effectively explained by the labral management method (partial R2 = 0.332), operating surgeon (partial R2 = 0.326), osteoplasty type (partial R2 = 0.087), and surgery center (partial R2 = 0.086). Male gender (p < 0.001) and younger age (p = 0.032) were also associated with significantly increased costs. Finally, data trends revealed a shift toward labral preservation techniques over debridement during the study period (with the rate of such techniques increasing from 77.8% to 93.2%; Ptrend = 0.0039) and a strong correlation between later operative year and increased supply costs, labor costs, and operative time (p < 0.001 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

By applying TDABC to outpatient hip arthroscopy, we identified wide patient-to-patient cost variation that was most effectively explained by the method of labral management, the operating surgeon, the osteoplasty type, and the surgery center. Given current procedural coding trends, declining reimbursements, and rising health-care costs, these insights may enable stakeholders to design bundled payment structures that better align reimbursements with costs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Editorial Commentary: Patients With Lumbar Pathology or Ipsilateral Knee Pathology Improve After Hip Arthroscopy, but Outcomes Are Not as Good as in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Without Concomitant Pathology

From the lumbar spine to foot, the joints of the lower extremity are all intimately connected. Their movements are synchronized in a complex biomechanical dance. Pain in one joint tends to affect the joint above and joint below. Understanding the influence of adjacent-joint disease on the hip can help us better counsel patients undergoing hip surgery. Low-back pathology has been shown to negatively influence outcomes after hip arthroscopy. Ipsilateral knee pain appears to do the same. Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with ipsilateral knee pain should be counseled that their outcomes may not be quite as good as those without knee pain, but they should be able to expect meaningful improvement of their symptoms, both at the hip and at the knee after hip arthroscopy.

Concomitant Ipsilateral Knee Pain Is Associated With Worse Preoperative Functional Status and Short-Term Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

(1) To determine the effect of concomitant ipsilateral knee pain (IKP) on short-term outcomes after hip arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and (2) to determine whether IKP would improve with surgery.

METHODS

Data between September 2021 and May 2022 were reviewed. Patients with a diagnosis of FAIS who underwent hip arthroscopy with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The exclusion criteria were prior ipsilateral hip or knee surgery, hip Tönnis grade greater than 1, knee Kellgren-Lawrence grade greater than 2, hip conditions (avascular necrosis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, pigmented villonodular synovitis, osteoid osteoma, synovial chondromatosis, and developmental dysplasia of the hip), and spine diseases. All patients underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively. Preoperative and short-term (1-year) patient-reported outcomes were collected, consisting of the Hip Sports Activity Scale score, weekly sports participation, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-component International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) score, and visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores for the hip and the ipsilateral knee. The percentages of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the mHHS and iHOT-12 score were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of IKP severity on postoperative outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed between patients with IKP alleviation and those without IKP alleviation.

RESULTS

Among the 107 patients included, 47 presented with preoperative IKP. Compared with patients without IKP, the IKP cohort had comparable knee structural abnormalities (all with P > .05). Still, the IKP cohort showed inferior preoperative values for the mHHS (P = .003), iHOT-12 score (P = .016), hip VAS score (P = .001), and weekly sports participation (P = .039). Postoperatively, the IKP cohort had a lower mHHS (P = .046), lower iHOT-12 score (P = .037), and lower hip VAS score (P = .003) and were less likely to achieve the PASS for the mHHS (P = .021) and iHOT-12 score (P = .049). Patients with higher knee VAS scores were less likely to achieve the PASS for the mHHS (odds ratio, 0.61; P = .023). Within the IKP group, the knee VAS score improved from 2.3 to 1.0 (P < .001). Patients with alleviated IKP showed superior postoperative iHOT-12 scores (P = .038) compared with patients with persistent IKP.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant IKP at baseline negatively affected preoperative status and short-term clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of FAIS. Patients with IKP were less likely to meet clinical thresholds. Most patients achieved IKP alleviation postoperatively, which was associated with superior clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

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.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Patient Data Are Rarely Included in Randomized Controlled Trials for Femoral Acetabular Impingement and Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

Purpose

To determine the rate of reporting for sociodemographic variables in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and hip arthroscopy.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried for articles relating to FAI and hip arthroscopy. Articles included in final analysis were RCTs investigating operative management of FAI. Included RCTs were analyzed for reporting of age and sex or gender as well as the following sociodemographic variables: race, ethnicity, insurance status, income, housing status, work status, and education level in the results section or any section of the paper. Data was analyzed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests with significance defined as P < .05.

Results

Forty-eight RCTs were identified from 2011 to 2023. Age was reported in 48 of 48 (100%) of included papers; sex or gender was reported in 47 of 48 (97.9%). Reporting of sociodemographic variables in any section respectively was: race (7/48, 14.6%), ethnicity (4/48, 8.33%), insurance status (0/48, 0%), income (1/48, 2.08%), housing status (0/48, 0%), work status (3/48, 6.25%), and education (2/48, 4.17%). There was no significant difference for reporting demographic variables with respect to journal or year of publication (P = .666 and P = .761, respectively). Sociodemographic variables (9/48) were reported significantly less frequently than age and sex or gender (48/48) (P < .001).

Conclusions

This study found that sociodemographic variables in FAI and hip arthroscopy RCTs are reported with much lower frequency than age and sex or gender. These findings may demonstrate the need to include patient sociodemographic data in RCTs so that their results can be better generalized and applied to the appropriate patient population.

Level of Evidence

Level II, systematic review of level I and II evidence.

Modern Hip Arthroscopy for FAIS May Delay the Natural History of Osteoarthritis in 25% of Patients: A 12-Year Follow-up Analysis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the effect of modern hip arthroscopy on the natural history of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) with respect to joint preservation.

PURPOSE

To (1) characterize the natural history of FAIS and (2) understand the effect of modern hip arthroscopy by radiographically comparing the hips of patients who underwent only unilateral primary hip arthroscopy with a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2012, 619 consecutive patients were reviewed from the practice of a single fellowship-trained hip arthroscopic surgeon. Inclusion criteria were FAIS, bilateral radiographic findings of femoroacetabular impingement, primary unilateral hip arthroscopy (labral repair, femoroplasty, or capsular closure), and minimum 10-year follow-up. The preoperative and minimum 10-year postoperative radiographs of patients were evaluated at each time point. Both operative and nonoperative hips were graded using the Tönnis classification or the presence of hip arthroplasty by 2 independent reviewers. Subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 200 hips from 100 patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 12.0 years. Preoperatively, 98% and 99% of operative and nonoperative hips were evaluated as Tönnis grades 0 and 1, respectively; 5% of nonoperative hips had worse Tönnis grades than operative hips. The nonoperative hip advanced to a worse Tönnis grade in 48% (48/100) of cases compared with 28% (28/100) among operative hips. At follow-up, Tönnis grades between hips were equal in 70% (70/100) of the cases, the operative hip had a better grade 25% (25/100) of the time, and the nonoperative hip had a better grade 5% (5/100) of the time. Modern hip arthroscopy was associated with a relative risk reduction of 42% in osteoarthritis progression. Impingement with borderline dysplasia, age, preoperative Tönnis grade, and alpha angle >65° were key risk factors in the radiographic progression of osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

Although the majority of patients (70%) undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS did not experience differences between operative and nonoperative hips in terms of the radiographic progression of osteoarthritis, the natural history may be favorably altered for 25% of patients whose Tönnis grade was better after undergoing arthroscopic correction. Modern hip arthroscopy indications and techniques represent a valid joint-preservation procedure conferring a relative risk reduction of 42% in the progression of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy for mixed patterns of impingement and instability were the fastest to degenerate.

Association Between Chondrolabral Junction Breakdown and Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty After Hip Arthroscopy for Symptomatic Labral Tears: Minimum 8-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and symptomatic labral tears confers short- to midterm benefits, yet further long-term evidence is needed. Moreover, despite the physiological and biomechanical significance of the chondrolabral junction (CLJ), the clinical implications of damage to this transition zone remain understudied.

PURPOSE

To (1) report minimum 8-year survivorship and patient-reported outcome measures after hip arthroscopy for FAI and (2) characterize associations between outcomes and patient characteristics (age, body mass index, sex), pathological parameters (Tönnis angle, alpha angle, type of FAI, CLJ breakdown), and procedures performed (labral management, FAI treatment, microfracture).

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for symptomatic labral tears secondary to FAI by a single surgeon between 2002 and 2013. All patients were ≥18 years of age with minimum 8-year follow-up and available preoperative radiographs. The primary outcome was conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), and secondary outcomes included revision arthroscopy, patient-reported outcome measures, and patient satisfaction. CLJ breakdown was assessed using the Beck classification. Kaplan-Meier estimates and weighted Cox regression were used to estimate 10-year survivorship (no conversion to THA) and identify risk factors associated with THA conversion.

RESULTS

In this study of 174 hips (50.6% female; mean age, 37.8 ± 11.2 years) with mean follow-up of 11.1 ± 2.5 years, the 10-year survivorship rate was 81.6% (95% CI, 75.9%-87.7%). Conversion to THA occurred at a mean 4.7 ± 3.8 years postoperatively. Unadjusted analyses revealed several variables significantly associated with THA conversion, including older age; higher body mass index; higher Tönnis grade; labral debridement; and advanced breakdown of the CLJ, labrum, or articular cartilage. Survivorship at 10 years was inferior in patients exhibiting severe (43.6%; 95% CI, 31.9%-59.7%) versus mild (97.9%; 95% CI, 95.1%-100%) breakdown of the CLJ (P < .001). Multivariable analysis identified worsening CLJ breakdown (weighted hazard ratio per 1-unit increase, 6.41; 95% CI, 3.11-13.24), older age (1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.14), and higher Tönnis grade (4.59; 95% CI, 2.13-9.90) as independent negative prognosticators (P < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Although most patients achieved favorable minimum 8-year outcomes, several pre- and intraoperative factors were associated with THA conversion; of these, worse CLJ breakdown, higher Tönnis grade, and older age were the strongest predictors.

Basics of hip arthroscopy: Step-by-step technique

Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that has a technically challenging nature, requiring advanced spatial skills and specialised instrumentation. The most common indication for hip arthroscopy is femoroacetabular impingement, which is increasing due to improved awareness and knowledge of the condition among healthcare professionals. Hip arthroscopy requires many different checkpoints from patient positioning to capsule closure to be successfully completed. Patient positioning is one of the keystones of hip arthroscopy and the probability of a surgeon achieving successful outcomes is significantly influenced by the establishment of optimal access points. The importance of the acetabular labrum and capsule has been better understood in recent years. There has been a noticeable preference towards prioritising acetabular labral repair over debridement or excision. Similarly, consistent with the literature, capsule closure restores naive hip biomechanics more successfully and improves functional outcomes following hip arthroscopy. Osteochondroplasty is a frequently employed therapeutic intervention; yet, attaining optimal osteochondroplasty outcomes might present challenges. The aim is, to restore the full perfect sphericity of the femoral head without attenuation of the head. The aim of this article is to highlight the knowledge accumulated from experiences based on previous hip arthroscopy surgeries as a solution for future troubleshooting steps. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Can a clinical assessment predict the functional status progression in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a hip joint motion-related clinical disorder with a triad of symptoms, clinical signs, and imaging findings. However, scientific evidence is still unclear regarding the best treatment for FAIS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of a physical therapy evaluation in predicting the progression of functional status over the subsequent years in patients with FAIS who are candidates for hip arthroscopy surgery.

METHODS

In this case-series study, patients with FAIS, candidates for hip arthroscopy surgery, underwent a standard physical therapy evaluation. Baseline data were collected between 2013 and 2019. In 2020/2021, the patients' functional status was assessed through the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Functional status progression was calculated as the difference between the follow-up and baseline iHOT-33 scores. A multivariate forward stepwise regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between baseline characteristics and the functional status progression.

RESULTS

From 353 patients who completed the baseline assessment, 145 completed the iHOT-33 follow-up. The mean (±SD) follow-up time was 58.7 (27.2) months (minimum 12 and maximum 103 months). The iHOT-33 scores increased 20.7 (21.8) points on average, ranging from -39.8 to 76.9 points. Among the 15 potential predictive factors assessed in this study, only baseline iHOT-33 score (β -0.44; -0.061, -0.27), femoral version (β 9.03; 1.36, 16.71), and body mass index (β -0.99; -1.98, -0.01) had the ability to predict the functional status progression.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a lower baseline iHOT-33 score, lower body mass index, and normal femoral version were more likely to increase their functional status after a minimum of one year of follow-up.

Femoroacetabular impingement - What the rheumatologist needs to know

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a common cause of hip and groin pain in young individuals. FAI syndrome is a triad of signs, symptoms, and imaging findings. Necessary but not sufficient for the diagnosis of FAI syndrome is the presence of cam and/or pincer morphology of the hip. However, pathological thresholds for cam and pincer morphologies are not well-established. Management of FAI syndrome is typically through either physiotherapist-led therapy or surgical intervention. Physiotherapist-led management involves exercises aimed to optimise movement patterns of the hip and pelvis to prevent impingement from occurring, activity modification and analgesia, whereas surgical management involves arthroscopic resection of the cam/pincer morphology and treatment of concomitant soft tissue pathologies such as labral tears, cartilage lesions or ligamentum teres tears. Careful consideration of intervention is required given that FAI syndrome may predispose those affected to developing future osteoarthritis of the hip. In most clinical trials, hip arthroscopy has been found to provide greater improvement in patient-reported outcomes in the short-term compared to physiotherapy, however it is unknown whether this is sustained in the long-term or affects the future development of hip osteoarthritis.

Editorial Commentary: Physical Therapy Alone May Not Successfully Treat Patients With Hip Pain and Large α Angles or Decreased Femoral Anteversion Combined With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Understanding the relation between spinopelvic (lumbopelvic) tilt and femoracetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is complex, and determining the optimal patient parameters that lead to successful nonoperative management is vital. Physical therapy (PT) focusing on core and posterior chain strengthening is often successful. PT can change the posterior tilt of the pelvis by 5° to 10°, allowing increased range of motion (ROM) and decreased impingement of the hip. However, PT does not change cam anatomy. Thus, PT alone may not sufficiently increase ROM in patients with cam-type impingement and large α angles or limited femoral anteversion. Pelvic compensation may lead to successful nonoperative management of FAIS, but not in all patients. Large-cam, high-flexion athletes with chronic hip pain should try PT. Yet, while some patients with large cam lesions may improve without surgery if femoral version and/or pelvic tilt ROM can be increased, surgery should not be excessively delayed in patients with poor prognostic factors for nonoperative management.

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.

Global Acetabular Retroversion Is Not Associated With Differences in Outcomes After Primary Hip Arthroscopy Among Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Matched Cohort Study With Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To compare hip survivorship and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after primary hip arthroscopy at 5-year follow-up between patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) with radiographic signs of global acetabular retroversion and those without.

METHODS

A retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted using a single-surgeon hip arthroscopy database. Patients were included if they underwent primary hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAIS, had preoperative hip x-rays, and had a minimum 5-year follow-up. Global retroversion was defined as the presence of ischial spine sign, posterior wall sign, and crossover sign on anteroposterior view. Patients with FAIS with global retroversion were matched 1:1 on age, sex, and body mass index to FAIS controls. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were administered preoperatively and at follow-up. Hip survivorship and PROMs were compared between the 2 groups using the paired t test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and/or Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test as appropriate. P values <.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients with global retroversion (mean age 40.6 ± 10.8 years, 60.5% female) were matched to 38 controls (mean age 41.3 ± 13.6 years, 60.5% female). Reoperation rates were the same in both groups (5.3%). On average, both groups reported significant pre- to postoperative improvement in mHHS (P < .001) and NAHS (P < .001), and there was no significant intergroup differences in the change in mHHS (P = .86) or NAHS (P = .90). Achievement rates for the patient acceptable symptom state on the mHHS were higher among males compared to females (P = .04) in both the global retroversion group (93.3% vs 73.9%) and the control group (93.3% vs 73.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with FAIS with and without global acetabular retroversion had no significant difference in outcomes after primary hip arthroscopy at a minimum 5-year minimum follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Which Acetabular Measurements Most Accurately Differentiate Between Patients and Controls? A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Acetabular morphology is an important determinant of hip biomechanics. To identify features of acetabular morphology that may be associated with the development of hip symptoms while accounting for spinopelvic characteristics, one needs to determine acetabular characteristics in a group of individuals older than 45 years without symptoms or signs of osteoarthritis. Previous studies have used patients with unknown physical status to define morphological thresholds to guide management.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) To determine acetabular morphological characteristics in males and females between 45 and 60 years old with a high Oxford hip score (OHS) and no signs of osteoarthritis; (2) to compare these characteristics with those of symptomatic hip patients treated with hip arthroscopy or periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for various kinds of hip pathology (dysplasia, retroversion, and cam femoroacetabular impingement); and (3) to assess which radiographic or CT parameters most accurately differentiate between patients who had symptomatic hips and those who did not, and thus, define thresholds that can guide management.

METHODS

Between January 2018 and December 2018, 1358 patients underwent an abdominopelvic CT scan in our institution for nonorthopaedic conditions. Of those, we considered 5% (73) of patients as potentially eligible as controls based on the absence of major hip osteoarthritis, trauma, or deformity. Patients were excluded if their OHS was 43 or less (2% [ 28 ]), if they had a PROMIS less than 50 (1% [ 18 ]), or their Tönnis score was higher than 1 (0.4% [ 6 ]). Another eight patients were excluded because of insufficient datasets. After randomly selecting one side for each control, 40 hips were left for analysis (age 55 ± 5 years; 48% [19 of 40] were in females). In this comparative study, this asymptomatic group was compared with a group of patients treated with hip arthroscopy or PAO. Between January 2013 and December 2020, 221 hips underwent hip preservation surgery. Of those, eight were excluded because of previous pelvic surgery, and 102 because of insufficient CT scans. One side was randomly selected in patients who underwent bilateral procedure, leaving 48% (107 of 221) of hips for analysis (age 31 ± 8 years; 54% [58 of 107] were in females). Detailed radiographic and CT assessments (including segmentation) were performed to determine acetabular (depth, cartilage coverage, subtended angles, anteversion, and inclination) and spinopelvic (pelvic tilt and incidence) parameters. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to assess diagnostic accuracy and determine which morphological parameters (and their threshold) differentiate most accurately between symptomatic patients and asymptomatic controls.

RESULTS

Acetabular morphology in asymptomatic hips was characterized by a mean depth of 22 ± 2 mm, with an articular cartilage surface of 2619 ± 415 mm 2 , covering 70% ± 6% of the articular surface, a mean acetabular inclination of 48° ± 6°, and a minimal difference between anatomical (24° ± 7°) and functional (22° ± 6°) anteversion. Patients with symptomatic hips generally had less acetabular depth (20 ± 4 mm versus 22 ± 2 mm, mean difference 3 mm [95% CI 1 to 4]; p < 0.001). Hips with dysplasia (67% ± 5% versus 70% ± 6%, mean difference 6% [95% CI 0% to 12%]; p = 0.03) or retroversion (67% ± 5% versus 70% ± 6%, mean difference 6% [95% CI 1% to 12%]; p = 0.04) had a slightly lower relative cartilage area compared with asymptomatic hips. There was no difference in acetabular inclination (48° ± 6° versus 47° ± 7°, mean difference 0.5° [95% CI -2° to 3°]; p = 0.35), but asymptomatic hips had higher anatomic anteversion (24° ± 7° versus 19° ± 8°, mean difference 6° [95% CI 3° to 9°]; p < 0.001) and functional anteversion (22° ± 6° versus 13°± 9°, mean difference 9° [95% CI 6° to 12°]; p < 0.001). Subtended angles were higher in asymptomatic at 105° (124° ± 7° versus 114° ± 12°, mean difference 11° [95% CI 3° to 17°]; p < 0.001), 135° (122° ± 9° versus 111° ± 12°, mean difference 10° [95% CI 2° to 15°]; p < 0.001), and 165° (112° ± 9° versus 102° ± 11°, mean difference 10° [95% CI 2° to 14°]; p < 0.001) around the acetabular clockface. Symptomatic hips had a lower pelvic tilt (8° ± 8° versus 11° ± 5°, mean difference 3° [95% CI 1° to 5°]; p = 0.007). The posterior wall index had the highest discriminatory ability of all measured parameters, with a cutoff value of less than 0.9 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84 [95% CI 0.76 to 0.91]) for a symptomatic acetabulum (sensitivity 72%, specificity 78%). Diagnostically useful parameters on CT scan to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic hips were acetabular depth less than 22 mm (AUC 0.74 [95% CI 0.66 to 0.83]) and functional anteversion less than 19° (AUC 0.79 [95% CI 0.72 to 0.87]). Subtended angles with the highest accuracy to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic hips were those at 105° (AUC 0.76 [95% CI 0.65 to 0.88]), 135° (AUC 0.78 [95% CI 0.70 to 0.86]), and 165° (AUC 0.77 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.85]) of the acetabular clockface.

CONCLUSION

An anatomical and functional acetabular anteversion of 24° and 22°, with a pelvic tilt of 10°, increases the acetabular opening and allows for more impingement-free flexion while providing sufficient posterosuperior coverage for loading. Hips with lower anteversion or a larger difference between anatomic and functional anteversion were more likely to be symptomatic. The importance of sufficient posterior coverage was also illustrated by the posterior wall indices and subtended angles at 105°, 135°, and 165° of the acetabular clockface having a high discriminatory ability to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic hips. Future research should confirm whether integrating these parameters when selecting patients for hip preservation procedures can improve postoperative outcomes.Level of Evidence Level III, prognostic study.

Both Labral Debridement and Labral Repair Result in >90% Total Hip Arthroplasty-free Survival at 5-Year Follow-Up: An Analysis of the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU)

PURPOSE

To compare clinical outcome parameters between labral debridement and repair by analyzing the dataset of a multinational registry.

METHODS

The data are based on the hip module of the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU). The register included patients designated for cartilage or femoroacetabular impingement surgery (up to July 1, 2021; n = 2725). The assessment consisted of the patient's characteristics, the type of labral treatment, the length of labral therapy, the pathology, the grade of cartilage damage, and the type of performed approach. The clinical outcomes were documented by the international hip outcome tool via an online platform. Separated Kaplan-Meier analyses were used for total hip arthroplasty (THA)-free survival rates.

RESULTS

The debridement group (n = 673) showed a mean score increase of 21.9 ± 25.3 points. The repair group (n = 963) had a mean improvement of 21.3 ± 24.6 (P > .05). The 60-month THA-free survival rate was 90% to 93% for both groups (P > .05). A multivariance analysis showed that the grade of cartilage damage was the only independent statistically significant factor (P = .002-.001) influencing patients' outcomes and THA-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Labral debridement and repair led to good and reliable results. However, these results should not be interpreted with the conclusion that the cheaper and technically easier labral debridement is the recommended treatment due to comparable results in the present study. The clinical outcome and the THA-free survival seemed to be more influenced by the grade of cartilage damage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial.

The impact of surgical randomised controlled trials on the management of FAI syndrome: a citation analysis

PURPOSE

To identify and assess the clinical impact of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the surgical management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) through a citation analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched from inception to April 22, 2023 for RCTs assessing the surgical management of FAIS. Study characteristics were directly abstracted from included trials and citation metrics were obtained from the Clarivate Web of Knowledge database on May 19, 2023. The continuous fragility index (CFI) was calculated for eligible outcomes. Univariate regression models were used to explore correlations between total citations per year and various study characteristics.

RESULTS

Ten studies comprising one thousand two hundred ninetypatients were eligible for analysis. Studies were published from 2013 to 2023. Eight countries were represented across various trials with 91% being either North American or European. The mean journal impact factor of published studies was 39.684 (median 2.982; range 1.31-202.73). The mean citation density was 14.17 (range 0.33-48.67). The median CFI was 4.8 (range 1-32.2). Correlation analysis demonstrated strong and statistically significant correlations to study sample size (R = 0.75, p = 0.012), journal impact factor (R = 0.80, p = 0.006) and continuous fragility index (R = 0.95, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Trials assessing the surgical management of FAIS present with a wide range of clinical uptake based on citation density and are published in journals of broadly variable impact factor. Despite promising citation metrics, high-quality evidence on arthroscopy for FAIS is limited to the United States and Europe with an unclear international impact. Future knowledge translation efforts are warranted to maximise the international uptake of evidence regarding arthroscopic management of FAIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

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.

Capsular Management During Hip Arthroscopy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hip arthroscopy is widely used for the management of intra-articular pathology and there has been growing interest in strategies for management of the hip capsule during surgery. The hip capsule is an essential structure that provides stability to the joint and it is necessarily violated during procedures that address intra-articular pathology. This article reviews different approaches to capsular management during hip arthroscopy including anatomical considerations for capsulotomy, techniques, clinical outcomes, and the role of routine capsular repair. This article also reviews the concept of hip microinstability and its potential impact on capsular management options as well as iatrogenic complications that can occur as a result of poor capsular management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current research highlights the key functional role of the hip capsule and the importance of preserving its anatomy during surgery. Capsulotomies that involve less tissue violation (periportal and puncture-type approaches) do not appear to require routine capsular repair to achieve good outcomes. Many studies have investigated the role of capsular repair following more extensive capsulotomy types (interportal and T-type), with most authors reporting superior outcomes with routine capsular repair. Strategies for capsular management during hip arthroscopy range from conservative capsulotomy techniques aimed to minimize capsular violation to more extensive capsulotomies with routine capsule closure, all of which have good short- to mid-term outcomes. There is a growing trend towards decreasing iatrogenic capsular tissue injury when possible and fully repairing the capsule when larger capsulotomies are utilized. Future research may reveal that patients with microinstability may require a more specific approach to capsular management.

Orthobiologics as an adjunct in treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: cell-based therapies facilitate improved postoperative outcomes in the setting of acetabular chondral lesions-a systematic review

PURPOSE

To evaluate studies utilizing orthobiologics in the management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) to (1) assess the indications for usage, and (2) analyze patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) following treatment. It was hypothesized that orthobiologics would (1) be utilized for symptomatic FAIS in the setting of labral or chondral pathology, and (2) improve PROM at most recent follow-up.

METHODS

The Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for clinical studies evaluating orthobiologics [hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or cell-based therapy (CBT) for treatment of FAIS. Exclusion criteria included orthobiologics used in conjunction with cartilage transfer or scaffolding procedures and a primary indication other than FAIS. Data collection included patient demographics, indications, and baseline and most recent PROM.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (one level I, four level II, four level III, and two level IV evidence) met inclusion criteria, consisting of 440 patients with mean ages ranging from 32.8 to 47 years. All 11 studies demonstrated an improvement in PROM from baseline to most-recent follow-up. Four studies administered PRP either intraoperatively or the day after surgery as an adjunct to labral repair. CBT was used intraoperatively in the setting of acetabular chondral lesions (three studies) and labral repair (one study). When comparing to a control group at most recent follow-up, three PRP cohorts demonstrated similar PROM (n.s.), while one PRP group exhibited worse visual analog pain scores (2.5 vs. 3.4, p = 0.005) and modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) (82.6 vs. 78.7, p = 0.049). The four CBT studies reported favorable results compared to a control group, with a significantly higher mHHS at most recent follow-up or mean improvement from baseline in Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (p < 0.05). Three studies reported on HA, which was utilized exclusively in the nonoperative setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative PRP and CBT have been commonly reported in the setting of hip arthroscopy for labral repairs and acetabular chondral lesions, respectively. The CBT cohorts demonstrated more favorable PROM at most recent follow-up when compared to a control group, though these results should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity of orthobiologic preparations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Comparison of Joint Mobilization and Movement Pattern Training for Patients With Hip-Related Groin Pain: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of completing a randomized clinical trial (RCT) and examine the preliminary effects of 2 interventions for hip-related groin pain (HRGP).

METHODS

In this pilot RCT, patients with HRGP, who were 18 to 40 years old, were randomized (1:1 ratio) to a joint mobilization (JtMob) group or a movement pattern training (MoveTrain) group. Both treatments included 10 supervised sessions and a home exercise program. The goal of JtMob was to reduce pain and improve mobility through peripherally and centrally mediated pain mechanisms. The key element was physical therapist-provided JtMob. The goal of MoveTrain was to reduce hip joint stresses by optimizing the biomechanics of patient-specific tasks. The key element was task-specific instruction to correct abnormal movement patterns displayed during tasks. Primary outcomes were related to future trial feasibility. The primary effectiveness outcome was the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Examiners were blinded to group; patients and treatment providers were not. Data collected at baseline and immediately after treatment were analyzed with analysis of covariance using a generalized linear model in which change was the dependent variable and baseline was the covariate. The study was modified due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

RESULTS

The COVID-19 pandemic affected participation; 127 patients were screened, 33 were randomized (18 to the JtMob group and 15 to the MoveTrain group), and 29 (88%) provided posttreatment data. Treatment session adherence was 85%, and home exercise program component adherence ranged from 71 to 86%. Both groups demonstrated significant mean within-group improvements of ≥5 points on Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scales. There were no between-group differences in effectiveness outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A large RCT to assess the effects of JtMob and MoveTrain for patients with HRGP may be feasible. Preliminary findings suggested that JtMob or MoveTrain may result in improvements in patient-reported pain and activity limitations.

IMPACT

The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with participation, but a randomized controlled trial may be feasible. Modification may be needed if the trial is completed during future pandemics.

Hip Arthroscopy Trends: Increasing Patient Out-of-Pocket Costs, Lower Surgeon Reimbursement, and Cost Reduction With Utilization of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

PURPOSE

To (1) report on trends in immediate procedure reimbursement, patient out-of-pocket expenditures, and surgeon reimbursement in hip arthroscopy (2) compare trends in ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) versus outpatient hospitals (OH) utilization; (3) quantify the cost differences (if any) associated with ASC versus OH settings; and 4) determine the factors that predict ASC utilization for hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

The cohort for this descriptive epidemiology study was any patient over 18 years identified in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims Encounter database who underwent an outpatient hip arthroscopy, identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes, in the United States from 2013 to 2017. Immediate procedure reimbursement, patient out-of-pocket expenditure, and surgeon reimbursement were calculated, and a multivariable model was used to determine the influence of specific factors on these outcome variables. Statistically significant P values were less than .05, and significant standardized differences were more than 0.1.

RESULTS

The cohort included 20,335 patients. An increasing trend in ASC utilization was observed (P = .001), and ASC utilization for hip arthroscopy was 32.4% in 2017. Patient out-of-pocket expenditures for femoroacetabular impingement surgery increased 24.3% over the study period (P = .003), which was higher than the rate for immediate procedure reimbursement (4.2%; P = .007). ASCs were associated with $3,310 (28.8%; P = .001) reduction in immediate procedure reimbursement and $47 (6.2%; P = .001) reduction in patient out-of-pocket expenditure per hip arthroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

ASCs provide a significant cost difference for hip arthroscopy. Although there is an increasing trend toward ASC utilization, it remains relatively low at 32.4% in 2017. Thus, there are opportunities for expanded ASC utilization, which is associated with significant immediate procedure reimbursement difference of $3,310 and patient out-of-pocket expenditure difference of $47 per hip arthroscopy case, ultimately benefiting healthcare systems, surgeons, and patients alike.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Acetabular Sector Angles in Asymptomatic and Dysplastic Hips: Defining Dysplasia and Thresholds to Guide Management

BACKGROUND

Radiographic evaluation plays an important role in detecting and grading hip dysplasia. Acetabular sector angles (ASAs) measure the degree of femoral head coverage provided by the acetabulum on computed tomographic (CT) scans. In this study, we aimed to determine ASA values at different axial levels in a control cohort with asymptomatic, high-functioning hips without underlying hip pathology and a study group with symptomatic, dysplastic hips that underwent periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), thereby defining the ASA thresholds for hip dysplasia.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study evaluating a control group of 51 patients (102 hips) and a study group of 66 patients (72 hips). The control group was high-functioning and asymptomatic, with an Oxford Hip Score of >43, did not have osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade ≤1), underwent a pelvic CT scan, had a mean age (and standard deviation) of 52.1 ± 5.5 years, and was 52.9% female. The study group had symptomatic hip dysplasia treated with PAO, had a mean age of 29.5 ± 7.3 years, and 83.3% was female. Anterior ASA (AASA) and posterior ASA (PASA) were measured at 3 axial CT levels to determine equatorial, intermediate, and proximal ASA. The thresholds for dysplasia were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, including the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Patients with dysplasia had significantly smaller ASAs compared with the control group; the differences were most pronounced for proximal AASAs and proximal and intermediate PASAs. The control group had a mean proximal PASA of 162° ± 17°, yielding a threshold for dysplasia of 137° (AUC, 0.908). The mean intermediate PASA for the control group was 117° ± 11°, yielding a threshold of 107° (AUC, 0.904). The threshold for anterior dysplasia was 133° for proximal AASA (AUC, 0.859) and 57° for equatorial AASA (AUC, 0.868). The threshold for posterior dysplasia was 102° for intermediate PASA (AUC, 0.933).

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of ASA is a reliable tool to identify focal acetabular deficiency with high accuracy, aiding diagnosis and management. A proximal PASA of <137° or an intermediate PASA of <107° should alert clinicians to the presence of dysplasia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Non-operative Management and Outcomes of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To serve as a guide for non-operative physicians in the management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and provide an algorithm as to when to refer patients for potential surgical management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Supervised physical therapy programs that focus on active strengthening and core strengthening are more effective than unsupervised, passive, and non-core-focused programs. There is promising evidence for the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid and PRP as adjunct treatment options. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found that in young active patients, hip arthroscopy demonstrates improved short-term outcomes over physical therapy. The decision for the management of FAIS is complex and should be specific to each patient. Consideration of the patient's age, timing to return to sport, longevity of treatment, hip morphology, and degree of cartilage degeneration is required to make an informed decision in the treatment of these patients.

Association of Chondrolabral Lesions with Ultrasound-Guided Detection of Pathological Head-Neck Contour

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether the asphericity of the neck-head junction of the femur confirmed via ultrasound is associated with further pathology due to femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI).

METHODOLOGY

After a clinical examination with positive FAI tests, an ultrasound examination of the hip was performed. In the case of asphericity, a quantitative ultrasound-assisted assessment of the hip was performed, followed by contrast-enhanced arthro-MRI with the question of cartilage or labral damage.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We included 51 patients with a mean age of 35.25. According to the examination algorithm, asphericity was present in all patients via ultrasonography. The average anterior alpha angle (AAA) determined in ultrasonography was 43.49°. The average AAA on the arthro-MRI was 44.19°. The mean anterior head neck offset (AHNO) in ultrasound was 5.27 mm, and in arthro-MRI, it was 5.36 mm. Arthro-MRI confirmed a bump in 47 patients and a talization disorder in 4 patients. In 49 patients, a labral lesion was found, with one being a re-rupture. Furthermore, in one patient, labral degeneration was identified. Cartilage damage to the hip joint was found in 25 patients. Two patients had neither labral nor cartilage damage in the arthro-MRI. In our study, sonographically confirmed asphericity of the head-neck junction was found in 49 cases, which was associated with further pathology and, according to the current doctrine, was attributable to the FAI and required surgical intervention. This study shows that the detection of a pathologic head and neck contour via ultrasound in combination with positive clinical signs, as present in FAI, is associated with chondrolabral lesions detected via arthro-MRI in 96.1% of cases.