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

Return to Sport Following Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is common. The present systematic review updates the current evidence on return to sport (RTS) in patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery for FAI in any of its variants (CAM, pincer, or both). Methods: The outcomes of interest were sports-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the level and time to RTS. All available clinical studies concerning the RTS following arthroscopic management of FAI were considered. In July 2024, the following databases were accessed following the PRISMA guidelines: Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed. Only studies with a minimum of six months of follow-up were eligible. Results: From 1245 initially identified articles, 43 studies (4103 patients) met the inclusion criteria, in which 32.1% (1317 of 4103 patients) were women. The mean length of follow-up was 33.7 ± 15.8 months. The mean age was 28.1 ± 7.2 years, the mean BMI was 24.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, and 79.6% ± 27.8% of patients returned to sport at the same or higher level at a mean of 14.3 ± 9.6 months. The mean time away from sports was 8.0 ± 3.3 months. Conclusion: Arthroscopic management for FAI leads to a high rate of RTS, with approximately 80% of patients returning to their preinjury level. Future research should focus on standardised definitions of RTS, sport-specific rehabilitation protocols, and the influence of deformity and procedures on RTS.

High-Level Competitive Athletes Who Undergo Hip Arthroscopy Demonstrate Durable 5-Year Outcomes and Lower Subjective Pain: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy (HA) has been proven to be an effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) in both competitive athletes (CA) and non-CA at short-term follow-up. However, there is a paucity of literature investigating midterm outcomes comparing athletes with Controls.

HYPOTHESIS

Athletes would have significant improvements at 5 years, with favorable outcomes compared with their control counterparts, and high return-to-sport (RTS) rate.

STUDY DESIGN

Propensity-matched retrospective comparative cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

CAs who underwent primary HA for FAIS from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2017 were identified and propensity matched on a 1:4 basis to Controls by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected preoperatively and at 5 years. Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom states (PASS) rates were calculated using previously published thresholds. Rate and duration of RTS were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 57 high-level CA (33 female, 24 male; age, 21.7 ± 4.2 years; BMI, 23.1 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were propensity matched to 228 Controls (132 female, 96 male; P > 0.99; age, 23.3 ± 5.8 years; P = 0.02; BMI, 23.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2, P = 0.24). Significant differences were observed in preoperative Hip Outcome Score Sports Specific and Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) subscales (CA, 74.9 ± 13.7 vs Controls, 66.4 ± 18.4; P = 0.01) and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) (CA, 64.7 ± 12.9 vs Controls, 59.7 ± 14.3; P = 0.04). Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in all outcome scores measured (P ≤ 0.01). At 5 years postoperatively, there were significant differences between groups in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain (CA, 17.3 ± 17.6 vs Controls, 24.7 ± 25.9; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in achieving MCID or PASS. Athletes RTS at a median of 25.2 weeks (Q1 22.4-Q3 30.7) with an overall RTS rate of 90%. Similar rates of revision were seen between CA patients (n = 3; 5.3%) and Control patients (n = 9; 3.9%) (P = 0.66).

CONCLUSION

CAs demonstrated significant and durable improvements in PROs as well as high MCID and PASS achievement rates after primary HA, which were comparable with those of Controls. Clinicians should be aware that CA patients demonstrate higher preoperative mHHS and HOS-ADL scores than Controls and achieve lower average self-reported pain at 5 years postoperatively. In addition, CA patients demonstrate high rates of RTS at a median of 25 weeks postoperatively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides insight into CA versus Control PROs and rates of achieving MCID and PASS at a midterm follow-up of 5 years. Furthermore, this study offers perception into RTS rate, both in general as well as specified to individualized sports.

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

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy is a procedure commonly performed to correct various hip pathologies such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. These hip pathologies commonly affect young, otherwise healthy patients. The recovery after hip arthroscopy can prevent patients from returning to work and impair performance levels, having significant economic repercussions. To date, there has been no cumulative analysis of the existing literature on return to work after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the existing literature regarding return to work after hip arthroscopy and analysis of factors associated with the ability to return to work and time to return to work.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies assessing functional outcomes and return to work, including return to military duty, after hip arthroscopy were included. Patients' ability to return to work, as well as time to return, was compared between selected studies. Where available, workers' compensation status as well as type of work was compared. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, Version 22. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 1124 patients were included. Patients were followed for an average of 17.6 months. Using weighted means, the average rate of return to work was 71.35%, while full return to previous work duties was achieved at a rate of 50.89%. Modification to work duties was required at a rate of 15.48%. On average, the time to return to work was 115 days (range, 17-219 days). Rate of return by patients with workers' compensation status was found to be 85.15% at an average of 132 days (range, 37-211 days). Rate of return to work in workers performing professions reported as strenuous vs light (ie, mostly sedentary) jobs showed a statistically higher return to work in light professions (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41-0.69).

CONCLUSION

After hip arthroscopy, there is a high rate of return to work at an average of 115 days after surgery. However, full return to work was achieved by only half of patients upon final follow-up.

Revision Hip Arthroscopy in High-Level Athletes: Minimum 2-Year Outcomes Comparison to a Propensity-Matched Primary Hip Arthroscopy Control Group

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of revision hip arthroscopy in the athletic population have not been well established.

PURPOSE

(1) To report clinical outcomes for high-level athletes undergoing revision hip arthroscopy in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) or labral tears and (2) to compare these outcomes against a propensity-matched group of high-level athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data for professional, college, and high school athletes were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between January 2012 and October 2018. Patients were included if they underwent revision or primary hip arthroscopy and had preoperative and minimum 2-year patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores for modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The findings and outcomes of revision athletes were compared with a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 32 hips (29 patients) undergoing revision hip arthroscopy and 92 hips (88 patients) undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were included in our final analysis with a median follow-up time of 29.5 months (95% CI, 27.2-32.1 months) and 36.5 months (95% CI, 33.5-37.7 months), respectively. Athletes undergoing revision surgery showed significant improvement in all recorded PRO measurements and achieved patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for mHHS at high rates (80.6% and 83.9%, respectively). When compared with a propensity-matched primary control group, patients undergoing revision surgery demonstrated lower preoperative and postoperative scores for mHHS, NAHS, and HOS-SSS, but the magnitude of improvement in functional scores was similar between groups. Athletes undergoing revision surgery achieved PASS for HOS-SSS at lower rates than the control group (P = .005), and they were less likely to attempt to return to sport compared with the control group (62.5% vs 87.0%; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Revision hip arthroscopy is a viable treatment option to improve PROs in high-level athletes at minimum 2-year follow-up. The study group showed significant improvement in functional scores and a high rate of successful outcomes. They experienced similar magnitude of improvement as that of a propensity-matched control group; however, they achieved lower postoperative PRO scores and attempted to return to sport at lower rates.

Can We Identify Why Athletes Fail to Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

No previous systematic review has focused on the athletes who fail to return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

PURPOSE

To review the literature on the athletes who fail to return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS to determine the rate of nonreturning athletes and explore the reasons for their inability to return to sport after arthroscopic FAI surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles using prespecified criteria. Eligible articles were those that clearly stated the rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Data collected were the rate of patients who did not return to sport, the level of competition (high level, recreational, or mixed), the type of sport, comments on patients who did not return to sport, the rate of subsequent hip surgeries (total hip replacement or revision hip arthroscopy) in nonreturning athletes, and the reported reason for not returning to sport. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were eligible for inclusion, and 1093 athletes were analyzed. The weighted rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was 12.1% (95% CI, 7.7-17.4). Only 2 studies (2/20;10%) reported the age of the athletes who did not return, while sex was reported in 3 studies (3/20;15%). The estimated proportion of athletes who did not return to sport because of hip-related issues was significantly greater than the percentage of athletes who did not return for reasons unrelated to their hip (74.3% vs 22.3%; P < .0001). Persistent hip pain was the most commonly reported factor (52/110 patients; 47.2%) associated with failure to return to sport. Whether the nonreturning athletes underwent any subsequent hip procedure after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was reported in only 4 out of 20 studies (20%). There was evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The estimated rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was 12%, with the majority of athletes being unable to return because of persistent hip pain. There is a severe lack of evidence on the athlete characteristics and clinical course of the nonreturning athletes, and the rate of subsequent hip procedures is unknown. The outcomes and reasons for athletes not returning to sport should be reported in detail to improve patient care.

Hip Arthroscopy in a Baseball Catcher without the Use of a Perineal Post: A Crossover Case Report

A 17-year-old Caucasian male high school baseball catcher presented with bilateral hip and groin pain of insidious onset over a 4-year period. Following appropriate physical exam and radiographic testing, bilateral labral tears secondary to cam type femoroacetabular impingement was diagnosed. Arthroscopic corrective surgeries were performed 4 months apart by a single specialized sports medicine orthopedic surgeon. One hip arthroscopic procedure utilized a well-padded perineal traction post and was associated with neuropraxic complications during recovery. The second hip arthroscopic procedure was performed with the table in 15° of Trendelenburg for traction without a perineal traction post and no neuropraxia was noted during recovery. The patient reported that outcomes and postoperative radiographic studies were similar bilaterally; however, perineal nerve neuralgias with the second hip arthroscopy were not reported. While other studies have described the use of post-less traction for mitigation of perineal nerve compression during hip arthroscopic procedures, this crossover observational report is the first to the authors’ knowledge demonstrating both neuropraxia and lack of neuropraxia in a single patient undergoing the same procedure bilaterally where the only difference is the usage of perineal traction posts.

Mismatch between expectations and physical activity outcomes at six months following hip-arthroscopy: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors influencing participation in physical activity for young to middle-aged patients at six months post-hip arthroscopy.

DESIGN

Qualitative study.

SETTING

Three specialist surgical centres in Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventeen adults aged 18-50 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken and transcribed verbatum. Inductive analysis of the data was undertaken, with themes identified through an iterative coding process.

RESULTS

Four key themes emerged from the analysis: 1) an evident mismatch between expectations and actual progress of physical activity during the first six months post-arthroscopy; 2) physical activity levels vary widely at six months post-operatively; 3) evidence of suboptimal psychological readiness to return to sport and an associated emotional toll; and 4) the influence of available support and information on post-operative physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study has provided in-depth perspectives on recovery after hip arthroscopy. Clear opportunities exist to: 1) help patients develop realistic post-operative goals; 2) provide timely patient education and support; and 3) facilitate an effective transition to desired physical activity.

Return to Sport After Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery and Sport-Specific Considerations: a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent advancements in surgical technology and techniques have improved functional results for operative treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Few studies have comprehensively evaluated the literature regarding return to sport criteria, timing, level, and rates. The purpose of this study was to review recent studies regarding return to play after surgical correction of FAIS. We will specifically evaluate the level of return to play and look to compare pre- and postoperative competition levels when available. We will also analyze timing of return to play from injury to surgery. Additionally, we will elucidate any sport-specific criteria that may determine readiness for return.

RECENT FINDINGS

Athletes with FAIS treated non-operatively have a low rate of return to sport and are often functionally limited in their level of performance. Surgical management of FAIS includes hip arthroscopy as well as open techniques. Current literature suggests a high rate of return to sport after contemporary surgery for FAIS at 87-93% overall. Rate of return to the same level of competition following surgery for FAIS is 55-83% in pooled studies. Limited evidence is available comparing postoperative rehabilitation protocols and timing of return among different sports. Operative treatment of FAIS results in high rates of return to sport and functional performance. The results of this study may help educate patients preoperatively in regard to the likelihood of functional return to sport and sport-specific considerations. Further research evaluating rehabilitation protocols and return criteria may better elucidate timing intervals for patients to maximize function while limiting complications.

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

BACKGROUND

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

PURPOSE

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

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Physical Activity Following Hip Arthroscopy in Young and Middle-Aged Adults: A Systematic Review

Background

Hip arthroscopy is a common surgical intervention for young and middle-aged adults with hip-related pain and dysfunction, who have high expectations for returning to physical activity following surgery. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of hip arthroscopy on physical activity post-arthroscopy.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken in identifying studies from January 1st 1990 to December 5th 2019. The search included English language articles reporting physical activity as an outcome following hip arthroscopy in adults aged 18-50 years. Quality assessment, data extraction and synthesis of included studies were undertaken.

Results

Full text articles (n = 234) were assessed for eligibility following screening of titles and abstracts (n = 2086), yielding 120 studies for inclusion. The majority (86%) of the studies were level 4 evidence. One study reported objective activity data. The most frequently occurring patient-reported outcome measure was the Hip Outcome Score-sport-specific subscale (HOS-SS, 84% of studies). Post--arthroscopy improvement was indicated by large effect sizes for patient-reported outcome measures (standard paired difference [95% confidence interval] −1.35[−1.61 to −1.09] at more than 2 years post-arthroscopy); however, the majority of outcome scores for the HOS-SS did not meet the defined level for a patient-acceptable symptom state.

Conclusion

The current level of available information regarding physical activity for post arthroscopy patients is limited in scope. Outcomes have focused on patients’ perceived difficulties with sport-related activities with a paucity of information on the type, quality and quantity of activity undertaken.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, systematic review of Level 2 through to Level 4 studies

Rate of Return to Sport and Functional Outcomes After Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in High-Level Athletes

BACKGROUND

Bilateral hip symptoms are common in athletes, and athletes may require treatment with bilateral hip arthroscopy. Return-to-sport (RTS) rates in competitive athletes after unilateral procedures have been reported at 74% to 93%; however, RTS rates after bilateral hip arthroscopy are still unknown.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to determine rate of RTS in competitive athletes undergoing bilateral hip arthroscopy and report minimum 1-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for this cohort. We hypothesized that after bilateral hip arthroscopy, the RTS rate would be similar to the square of the probability of returning after unilateral hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at our institution from November 2011 to July 2018. Patients were included if they underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy and were a high school, collegiate, or professional athlete before their first surgery. A patient's RTS was defined as return to competitive participation in one's sport at a level the same as or higher than the preoperative level. Additionally, minimum 1-year PROs, including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), nonarthritic hip score, and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), as well as complication rates and future surgery were compared for all patients. Rates of reaching the minimal clinically importance difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the mHHS (8 and 74, respectively) and HOS-SSS (6 and 75, respectively) were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients met inclusion criteria, for which follow-up was available for 82 (94.3%). At latest follow-up, 100% of professional athletes had returned to their sport, while 53.7% of the entire cohort returned to their sport, with 75.8% of male patients returning versus 38.8% of female patients (P < .001). Of patients returning, 56% did so at the same ability or higher. The most common reason for not returning was graduation or lifestyle change (47.4%). Patients returning to sport had significantly higher PROs at latest follow-up relative to those who did not return, including mHHS (93.7 vs 87.5), nonarthritic hip score (94.4 vs 88.2), and HOS-SSS (90.9 vs 78.2) (P < .05). Rates of achieving the PASS and MCID for the mHHS were not significantly different. However, for the HOS-SSS, patients who returned had significantly higher rates of achieving the MCID and PASS thresholds.

CONCLUSION

The rate of RTS among competitive athletes after bilateral hip arthroscopy was similar to the square of published RTS rates after unilateral hip arthroscopy. Both those who returned to play and those who did not showed significant improvement in PROs after surgery. However, those who returned to sports achieved significantly higher scores in all outcome measures. Additionally, patients returning to sports showed a significantly higher rate of attaining the MCID and PASS scores for the HOS-SSS.