Outcome of Hip Impingement Surgery: Does Generalized Joint Hypermobility Matter?

What is the utility of hip arthroscopy in patients with joint laxity? A contemporary systematic review of patient-reported and surgical outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to understand the contemporary outcomes for patients with joint laxity managed with hip arthroscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement guidelines. All literature related to joint laxity in hip arthroscopy patients was identified. Inclusion criteria consisted of patient-reported outcomes and Beighton and Horan Joint Mobility Index scoring. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index of Non-Randomized Studies criteria.

RESULTS

Seven articles were identified, including 412 patients (416 hips). Patients were predominantly female (range 83-100%). Mean patient age ranged from 13-69 years. Five studies consisting of 370 hips reported a range of 75 to 100% undergoing labral repair, 0 to 13% labral debridement, 0 to 7% labral reconstruction, 43 to 100% capsular closure, 94 to 99% femoroplasty, 3 to 80% rim resection, and 9 to 50% subspine decompression for surgical management. Post-operative follow-up range was 6-99 months. The mean range of improvement in Hip Outcomes Score Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcomes Score-Sports Subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, Visual Analog Scale, and 12 item Short Form Health Survey were 17.6-31.3, 31.3-35.1, 22.5-53.8, - 2.79-8, and 12.4-16.9 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Generalized ligamentous laxity patients managed with hip arthroscopy were predominantly young women. At short-term follow-up, mean patient-reported outcomes were positive, with improvement postoperatively in activities of daily living, sports, and quality of life.

Patients With Generalized Joint Hypermobility Have Thinner Superior Hip Capsules and Greater Hip Internal Rotation on Physical Examination

Purpose

To compare preoperative hip range of motion (ROM), hip capsular thickness on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bony morphology on radiographs and computed tomography (CT) between patients with and without joint hypermobility as measured by the Beighton Test score (BTS), with subanalysis based on sex and age.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with or without dysplasia were retrospectively reviewed. Patient BTS, hip ROM, demographics, surgical data, morphologic measures on radiographs and CT, and MRI findings including hip capsule thickness at various locations were compiled. Multiple statistical tests were performed, including multivariable linear or logistic regression models, while controlling for BTS, age, and sex.

Results

In total, 99 patients were included with a mean age of 29 ± 9.9 years; 62 (62.6%), were female. Forty patients (40.4%) had a BTS ≥4. Female patients (P < .001) and younger patients (26.7 vs 30.9 years, P = .030) were more likely to have a BTS ≥4. Male patients had significantly thicker superior capsules (3.4 mm vs. 2.8 mm, P = .034). BTS was not associated with capsular thickness when controlling for sex. On CT, femoral version (18.9° vs 11.4°, P < .001), and McKibben index (37.8° vs. 28.2°, P < .001) were significantly greater in those with a BTS ≥4. Patients with a BTS ≥4 had more hip internal rotation at 90° of flexion (15.0° vs 10.0°, P < .001), when prone (30.0° vs 20.0°, P = .004), and in extension (10.0° vs. 5.0°, P < .001).

Conclusions

All female patients, regardless of Beighton score, and all patients with a BTS ≥4 indicated for primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with or without dysplasia were more likely to have thinner superior hip capsules on MRI and greater hip internal rotation on exam. Bony morphologic differences exist between sexes and between patients with and without hypermobility, likely contributing to differences in ROM.

Level of Evidence

III, retrospective cohort study.

Evaluation of outcome reporting trends for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome- a systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the trends in the literature regarding surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and to present which patient-reported outcome-measures (PROMs) and surgical approaches are included.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted with the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed on PubMed and Embase, covering studies from 1999 to 2020. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies with surgical treatment for FAIS, the use of PROMs as evaluation tool and studies in English. Exclusion criteria were studies with patients < 18 years, cohorts with < 8 patients, studies with primarily purpose to evaluate other diagnoses than FAIS and studies with radiographs as only outcomes without using PROMs. Data extracted were author, year, surgical intervention, type of study, level of evidence, demographics of included patients, and PROMs.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 2,559 studies, of which 196 were included. There was an increase of 2,043% in the number of studies from the first to the last five years (2004-2008)-(2016-2020). There were 135 (69%) retrospective, 55 (28%) prospective and 6 (3%) Randomized Controlled Trials. Level of evidence ranged from I-IV where Level III was most common (44%). More than half of the studies (58%) originated from USA. Arthroscopic surgery was the most common surgical treatment (85%). Mean follow-up was 27.0 months (± 17 SD), (range 1.5-120 months). Between 1-10 PROMs were included, and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was most commonly used (61%).

CONCLUSION

There has been a continuous increase in the number of published studies regarding FAIS with the majority evaluating arthroscopic surgery. The mHHS remains being the most commonly used PROM.

Cam Osteochondroplasty for Femoroacetabular Impingement Increases Microinstability in Deep Flexion: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro cadaveric study was to examine the contributions of each surgical stage during cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery (i.e., intact-cam hip, T-capsulotomy, cam resection, and capsular repair) toward hip range of motion, translation, and microinstability.

METHODS

Twelve cadaveric cam hips were denuded to the capsule and mounted onto a robotic tester. The hips were positioned in several flexion positions-full extension, neutral (0°), 30° of flexion, and 90° of flexion-and performed internal-external rotations to 5 Nm of torque in each position. The hips underwent a series of surgical stages (T-capsulotomy, cam resection, and capsular repair) and were retested after each stage. Changes in range of motion, translation, and microinstability (overall translation normalized by femoral head radius) were measured after each stage.

RESULTS

Regarding range of motion, cam resection increased internal rotation at 90° of flexion (change in internal rotation = +6°, P = .001) but did not affect external rotation. Capsular repair restrained external rotation compared with the cam resection stage (change in external rotation = -8° to -4°, P ≤ .04). In terms of translation, the hip translated after cam resection at 90° of flexion in the medial-lateral plane (change in translation = +1.9 mm, P = .04) relative to the intact and capsulotomy stages. Regarding microinstability, capsulotomy increased microinstability in 30° of flexion (change in microinstability [Δ_M] = +0.05, P = .003), but microinstability did not further increase after cam resection. At 90° of flexion, microinstability did not increase after capsulotomy (Δ_M = +0.03, P = .2) but substantially increased after cam resection (Δ_M = +0.08, P = .03), accounting for a 31% change with respect to the intact stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Cam resection increased microinstability by 31% during deep hip flexion relative to the intact hip. This finding suggests that iatrogenic microinstability may be due to separation of the labral seal and resected contour of the femoral head.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our in vitro study showed that, at time zero and prior to postoperative recovery, excessive motion after cam resection could disrupt the labral seal. Complete cam resection should be performed cautiously to avoid disruption of the labral seal and postoperative microinstability.

Return to play after hip arthroscopy among tennis players: outcomes with minimum five-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Playing tennis is associated with various movements that can lead to labral injuries and may require arthroscopic surgery. While hip arthroscopies have demonstrated good outcomes in athletes, there is limited literature reporting patient reported outcomes (PROs) and return to sport (RTS) in competitive or recreational tennis players after arthroscopic hip surgery. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to (1) report minimum five-year PROs and RTS in tennis players who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery and (2) compare outcomes between recreational and competitive tennis players.

METHODS

Data for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy surgery in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears between March 2009 and January 2014 and who played tennis within one-year of surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with preoperative and minimum five-year postoperative scores for the following PROs were included: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) and Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for mHHS and HOS-SSS were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 28 patients, 31 hips met all inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 28 (90.3%) had minimum 5-year follow-up (mean: 72.8 ± 13.9 months). There were 3 professional, 3 collegiate, 2 high school, 2 organized amateur, and 18 recreational level tennis players. All PROs significantly improved at latest follow-up: mHHS from 67.0 to 86.7 (P <  0.001), NAHS from 65.9 to 87.2 (P <  0.001), HOS-SSS from 50.0 to 77.9 (P = 0.009), and VAS from 5.4 to 1.8 (P <  0.001). There was a 75.0% RTS rate. Additionally, 66.7% of patients achieved MCID and 83.3% achieved PASS for mHHS, and 63.6% achieved MCID and 58.3% achieved PASS for HOS-SSS.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of the level of participation, tennis players who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery reported statistically significant PRO improvements. A favorable rate of RTS was also achieved by players with a continued interest in playing. The data here may be useful in counseling tennis players of various levels who are considering arthroscopic treatment of a hip injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Hip Joint Capsular Anatomy, Mechanics, and Surgical Management

➤Hip joint capsular ligaments (iliofemoral, ischiofemoral, and pubofemoral) play a predominant role in functional mobility and joint stability. ➤The zona orbicularis resists joint distraction (during neutral positions), and its aperture mechanism stabilizes the hip from adverse edge-loading (during extreme hip flexion-extension). ➤To preserve joint function and stability, it is important to minimize capsulotomy size and avoid disrupting the zona orbicularis, preserve the femoral head size and neck length, and only repair when or as necessary without altering capsular tensions. ➤It is not fully understood what the role of capsular tightness is in patients who have cam femoroacetabular impingement and if partial capsular release could be beneficial and/or therapeutic. ➤During arthroplasty surgery, a femoral head implant that is nearly equivalent to the native head size with an optimal neck-length offset can optimize capsular tension and decrease dislocation risk where an intact posterior hip capsule plays a critical role in maintaining hip stability.

Return to Dance and Predictors of Outcome After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To investigate the rate of return to dance and factors influencing this primary outcome after hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

METHODS

A consecutive series of self-identified dancers with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome was included. To assess for the impact of hypermobility on outcomes, patients were classified as having either generalized joint laxity (GJL) or no GJL based on the Beighton-Horan Joint Mobility Index. A return-to-dance survey, the modified Harris Hip Score, and the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living and HOS-Sports-Specific subscales were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. The preoperative-to-postoperative outcome score change was compared using the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state. Return to dance was evaluated regarding (1) return to any dance activity, (2) return to prior level of dance, and (3) number of hours of dance participation after surgery. Clinical and demographic predictors and return to dance were analyzed using univariate or bivariate analysis where appropriate.

RESULTS

The study included 64 consecutive dancers (62 female and 2 male patients) (mean age, 22.3 ± 9.4 years; body mass index, 22.8 ± 4.1) with a mean follow-up period of 23.0 months. Postoperatively, 62 patients (97%) returned to dance at an average of 6.9 ± 2.9 months; 40 patients (62.5%) reported that they returned to a better level of participation, whereas 20 dancers (31%) returned to the same level of participation. Statistically significant increases were observed for the HOS-Activities of Daily Living subscale (60.5 ± 19.5 vs 92.4 ± 11.8, P < .001), HOS-Sports-Specific subscale (40.3 ± 20.3 vs 83.5 ± 19.4, P < .001), and modified Harris Hip Score (57.0 ± 13.6 vs 86.6 ± 13.9, P < .001). There was, however, a significant decrease in the number of hours of dance postoperatively: 11.5 ± 8.2 h/wk preoperatively versus 9.0 ± 7.3 h/wk postoperatively (P = .041). All postoperative hip outcome measures showed statistically significant (P < .001) and clinically relevant improvements. Patient-reported outcomes and return time showed no significant differences between the patient groups with GJL and without GJL (P = .1 and P = .489, respectively). For competitive dancers, a correlation was shown with a shorter time to return to dance (r² = 0.45, P = .001), but there were no significant differences by skill level in patient-reported outcomes or dance hours.

CONCLUSIONS

After hip arthroscopy, 97% of dancers returned to dance at an average of 6.9 months, with most dancers dancing at a level higher than their preoperative status. Dance experience level was the only significant factor influencing return-to-dance outcomes, with competitive dancers showing a faster return to dancing.conclusion LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Comparable patient-reported outcomes in females with or without joint hypermobility after hip arthroscopy and capsular plication for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Hip arthroscopy is widely utilized to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). In order to evaluate the postoperative clinical and functional outcomes at 2-year follow up in patients with and without benign joint hypermobility syndrome following hip arthroscopy with capsular plication for FAIS, consecutive female patients with generalized ligamentous laxity undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with complete T-capsulotomy closure via plication for FAIS were prospectively identified. Patients were matched in a 4:1 ratio based on Beighton-Horan joint mobility index (BHJMI) then classified into no generalized joint laxity (NGJL, Score<4) or generalized joint laxity cohort (GJL, Score=4). Patient and surgical-related factors were analyzed using univariate and paired analysis with statistical significance set at a = 0.05. A total of 125 female patients were included in the study: 25 generalized joint laxity (GJL) patients and 100 matched to age, sex and BMI (NGJL cohort). The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences between demographics, preoperative range of motion, or radiographic analysis on univariate analysis. There was no statistical difference in postoperative range of motion between groups, though both groups demonstrated significant increases in postoperative flexion and postoperative internal rotation following hip arthroscopy. Paired analysis demonstrated no significant difference in HOS-SS, HOS-ADL, mHHS or VAS-pain, while GJL patients reported significantly greater patient satisfaction score at 2-years follow-up (p=0.007). In summary, hip arthroscopy with capsular plication is a highly effective treatment for FAIS in patients with and without generalized joint laxity. In our analysis, patients with and without generalized joint laxity demonstrated statistically similar and significant improvement in outcomes.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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