Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Soccer Players

Females have Higher Return to Sport Rate than Males Among Collegiate Athletes Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Due to the Difference in the Type of Sports, Type of Impingement, Prevalence of Severe Cartilage Damage

PURPOSE

To investigate the return to sport (RTS) rate and the sex-based difference of collegiate athletes following arthroscopic treatment for FAI.

METHOD

Patients who were collegiate athletes at the time of surgery and underwent hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI between January 2009 and June 2020 were included. Patients were excluded if they were in their final year of eligibility, graduated, retired, or had plans to retire from collegiate play prior to surgery. Publicly available data was collected regarding each patient's collegiate team and division, and RTS status after surgery. Comparisons were made based on the RTS status and gender.

RESULTS

Of the 181 hips (144 athletes) who met the inclusion criteria, 114 were male (63%) and 67 female (37%) hips with a median age of 20.4 (Range: 18.0-24.5). Eighty-six percent (155 hips) returned to sport at the collegiate level following hip arthroscopy. Males were significantly less likely to return to sport compared to females (82% vs 93%, OR = 2.8, 95% CI [1.003, 7.819], p=0.042). Males participated in more contact sports (26% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001) and had more mixed-type FAI (95.6% vs 80.6%, P=0.003) compared to females. In addition, males had more grade 3/4 chondral defects (28% vs 13%, p=0.023) and underwent microfracture more frequently (11% vs 3%, p=0.047). Further, males had significantly larger postoperative alpha angles (46.2 vs 43.6, p< .001).

CONCLUSION

Collegiate athletes were found to have a high return to sport rate of 86% following arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI, however, males were less likely to return to sport compared to females. Sex-based differences were identified in the type of sports, type of FAI, prevalence of severe cartilage damage, and postoperative alpha angle.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective case series, Level IV.

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.

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.

The effectiveness of hydrotherapy on return to play in sports following hip arthroscopic surgery: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

The postoperative management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is variable with favourable surgical outcomes. Yet there is no evidence on the efficacy of hydrotherapy in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role and the impact of hydrotherapy on return to sports following hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI.

METHODS

2 cohorts of mixed level of athletes from various sports: a hydrotherapy group that followed land-based exercises in combination with hydrotherapy exercises and a control group that followed solely the same land-based exercises. Pre- and postoperative pain and hip-specific outcome scores were completed, and patient satisfaction was rated.

RESULTS

A total of 88 hip arthroscopies were included with a minimum of 2 years follow-up; the hydrotherapy group comprised of 36 hips and the control group, 52 hips. There was a significant improvement in time to return to previous performance (HR 1.91, 95% CI, 1.21-3.01; p = 0.005) in the hydrotherapy group compared with the control. The hip-specific scores and patient satisfaction were considerably improved in the hydrotherapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of our data indicates that the incorporation of hydrotherapy into postoperative rehabilitation for hip arthroscopy for FAI accelerates the return of athletes to their pre-injury performance, since recovery time decreased significantly.

Outcomes of arthroscopy of the hip for femoroacetabular impingement based on intraoperative assessment using the Outerbridge classification

Aims

Hip arthroscopy (HA) has become the treatment of choice for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, less favourable outcomes following arthroscopic surgery are expected in patients with severe chondral lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of HA in patients with FAI and associated chondral lesions, classified according to the Outerbridge system.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on four databases. Studies which involved HA as the primary management of FAI and reported on chondral lesions as classified according to the Outerbridge classification were included. The study was registered on PROSPERO. Demographic data, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, and rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were collected.

Results

A total of 24 studies were included with a total of 3,198 patients (3,233 hips). Patients had significantly less improvement in PROMs if they had Outerbridge grade III and IV lesions (p = 0.012). Compared with microfracture, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) resulted in significantly reduced rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.042) and of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.038). Chondral repair procedures in these patients also did not significantly reduce the rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.931), or of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.218). However, compared with microfracture, AMIC significantly reduced the rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.001) and of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.011) in these patients. Those with Outerbridge grade III and IV lesions also had significantly increased rates of conversion to THA (p = 0.029) and of revision arthroscopy (p = 0.023) if they had associated lesions of the acetabulum and femoral head. Those who underwent labral debridement had a significantly increased rate of conversion to THA compared with those who underwent labral repair (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

There is universal improvement in PROMs following HA in patients with FAI and associated chondral lesions. However, those with Outerbridge grade III and IV lesions had significantly less improvement in PROMs and a significantly increased rate of conversion to THA than those with Outerbridge grade I and II. This suggests that the outcome of HA in patients with FAI and severe articular cartilage damage may not be favourable.

Majority of competitive soccer players return to soccer following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement: female and older aged players are less likely to return to soccer

PURPOSE

To determine return to soccer rates and soccer performance in a large cohort of competitive soccer players after hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and to identify possible risk factors associated with not returning to soccer.

METHODS

An institutional hip preservation registry was retrospectively reviewed for patients identified as competitive soccer players who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI performed between 2010 and 2017. Patient demographics and injury characteristics as well as clinical and radiographic findings were recorded. All patients were contacted for return to soccer information using a soccer-specific return to play questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for not returning to soccer.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven competitive soccer players (119 hips) were included. 32 players (37%) underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral hip arthroscopy. The mean age at surgery was 21.6 ± 7.0 years. Overall, 65 players (74.7%) returned to soccer, of which 43 players (49% of all included players) returned to pre-injury level of play or better. Most common reasons for not returning to soccer were pain or discomfort (50%) followed by fear of re-injury (31.8%). The mean time to return to soccer was 33.1 ± 26.3 weeks. Among 22 players who did not return to soccer, 14 (63.6%) reported satisfaction from surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed female players (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; confidence interval [CI] = 0.083 to 0.872; p = 0.029) and older aged players (OR = 0.895; 95% CI = 0.832 to 0.963; p = 0.003) were less likely to return to soccer. Bilateral surgery was not found to be a risk factor.

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopic treatment for FAI in symptomatic competitive soccer players allowed three-quarters of them to return to soccer. Despite not returning to soccer, two-thirds of players who did not return to soccer were satisfied with their outcome. Female and older aged players were less likely to return to soccer. These data can better guide clinicians and soccer players with realistic expectations related to the arthroscopic management of symptomatic FAI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

High-level soccer players have a low rate of return to performance after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

PURPOSE

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a known cause of impaired sports performance in athletes and the relationship between FAIS and soccer players has previously been described. Hip arthroscopy is a viable treatment option that can facilitate athletes' return to sport (RTS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the RTS and return to performance (RTP) with objective measurements in high-level soccer players after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

METHOD

Soccer players, with a hip sports activity scale (HSAS) level of 7 or 8 before symptom onset and undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS between 2011 and 2019 were identified in the Gothenburg hip arthroscopic registry. A total of 83 high-level soccer players, with a mean age of 23.9 (SD 4.4) years at surgery, were included. To verify the activity level and further stratify players as elite or sub-elite, player statistics were collected from soccer-specific scout webpages and the Swedish national soccer association. The return to sport was defined as return to one game of soccer. Return to performance was defined as playing at the same level, or higher, and participating in at least 80% of the number of games played the season before symptom onset or the season before surgery either the first or second season after hip arthroscopy.

RESULTS

In total, 71 (85.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 76.1-92.3%) of the players returned to sport the first or second season after surgery. Compared to the season before symptom onset, 31 (37.3%, 95% CI 27.0-48.7%) players returned to performance the first or second season after surgery, and 32 (38.6%, 95% CI 28.1-49.9%) players returned to performance the first or second season after surgery compared to the season before surgery.

CONCLUSION

A high rate of elite and sub-elite soccer players return to soccer after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. However, less than half of the players RTP when evaluating performance through level of play and number of games played.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

High return to sport rate and few re-ruptures at long term in professional footballers after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstrings

PURPOSE

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are considered high burden injuries in sports with high pivotal activity, especially for professional footballers. A lack of evidence exists about long-term follow up of professional elite athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction. The purpose of the study is to analyze the return to play and the career of professional footballers who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstrings, to evaluate re-rupture and reoperation at either indexed and contralateral knee, and to assess the long-term clinical subjective outcomes and satisfaction.

METHODS

Twenty-eight professional footballers that underwent 33 ACL reconstructions were retrospectively included in the study. All surgical interventions were performed using hamstring tendons graft and an over the top technique. Inclusion criteria were: inability to compete due to joint instability caused by total or subtotal ACL lesion, patients contracted to a professional football team at time of surgery. Exclusion criteria were: multi-ligament reconstruction or concomitant meniscal allograft transplantation. Patients were contacted by phone and a brief questionnaire about surgery was administered. Subsequently, a Lysholm knee scoring scale was obtained. After that, an online research was performed on publicly available websites in order to retrieve information of the patients included after surgery.

RESULTS

In all cases, ACL Reconstruction was performed with hamstring tendons using a non-anatomic Double-Bundle technique in 16 cases (49%), an Over-The-Top Single-Bundle technique in 9 cases (27%), and an Over-The-Top Single-Bundle plus Lateral Plasty technique in 8 cases (24%); moreover, a meniscal lesion was present in 20 cases (61%). Three (9%) of the 33 ACL reconstruction failed (2/16 Double-Bundle, 1/9 Single- Bundle, 0/8 Single-Bundle + Lateral Plasty; p = n.s.), with two of them within 12 months from surgery. Other procedures, mainly arthroscopic meniscectomies, were performed in 10 cases (30%). The first official match was played after an average of 8.0 ± 3.6 (4.6-18.2) months in 31 cases (94%). Patients were evaluated after 12.6 ± 3.3 years (6.7-17.5) from the indexed ACL reconstruction. The average Lysholm score was 94.2 ± 8.3.

CONCLUSIONS

In our small case-series, professional soccer players were able to return to play at a competitive level with a hamstrings over the top technique. Patients with long careers had a high percentage of reoperation on the contralateral knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Criteria for Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common pathology in athletes that often requires operative management in the form of hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the rates and level of return to play (RTP) and the criteria used for RTP after hip arthroscopy for FAI in athletes.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature, based on the PRISMA guidelines, was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Studies reporting outcomes after the use of hip arthroscopy for FAI were included. Outcomes analyzed were RTP rate, RTP level, and criteria used for RTP. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Our review found 130 studies, which included 14,069 patients (14,517 hips) and had a mean methodological quality of evidence (MQOE) of 40.4 (range, 5-67). The majority of patients were female (53.7%), the mean patient age was 30.4 years (range, 15-47 years), and the mean follow-up was 29.7 months (range, 6-75 months). A total of 81 studies reported RTP rates, with an overall RTP rate of 85.4% over a mean period of 6.6 months. Additionally, 49 studies reported the rate of RTP at preinjury level as 72.6%. Specific RTP criteria were reported in 97 studies (77.2%), with time being the most commonly reported item, which was reported in 80 studies (69.2%). A total of 45 studies (57.9%) advised RTP at 3 to 6 months after hip arthroscopy.

CONCLUSION

The overall rate of reported RTP was high after hip arthroscopy for FAI. However, more than one-fourth of athletes who returned to sports did not return at their preinjury level. Development of validated rehabilitation criteria for safe return to sports after hip arthroscopy for FAI could potentially improve clinical outcomes while also increasing rates of RTP at preinjury levels.

Video analysis of Achilles tendon rupture in male professional football (soccer) players: injury mechanisms, patterns and biomechanics

Background

Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), while rare in football, is a severe career-threatening injury associated with long-layoff times. To date, no study has documented ATR's mechanism in professional football players.

Aim

To describe the mechanisms, situational patterns and gross biomechanics (kinematics) of ATR injuries in professional male football players.

Methods

Eighty-six (n=86) consecutive ATR injuries in professional football players during official matches were identified. Sixty (70%) injury videos were identified for mechanism and situational pattern, with biomechanical analysis feasible in 42 cases. Three independent reviewers evaluated the injury videos. Distribution of ATR during the season, the match play and on the field were also reported.

Results

Fifty (n=50, 83%) injuries were classified as non-contact and 10 (17%) as indirect contact. ATRs are injuries occurring during accelerations; three main situational patterns were identified: (1) forward acceleration from standing (n=25, 42%); (2) cross-over cutting (n=15, 25%) and (3) vertical jumping (n=11, 18%). Biomechanically, ATR injuries were consistent with a multiplanar loading at the injury frame consisting of a slightly flexed trunk (15.5°), extended hip (-19.5°), early flexed knee (22.5°) and end-range dorsiflexed (40°) ankle in the sagittal plane and foot pronation; 27 (45%) ATRs occurred in the first 30 min of effective match time.

Conclusions

All ATRs in professional football were either non-contact (83%) or indirect contact (17%) injuries. The most common situational patterns were forward acceleration from standing, cross-over cutting and vertical jumping. Biomechanics was consistent and probably triggered by a multiplanar, although predominantly sagittal, loading of the injured Achilles tendon.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Intra-articular Hip Injuries in National Basketball Association Players: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study

Background:

Since the most recent epidemiologic study of injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) players was completed in 2012, the understanding and diagnosis of intra-articular hip injury has advanced.

Purpose:

To report the epidemiology of intra- versus extra-articular hip injuries in NBA players with regard to missed games, risk factors for injury, and treatment types.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The NBA injury database was queried for all reported hip and groin injuries from 2013 to 2017. The injuries were then divided into intra-articular and extra-articular types. Variables compared between injury types included player age, NBA tenure, season schedule (preseason or offseason), onset type, injury mechanism, roster position, games missed, time to return to play, and need for surgery.

Results:

A total of 224 athletes sustaining 353 total hip pathologies were identified. Of these injuries, 216 (61.2%) were sustained during game competition and affected 156 (69.6%) of the athletes. Intra-articular injuries represented 39 (11.0%) cases and involved 36 (16.1%) players. The time to return to play was significantly longer after intra-articular versus extra-articular injury (44.6 ± 96.0 vs 11.8 ± 32.0 days; P = .03), and the number of games missed was significantly greater after intra-articular versus extra-articular injury (8.0 ± 18.7 vs 1.54 ± 4.9 games; P = .03). Patients with intra-articular hip injuries were more likely to undergo surgery (odds ratio, 5.5 [95% CI, 1.8-16.7]; P = .005). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of games missed due to surgery (35.2 ± 8.3 [intra-articular] vs 35.4 ± 11.6 [extra-articular]; P = .42) or nonoperative treatment (4.2 ± 3.4 [intra-articular] vs 1.3 ± 0.5 [extra-articular]; P = .11). Years of NBA tenure were not significantly different between intra-articular and extra-articular injuries (7.1 ± 3.7 vs 6.3 ± 4.0 years). For both types of hip injury, there was no correlation between player age and either days to return to play or number of games missed (R² = 0.014).

Conclusion:

NBA players with intra-articular hip injuries underwent surgery more frequently and had a longer return-to-play time compared with those with extra-articular hip injuries. NBA tenure and player age were not correlated with the risk of developing hip injury or the need for surgery.

Correlating Biomechanical Gait Analysis With Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Background

Postoperative biomechanics after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are an outcome of interest, but correlation with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remains unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between changes in hip biomechanics in FAIS patients after hip arthroscopy and changes in PRO scores. We hypothesized that gait analysis would demonstrate significant correlations between pre- and postoperative changes in biomechanics and changes in PRO scores.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

FAIS patients without dysplasia or arthritis who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for labral repair and femoroplasty underwent preoperative and 1-year postoperative 3-dimensional motion tracking and biomechanical testing during normal gait. Joint kinematics calculated included flexion/extension (sagittal plane), abduction/adduction (frontal plane), and internal/external rotation (transverse plane). Peak hip angles and moments were compared between baseline and 1-year postoperative measures. At baseline, 1-year, and 2-year postoperatively, patients completed the following PRO surveys: 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Joint kinematics that significantly improved 1 year after surgery were assessed for correlations with PRO scores.

Results

A total of 10 patients (12 hips) were enrolled prospectively. PROs significantly improved at 1 and 2 years postoperatively compared with baseline values for HOOS, mHHS, and SF-12 Physical Component Score, with all patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the HOOS Sport/Recreation and Quality of Life subscales. From preoperatively to 1-year postoperatively, significant improvements were seen in peak hip abduction angle (from -2.3° ± 1.8° to -4.6° ± 1.8°; P = .0058) and peak hip extension moment (from -1.03 ± 0.19 to -0.85 ± 0.20 N·m/kg; P = .014); however, there were no significant correlations between these changes and the pre- to postoperative changes on any PRO scores.

Conclusion

Gait analysis of FAIS patients after hip arthroscopy demonstrated small, albeit significant, changes in postoperative hip kinetics and kinematics; however, these changes did not correlate with the large, clinically significant improvements in PROs at 1 year after surgery.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this study suggest that the degree of improvement in short-term PROs after hip arthroscopy for FAIS may not be related to small changes in biomechanics postoperatively.

Male Gender and Competitive Athlete Status Are Associated With Better Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy In Patients With Global Acetabular Retroversion

Purpose

To evaluate outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with global acetabular retroversion and to identify correlations between sex, radiographic measurements, athlete status, and return to play with patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with global acetabular retroversion who underwent arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery was performed. Global acetabular retroversion was defined by 3 criteria: the crossover sign, ischial spine sign, and posterior wall sign on an anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiograph. Radiographs were used to measure lateral center edge angle, alpha angle, and anterior and posterior wall indices. Femoral version was measured with 3-dimensional computed tomography. Demographics included age, gender, athlete status, return to play, and reoperation. PROs included modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score (HOS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, visual analog scale (VAS), and Veterans RAND-12. Spearman correlation determined correlation with perioperative PROs. Generalized estimating equation determined independent predictors. Significance was set at P = .05.

Results

From 2013 to 2019, 149 patients (65.0% female) with 160 hips with FAI and global acetabular retroversion underwent hip arthroscopy. Follow-up averaged 29.6 months. All PROs demonstrated significant improvement with the exception of the Veterans RAND-12 Mental. Female patients scored significantly lower on most postoperative PROs and had greater VAS scores (P = .0002-0.0402). A greater proportion of male subjects met the minimum clinically important difference for the modified Harris Hip Score (88.00% vs 78.79%) Low femoral version correlated with greater HOS ADL, HOS Sport, and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Sport scores (P = .0077-0.0177). Athletes reported lower preoperative VAS scores, and higher perioperative scores in multiple PROs (P = .0004-0.0486). Nine hips (5.63%) underwent reoperation.

Conclusions

Patients with global acetabular retroversion and FAI undergoing hip arthroscopy report good outcomes at short-term follow-up. Male subjects and athletes had superior outcomes compared to female subjects and nonathletes. Radiographic measurements did not correlate with outcomes with exception of low femoral version. Athletes reported lower preoperative pain scores and greater postoperative PROs than nonathletes.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Earlier Treatment Yields Superior Outcomes in Competitive Athletes Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To report minimum 2-year patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) and return to sport (RTS) for competitive athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome within 1 year of symptom onset and to compare these results with a propensity-matched control group of competitive athletes with symptoms for over 1 year.

METHODS

Data on professional, collegiate, high-school, and organized amateur athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy within 1 year of symptom onset between April 2008 and November 2017 were collected. RTS and minimum 2-year PROs were collected for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), and visual analog pain scale (VAS). Rates of achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were also evaluated. These patients were propensity-matched to a control group of competitive athletes with symptoms for over one year for comparison.

RESULTS

Fifty competitive athletes (51 hips, 54.9% female) were included in the study group with a mean follow-up of 70.9 ± 29.1 months and age of 23.6 ± 11.3 years. They demonstrated significant improvement from preoperative to latest follow-up for all recorded PROs (P < .001) and RTS at a rate of 72.9%. When outcomes were compared to the control group, the study group demonstrated similar preoperative scores for all PROs but significantly better minimum 2-year postoperative scores for NAHS (93.8 vs 85.1, P = .0001), HOS-SSS (89.1 vs 77.2, P = .001), iHOT-12 (87.7 vs 76.4, P = 0.011), and VAS (1.5 vs 2.4, P = 0.027). Rates of achieving MCID for HOS-SSS and mHHS were comparable between groups. Further, RTS rates were similar between groups (P = .301).

CONCLUSION

Competitive athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with symptoms for less than 1 year demonstrated superior 2-year PROs compared to a propensity-matched control group with symptoms for over 1 year, but the rates achieving MCID and RTS were similar between groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Femoroacetabular Impingement in Elite Skiers and Snowboarders: Return to Sports and Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy has been shown to be an effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in high-level athletes; however, limited outcome and return-to-play data exist for hip arthroscopy in skiers and snowboarders.

PURPOSES

To determine the return-to-sports rate of elite skiers and snowboarders who have undergone hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI and to assess hip-related outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Elite skiers and snowboarders who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI between 2005 and 2018 were identified via a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Data were obtained from fis-ski.org, usskiandsnowboard.org, xgames.com, and wikipedia.org, including information on each player's career length, participation on a national team, and time between surgery and first competition after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were prospectively collected preoperatively and at minimum 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

In total, 26 elite skiers and snowboarders (34 hips) were included. The mean ± standard deviation age at surgery was 24.5 ± 6.7 years (range, 18.7-46.8 years). A total of 85% (22/26) returned to elite-level competition at 8.9 months (range, 2.9-23.7 months) with an average career length of 3.6 ± 2.7 years after surgery. Four athletes (5 hips) required revision arthroscopy, with adhesions being the most frequent indication. At a mean follow-up of 7.7 ± 3.2 years, significant improvement in PROs (P < .05) was demonstrated for the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (from 76 ± 20 to 95 ± 6), HOS-Sport Specific Subscale (from 63 ± 28 to 92 ± 14), modified Harris Hip Score (from 70 ± 19 to 89 ± 12), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary (from 45 ± 11 to 54 ± 8). Patient satisfaction had a mean of 8 ± 2 (range, 1-10) and median of 10.

CONCLUSION

The return-to-competition rate in elite skiers and snowboarders after hip arthroscopy for FAI was 85% at an average of 8.9 months and with a career length of 3.6 years after surgery. Significant improvement in PROs was demonstrated for the HOS-Activities of Daily Living, HOS-Sport Specific Subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary, with a median patient satisfaction score of 10. These findings support hip arthroscopy as an effective procedure for the treatment of FAI in elite skiers and snowboarders with symptomatic activity-limiting hip pain, allowing them to return to their previous levels of competition at a high rate.

[Management of FAIS in professional soccer athletes and return to sports]

The prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in professional soccer athletes is high. Professional training and treatment conditions ensure an effective conservative therapy focusing on dynamic stability, motion control, muscle balance and core stability. In the case of persistent limitations, indication for surgery has to be considered carefully. The probability is high that return to a professional level of soccer is feasible. However, the period of rehabilitation is long, leading to a potential conflict area between economic and medical interests. Good communication and intensive patient education are essential.

Three Main Mechanisms Characterize Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Male Soccer-Blow to the Knee, Contact to the Leg or Foot, and Sliding: Video Analysis of 37 Consecutive Injuries

OBJECTIVE

To describe the mechanisms, situational patterns, and biomechanics (kinematics) of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in professional male soccer players.

DESIGN

Case series.

METHODS

Fifty-seven consecutive MCL injuries across 2 seasons of professional soccer matches were identified. We obtained and reviewed 37 of 57 (65%) injury videos to establish the injury mechanism, situational pattern, and knee flexion angle. We used detailed biomechanical analysis to assess the indirect and noncontact injuries. Injury layoff times, timing of injuries during the match, and location of the injuries on the pitch were also reported.

RESULTS

Twenty-three (62%) injuries were direct contact, 9 (24%) were indirect contact, and 5 (14%) were noncontact. Three main sprain mechanisms were noted: (1) direct contact/blow to the knee (n = 16), (2) contact to the leg or foot (lever like) (n = 7), and (3) sliding (n = 9). Seventy-three percent of MCL injuries occurred during 2 main situations: (1) pressing/tackling (n = 14, 38%) and (2) being tackled (n = 13, 35%). For indirect and noncontact injuries, knee valgus loading (100% of cases), hip abduction (73% of cases), and external foot rotation (92% of cases) were prominent injury kinematics, often with lateral trunk tilt (median, 10°; 64% of cases) and rotation (64% of cases). Knee flexion angles were higher for indirect and noncontact injuries (median, 100°) than for direct-contact injuries (median, 22°; P<.01).

CONCLUSION

Nearly two thirds of MCL injuries occurred after direct contact; 1 in every 4 MCL injuries occurred after indirect contact. Three sprain mechanisms characterized MCL injuries: (1) blow to the knee, (2) contact to the leg or foot (lever like), and (3) sliding. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(12):611-618. Epub 16 Nov 2021. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10529.

Comparing Midterm Outcomes of High-Level Athletes Versus Nonathletes Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

High-level athletes (HLAs) have been shown to have better short-term outcomes than nonathletes (NAs) after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

(1) To report midterm outcomes of HLAs after primary hip arthroscopy and (2) to compare their results with a propensity-matched cohort of NA patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between February 2008 and November 2015 for HLAs (professional, college, or high school) who underwent primary hip arthroscopy in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). HLAs were included if they had preoperative, minimum 2-year, and minimum 5-year follow-up data for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). Radiographic and intraoperative findings, surgical procedures, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and return to sport were reported. The HLA study group was propensity-matched to a control group of NA patients for comparison.

RESULTS

A total 65 HLA patients (67 hips) were included in the final analysis with mean follow-up time of 74.6 ± 16.7 months. HLAs showed significant improvement in all PROs recorded, achieved high rates of MCID and PASS for mHHS (74.6% and 79.4%, respectively) and HOS-SSS (67.7% and 66.1%, respectively), and returned to sport at high rates (80.4%). When compared with the propensity-matched NA control group, HLAs reported higher baseline but comparable postoperative scores for the mHHS and NAHS. HLA patients achieved MCID and PASS for mHHS at similar rates as NA patients, but the HLA patients achieved PASS for HOS-SSS at higher rates that trended toward statistical significance (66.1% vs 48.4%; P = .07). NA patients underwent revision arthroscopic surgery at similar rates as HLA patients (14.9% vs 9.0%, respectively; P = .424).

CONCLUSION

Primary hip arthroscopy results in favorable midterm outcomes in HLAs. When compared with a propensity-matched NA control group, HLAs demonstrated a tendency toward higher rates of achieving PASS for HOS-SSS but similar arthroscopic revision rates at minimum 5-year follow-up.

The dominant leg is more likely to get injured in soccer players: systematic review and meta-analysis

In soccer (football), dominant limb kicking produces higher ball velocity and is used with greater frequency than the non-dominant limb. It is unclear whether limb dominance has an effect on injury incidence. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to examine the relationship between limb dominance and soccer injuries. Studies were identified from four online databases according to PRISMA guidelines to identify studies of soccer players that reported lower extremity injuries by limb dominance. Relevant studies were assessed for inclusion and retained. Data from retained studies underwent meta-analyses to determine relative risk of dominant versus non-dominant limb injuries using random-effects models. Seventy-four studies were included, with 36 of them eligible for meta-analysis. For prospective lower extremity injury studies, soccer players demonstrated a 1.6 times greater risk of injury to the dominant limb (95% CI [1.3-1.8]). Grouped by injury location, hamstring (RR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1-1.4]) and hip/groin (RR 1.9 [95% CI 1.3-2.7]) injuries were more likely to occur to the dominant limb. Greater risk of injury was present in the dominant limb across playing levels (amateurs RR 2.6 [95% CI 2.1-3.2]; youths RR 1.5 [95% CI 1.26-1.67]; professionals RR 1.3 [95% CI 1.14-1.46]). Both males (RR 1.5 [95% CI 1.33-1.68)] and females (RR 1.5 [95% CI 1.14-1.89]) were more likely to sustain injuries to the dominant limb. Future studies investigating soccer injury should adjust for this confounding factor by using consistent methods for assigning limb dominance and tracking use of the dominant versus non-dominant limb.

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

Background

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

Purpose

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

High rate of second ACL injury following ACL reconstruction in male professional footballers: an updated longitudinal analysis from 118 players in the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study

Background

Studies on subsequent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and career length in male professional football players after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are scarce.

Aim

To investigate the second ACL injury rate, potential predictors of second ACL injury and the career length after ACLR.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Men’s professional football.

Methods

118 players with index ACL injury were tracked longitudinally for subsequent ACL injury and career length over 16.9 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis with HR was carried out to study potential predictors for subsequent ACL injury.

Results

Median follow-up was 4.3 (IQR 4.6) years after ACLR. The second ACL injury rate after return to training (RTT) was 17.8% (n=21), with 9.3% (n=11) to the ipsilateral and 8.5% (n=10) to the contralateral knee. Significant predictors for second ACL injury were a non-contact index ACL injury (HR 7.16, 95% CI 1.63 to 31.22) and an isolated index ACL injury (HR 2.73, 95% CI 1.06 to 7.07). In total, 11 of 26 players (42%) with a non-contact isolated index ACL injury suffered a second ACL injury. RTT time was not an independent predictor of second ACL injury, even though there was a tendency for a risk reduction with longer time to RTT. Median career length after ACLR was 4.1 (IQR 4.0) years and 60% of players were still playing at preinjury level 5 years after ACLR.

Conclusions

Almost one out of five top-level professional male football players sustained a second ACL injury following ACLR and return to football, with a considerably increased risk for players with a non-contact or isolated index injury.

Surgical Treatment of Labral Tears: Debridement, Repair, and Reconstruction

Advances in hip preservation surgery have to lead to increased utilization of hip arthroscopy. With this, there has also been a growth in the understanding of various hip conditions, therefore, leading to an increase in hip conditions amenable to arthroscopic intervention. The acetabular hip labrum has been at the forefront of arthroscopic advances in the hip. The labrum is important for hip stability, provision of the suction seal, and joint proprioception. Given the labrum's central role in hip biomechanics, there is increasing emphasis on labral preservation in the form of debridement and repair. In revision settings, advanced techniques such as labral augmentation and reconstruction may play a role in the management of labral pathology. Appropriate management of the hip labrum at the time of surgery can be an important mediator of the outcome. As such, an understanding of the evolving evidence base and surgical indications and techniques are integral to the treatment and management of labral pathology.

Arthroscopic labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The present systematic review investigated return to sport, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications and subsequent progression to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients undergoing arthroscopic labral repair for FAI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Following the PRISMA statement, the literature search was performed in February 2021. The outcomes of interest were: rate of return to sport, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the subscales Activities of Daily Living and Sport-Specific Subscale of the Hip Outcome Score (HOS-ADL and HOS-SSS, respectively). Complications, revision surgeries and progression to total hip arthroplasty were recorded.

RESULTS

Data from 210 procedures were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 34.0 (24.0-42.5) months. The mean age of the patients was 32.0 (20.0-47.0) years, while the mean BMI was 20.9 (20.1-21.7) kg/m². 52.8% (111 of 210 patients) were women. At 24-month follow-up, 100% of the patients had returned to sport. At a mean of 34 months follow-up, the mean mHHS increased by 25.5% (P = 0.02), the mean HOS-ADL by 23.0% (P = 0.03), the mean HOS-SSS by 32.8% (P = 0.001). No complications were observed. The rate of revision was 4.3% (9 of 210 procedures). At a mean of 37.9 ± 7.5 months, 1.9% of patients (4/210) underwent THA.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic labral refixation for FAI yields reliably positive clinical outcomes, with a low rate of revision and conversion to THA.

Cutting, Impingement, Contact, Endurance, Flexibility, and Asymmetric/Overhead Sports: Is There a Difference in Return-to-Sport Rate After Arthroscopic Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have established a classification of sports based on hip mechanics: cutting, impingement, contact, endurance, flexibility, and asymmetric/overhead. No previous review has compared the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) using this classification.

PURPOSE

To determine whether the rate of return to sport differs among cutting, impingement, contact, endurance, flexibility, and asymmetric/overhead athletes who undergo hip arthroscopy for FAIS. We also aimed to identify differences in patient characteristics, intraoperative procedures performed, and time to return to play among the 6 sport categories.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstract, and full-text articles using prespecified criteria. Eligible articles were those that reported the rate of return to sport (defined by the number of hips) after hip arthroscopy for FAIS in athletes of all levels. Data collected were patient age, sex, body mass index, type of sport, rate and time to return to sport, and intraoperative procedures performed. A mixed effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 29 articles and 1426 hip arthroscopy cases were analyzed with 185 cutting, 258 impingement, 304 contact, 207 endurance, 116 flexibility, and 356 asymmetric/overhead athletes. The mean age was similar among the 6 subgroups (P = .532), but the proportion of female athletes was significantly higher in flexibility, endurance, and asymmetric/overhead sports as compared with impingement and contact athletes. Flexibility athletes had the highest rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS (94.8%), whereas contact athletes had the lowest rate (88%). The longest mean ± SD time (8.5 ± 1.9 months) to return to sport was reported in cutting sports, while endurance athletes returned faster than the rest (5.4 ± 2.6 months). The difference in rate and time to return to sport, as well as the intraoperative procedure performed, did not reach statistical significance among the 6 subgroups. There was evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity, and the mean Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies score was 13 ± 2.6.

CONCLUSION

Flexibility athletes had the highest rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, while endurance athletes returned the fastest. The difference in rate and time to return to sport and intraoperative procedures performed did not reach statistical significance among the 6 subgroups. These results are limited by the evidence of publication bias and should be interpreted with caution. Laboratory-based studies are necessary to validate the classification of sports based on hip mechanics.

Defining the Clinically Meaningful Outcomes for Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome at Minimum 10-Year Follow-up: The Timing of Surgery Is Crucial

Background

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has become a common procedure. However, meaningful long-term clinical outcomes have not been defined.

Purpose

To define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) at a minimum 10-year follow-up in patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for FAIS and identify preoperative predictors for achievement of the MCID, SCB, and PASS.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for FAIS between 2007 and 2009 with a minimum 10-year follow-up was analyzed. Patient data included patient characteristics, radiographic parameters, and the pre- and postoperative mHHS and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score. Paired t tests were used to compare the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The MCID was determined by calculating half of the standard deviation, and SCB and PASS were calculated by the anchor method. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors for the achievement of the MCID, SCB, and PASS.

Results

A total of 44 patients (27 men, 17 women) were included. The mean age and body mass index were 42.2 years (range, 16-67 years) and 22.3 kg/m² (range, 16.76-29.78 kg/m²), respectively. The MCID, absolute SCB, net change SCB, and PASS of the mHHS were calculated to be 19.6, 90.1, 31.5, and 84.4 points, respectively. Preoperative symptom duration was identified as an independent predictor for the achievement of meaningful clinical outcomes. The median symptom durations for patients who achieved the MCID, absolute SCB, net change SCB, and PASS were 11.7, 9.1, 9.0, and 10.8 months, respectively. The median symptom duration for patients who did not achieve the MCID, absolute SCB, net change SCB, and PASS were 15.8, 17.4, 17.3, and 18.4 months, respectively. No other statistically significant correlations were found.

Conclusion

The preoperative duration of symptoms was identified as an independent predictor for achievement of the MCID, SCB, and PASS. These findings can be helpful in accelerating the transition to surgical treatment of FAIS.

Chronic Hip Injury Has a Negative Emotional Impact on the Male Athlete With Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) on both the physical and mental components of the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) and assess how changes in health status compare with improvements in physical function and ability to continue to play (CTP) 2 years after surgery.

METHOD

Data collected prospectively from male athletes undergoing primary arthroscopic correction of FAI between November 2008 and October 2016 were analyzed. Physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores of the SF-36 were assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinical important difference (MCID) was calculated using an anchor-based percentage of possible improvement technique, and the proportion of athletes achieving MCID was established. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of achieving MCID. CTP was assessed at 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

486 cases were included, age 25.9 ± 5.6 years. Median PCS improved from baseline 69.4 (51.9 to 85.0) to 91.9 (81.9 to 97.5) at 2 years (P < .001). Median MCS remained unchanged-preoperative, 88 (76 to 92); postoperative, 88 (80 to 96)-although the difference in the distribution of scores was statistically significant (P < .001). Calculated MCID was 60.1% (PCS) and 58.1% (MCS). Mean improvement was significantly higher for PCS compared with MCS (17.4 versus 3.7, P < .001) The proportion of cases achieving MCID was 56.9% and 28.7% for PCS and MCS, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .001). Lower Tonnis grade (odds ratio [OR] 0.601, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.377 to 0.958; P = .032) and symptom duration <2 years (OR 0.624, 95% CI 0.406 to 0.960; P = .032) were predictive of achieving PCS MCID. Higher preoperative scores decreased the odds of achieving MCID (OR 0.965, 95% CI 0.955 to 0.975; P < .001; OR 0.972, 95% CI 0.958 to 0.986; P < .001 for PCS and MCS, respectively). 77.3% continued to play their main preinjury sport. Where CTP was not achieved, a significantly higher proportion of cases failed to meet MCID for the MCS compared with PCS (85% versus 60%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic management of sports-related FAI results in excellent overall clinical outcome and high levels of satisfaction and CTP at 2 years. Chronic hip injury has a significant negative effect on the physical and mental well-being of athletes; corrective surgery may restore physical function but is more limited in its ability to improve mental health status in this athletic cohort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic case series.

Characteristics of Soccer Players Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Sex- and Competitive Level-Specific Analysis

BACKGROUND

Radiographic features of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are prevalent in kicking athletes, especially soccer players. However, there remains a paucity of data on the characteristics of symptomatic soccer players with an established diagnosis of FAI.

PURPOSE

To report on patient demographics, injury, and clinical and radiographic characteristics in a large cohort of soccer players who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI and to perform a sex- and competition level-specific analysis of these data.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

An institutional hip preservation registry containing 3318 consecutive primary hip arthroscopies for FAI performed between March 2010 and January 2016 was retrospectively reviewed for patients identified as soccer players. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical and radiographic findings were recorded, and sex- and competition level-specific differences were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 421 hips (336 soccer players) were identified, including 257 (61.0%) men and 164 (39.0%) women. Of these, 105 (24.9%) were reported as highly competitive, 194 (46.1%) as competitive, 75 (17.8%) as recreational, and 47 (11.2%) did not report a level. The majority of the 336 soccer players (231 hips; 55%) reported chronic hip pain lasting >6 months with no acute injury at the initial visit. Alpha angle, coronal center-edge angle, and femoral version on computed tomography scan measured 64.5°± 12°, 32.3°± 9°, and 13.7°± 10° (mean ± SD), respectively. There were 230 (55%) hips with a type 2 anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), 78 (18.5%) with a type 1 AIIS, and 19 (4.5%) with a type 3 AIIS. When compared with male athletes, female athletes had more hip internal rotation on physical examination (14.9° vs 8°; P < .001), lower alpha angles (57.5° vs 68.5°; P < .001), and lower-grade AIIS morphology (P = .003). Acute injury as the reason for hip symptoms was most likely in the highly competitive group (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Female soccer players were more likely to have less severe clinical and radiographic findings than were male soccer players. Acute injury as the cause of hip symptoms was more common in highly competitive players.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Focusing on soccer players with an established FAI diagnosis, the findings of this study suggest that there are sex- and competition level-based differences in the presentation, physical examination, and imaging characteristics among the players. These findings can better guide clinicians in the diagnostic evaluation of symptomatic soccer players with FAI and in tailoring treatment recommendations to specific cohorts.

Fast Starters and Slow Starters After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Correlation of Early Postoperative Pain and 2-Year Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients experience varying degrees of pain and symptoms during the early recovery period after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Some "fast starters" report minimal discomfort and are eager to advance activities, while "slow starters" describe severe pain and limitations. The relationship between these early postoperative symptoms and 2-year outcomes after hip arthroscopy is unknown.

PURPOSE

To analyze the relationship between early postoperative pain and 2-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after hip arthroscopy for FAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Patients without arthritis or dysplasia who were undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively enrolled and completed validated PROs. Scores for visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were collected preoperatively and at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 2 years postoperatively. Scores for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were collected preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Paired t tests were used to evaluate PRO score changes, and correlation analyses were used to assess relationships between early postoperative pain and 2-year postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 166 patients were included (55% female; mean ± SD age, 35.29 ± 9.6 years; mean body mass index, 25.07 ± 3.98 kg/m²). Patients demonstrated significant improvements in PRO scores (VAS, SF-12 Physical Component Score, mHHS, and all HOOS subscales) at 2 years after hip arthroscopy for FAI (P < .001). There was a significant correlation between lower 1-week VAS pain level (fast starters) and lower 2-year VAS pain level (R = 0.31; P < .001) as well as higher 2-year PRO scores (SF-12 Physical Component Score, mHHS, and all HOOS subscales: R = -0.21 to -0.3; P < .001). There was no correlation between 1-week VAS pain and 2-year SF-12 Mental Component Score (P = .17). Preoperative VAS pain levels showed positive correlations with 1-week postoperative pain scores (R = 0.39; P < .001) and negative correlations with 2-year patient outcomes (R = -0.15 to -0.33, P < .01). There was no correlation between 6-week postoperative pain scores and 2-year PRO scores.

CONCLUSION

Fast starters after hip arthroscopy for FAI experience sustained improvements in outcomes at 2 years after surgery. Patient pain levels before surgery may delineate potential fast starters and slow starters.

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

Background:

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

Purpose:

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

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement improves athletic performance in male athletes

PURPOSE

To measure the changes in athletic performance in athletes treated arthroscopically for femoroacetabular impingement and compare results to a matched controlled athletic cohort, over a 1-year period.

METHODS

Male athletes scheduled for arthroscopic correction of symptomatic FAI were recruited and tested (pre-operatively and 1-year postsurgery) for measures of athletic performance which included acceleration (10-m sprint), change of direction speed (CODS), squatting depth, and reactive strength index (RSI). The FAI group was compared to a matched, healthy, control group who were tested at baseline and 1 year later with no disruption to their regular training or competition status; the prevalence of anterior groin pain during testing in either group was recorded. Hip range of motion (ROM) was also measured for both groups at baseline and at 1 year in the FAI group to look for change following intervention.

RESULTS

Prior to surgery, the FAI group were slower than the control group (p < 0.001) for acceleration (3% slower) and CODS (10% slower). At 1 year, 91% of the FAI group returned to full competition at an average time of 17 weeks, while substantial reductions in pain were also noted during acceleration (51-6%, p = 0.004), CODS (62-8%, p = 0.001), and squat test (38-8%, p = 0.003). Significant improvements were seen in the FAI group for CODS (7%, p < 0.001) and squat depth measures (6%, p = 0.004) from baseline to 1 year (significant time × group interaction effects were noted for these also). The changes in performance in the control group over time were non-significant across all of the measures (n.s.). At 1-year postsurgery, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups for any of the athletic measures. There was a significant and clinically important improvement in range of hip motion in the FAI group at 1-year postsurgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic FAI causes substantial reductions in athletic performance compared to healthy competitors placing these athletes at a distinct performance disadvantage. The results from the current study demonstrate that arthroscopic correction (including labral repair) in athletes with symptomatic FAI, reduces pain and restores athletic performance to a level which is comparable to healthy athletes, at 1 year.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Systematic video analysis of ACL injuries in professional male football (soccer): injury mechanisms, situational patterns and biomechanics study on 134 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

A few small studies have reported on the mechanisms of ACL injury in professional male football.

AIM

To describe the mechanisms, situational patterns and biomechanics (kinematics) of ACL injuries in professional male football matches.

METHODS

We identified 148 consecutive ACL injuries across 10 seasons of professional Italian football. 134 (90%) injury videos were analysed for mechanism and situational pattern, while biomechanical analysis was possible in 107 cases. Three independent reviewers evaluated each video. ACL injury epidemiology (month), timing within the match and pitch location at the time of injury were also reported.

RESULTS

59 (44%) injuries were non-contact, 59 (44%) were indirect contact and 16 (12%) were direct contact. Players were frequently perturbed immediately prior to injury. We identified four main situational patterns for players who suffered a non-contact or an indirect contact injury: (1) pressing and tackling (n=55); (2) tackled (n=24); (3) regaining balance after kicking (n=19); and (4) landing from a jump (n=8). Knee valgus loading (n=83, 81%) was the dominant injury pattern across all four of these situational patterns (86%, 86%, 67% and 50%, respectively). 62% of the injuries occurred in the first half of the matches (p<0.01). Injuries peaked at the beginning of the season (September-October) and were also higher at the end of the season (March-May).

CONCLUSIONS

88% of ACL injuries occurred without direct knee contact, but indirect contact injuries were as frequent as non-contact injuries, underlying the importance of mechanical perturbation. The most common situational patterns were pressing, being tackled and kicking.

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.

Editorial Commentary: Hip Arthroscopy Wins the National Basketball Association Slam Dunk Contest!

Hip arthroscopy has proved its efficacy and value in the management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in recreational and professional athletes. However, needs, expectations, and economic burden are remarkable and astonishingly different within the elite sport world. When considering hip arthroscopy to address a femoroacetabular impingement condition, 3 big questions are asked by every athlete and must be answered: (1) Can I play again? (2) Will I play at the same level? (3) When can I return to sport? Regarding the National Basketball Association, approximately 88% of athletes return to play at the same level in about 6 months.

Performance and Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy in the National Basketball Association

PURPOSE

To determine: (1) return to sport (RTS) rate in National Basketball Association (NBA) players following hip arthroscopy, (2) postoperative career length and games per season, (3) pre- and postoperative performance, and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players.

METHODS

NBA athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy and matched controls were identified. RTS was defined as playing in at least 1 game after surgery. Player efficiency ratings were used for performance evaluation. Continuous variables of each group were compared using a 2-tailed paired samples Student t test for normally distributed data. χ² was used to analyze categorical data. RTS was used as the primary outcome with statistical significance defined by a P value < .05. A Bonferroni correction was used to control for the remaining multiple comparisons with statistical significance defined by a P value ≤.008.

RESULTS

Twenty-three players (24 hips) were analyzed (mean age 27.5 ± 3.1 years; mean experience in the NBA 5.8 ± 2.8 years at time of surgery). Small forwards (n = 8, 33.3%) represented the largest proportion of players that underwent hip arthroscopy. Twenty players (21 surgeries, 87.5%) were able to RTS in NBA at an average of 5.7 ± 2.6 months. The overall 1-year NBA career survival rate of players undergoing hip arthroscopy was 79.2%. Players in the control group (5.2 ± 3.5 years) had a similar career length as (P = .068) players who underwent surgery (4.4 ± 3.0 years). There was no significant (P = .045) decrease in games per season following surgery. There was no significant difference in performance postoperatively compared with preoperatively (P = .017) and compared with matched controls following surgery (P = .570).

CONCLUSIONS

The RTS rate for NBA athletes after hip arthroscopy is high. There was no decrease in games played, career lengths, or performance following hip arthroscopy in NBA players versus preoperatively and matched controls.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III case-control study.

Comparing Outcomes of Competitive Athletes Versus Nonathletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

A growing number of studies have examined return to sport in competitive athletes after undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS); however, few have evaluated the rate of achieving meaningful clinical outcomes in this group.

PURPOSE

To determine if competitive athletes (professional, semiprofessional, or collegiate) have better 2-year patient-reported outcomes and achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit at higher rates when compared with nonathletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who identified as either a competitive athlete or a nonathlete and had undergone hip arthroscopy for FAIS by a single fellowship-trained surgeon between January 2012 and April 2017. Patients in the 2 groups were matched 1:2 by age, sex, and body mass index. Baseline and clinical outcomes, including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score, and international Hip Outcome Tool-12, were collected preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively and compared between the groups. The MCID and substantial clinical benefit were calculated for each group separately and compared using chi-square analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 59 competitive athletes and 118 nonathletes were included in the final analysis. Most of the competitive athletes were soccer players (23.7%), followed by softball players (10.2%) and runners (10.2%). Postoperative score comparison between competitive athletes and nonathletes demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the HOS-SS (mean ± SD, 84.5 ± 19.0 vs 76.1 ± 23.8; P = .02). Meaningful outcome analysis demonstrated that competitive athletes had a higher rate of achieving the HOS-SS threshold for the MCID (97.4% vs 82.5%; P = .021). There was no other difference in frequency of achieving the threshold for any other meaningful clinical outcome between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS in competitive athletes and nonathletes produced clinically meaningful outcomes in both patient groups. However, competitive athletes achieved the MCID on the HOS-SS at higher rates than nonathletes and had significantly higher scores at 2 years postoperatively on the HOS-SS.

Epidemiology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Italian First Division Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

The burden of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in professional soccer players is particularly relevant as it represents a potentially career-threatening injury.

HYPOTHESIS

Our hypotheses were that (1) injury incidence rate would be similar to that reported in the literature, (2) we would identify a uniform distribution of the injuries along the season, and (3) injury incidence rate would be similar in high-ranked and lower ranked teams, based on final placement in the league.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiological study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

Professional male soccer players participating in the Serie A championship league in 7 consecutive seasons (2011-2012 to 2017-2018) were screened to identify ACL injuries through the online football archive transfermarkt.com . Exposure in matches and training were calculated.

RESULTS

There were 84 ACL injuries found (mean player age, 25.3 ± 4.2 years). Overall, 25% of ACL injuries were reruptures (15%) or contralateral injuries (10%). ACL incidence rate was 0.4215 per 1000 hours of play during Serie A matches, 0.0305 per 1000 hours of training (rate ratio [RR], 13.8; 95% CI, 8.4-22.7; P < 0.0001), and 0.0618 per 1000 hours of total play. Injury distribution had a bimodal peak, with the highest number of events in October and March. Alternatively, training injuries peaked in June and July. A significantly higher incidence rate was found for the teams ranked from 1st to 4th place compared with those ranked 5th to 20th (0.1256 vs 0.0559 per 1000 hours of play; RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.6; P = 0.0003). A similar finding was found for injury incidence proportion (3.76% vs 1.64%; P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence rate of ACL injuries in Italian Serie A was 0.062 per 1000 hours, with a 14-fold risk in matches compared with training. Relevantly, 25% were second injuries. Most injuries occurred in October and March, and an almost 2-fold incidence rate and incidence proportion were noted in those teams ranked in the first 4 positions of the championship league.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Knowing the precise epidemiology of ACL injury in one of the most competitive professional football championship leagues could help delineate fields of research aimed to investigate its risk factors.

[Footballer's hip]

Although complaints and injuries in the knee and ankle joints are very prevalent in football, the hip has so far been given very little attention. Complaints in this area are often attributed to pathological changes in the inguinal region. However, intraarticular differential diagnoses are often not taken into consideration. This article gives an overview of possible hip pathology in footballers, as well as its diagnosis and treatment.

Performance and Return to Sport After Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery in National Football League Players

The purpose of this study was to determine the (1) return-to-sport rate for National Football League (NFL) players following femoroacetabular impingement surgery, (2) postoperative career length and games per season, (3) pre- and postoperative performance, and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players matched by position, age, years of experience, and performance. National Football League athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and matched controls were identified. A Bonferroni correction was used to control for multiple comparisons, with statistical significance set at P≤.007. Fifty-five players (63 surgeries) were analyzed (mean age, 27.5±3.4 years; mean years in NFL at time of surgery, 4.7±2.9). Forty-seven (53 surgeries, 84.1%) NFL players returned to sport at a mean of 6.7±3.8 months following surgery. There was no difference (P>.007) in the mean career length of players in the control group (3.7±2.2 years) vs players who underwent hip arthroscopy (3.5±2.1 years). There was no difference (P>.007) in mean games played per season of players in the control group (12.5±3.1) vs those who underwent hip arthroscopy (12.1±4.0). Quarterbacks had significantly better postoperative performance scores when compared with post-index matched controls (P=.007). The return-to-sport rate is high for NFL athletes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. There were similar games per season and career lengths postoperatively compared with preoperatively and matched controls. Quarterbacks had significantly better postoperative performance when compared with matched controls. All other positions had similar postoperative performance compared with preoperatively and matched controls. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(5):e423-e429.].

Eighty-two per cent of male professional football (soccer) players return to play at the previous level two seasons after Achilles tendon rupture treated with surgical repair

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the time to return to playing following acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and surgical repair in professional male football (soccer) players.

METHODS

Professional male football (soccer) players who sustained an ATR and underwent surgical repair were identified through internet-based injury reports from January 2008 to August 2018. Only League 1 and 2 players with injuries who had at least 1 year of follow-up from the search date were included. Injury history and time to return to play were retrieved from the public platform transfermarkt.com. For athletes who competed for at least two seasons after returning to play, re-ruptures and number of matches played were reported.

RESULTS

118 athletes (mean age 27.2±7.2 years) were included. 113 (96%) returned to unrestricted practice after a mean of 199±53 days, with faster recovery in players involved in national teams. Return to competition was after a mean of 274±114 days. In the 76 athletes with at least two seasons of follow-up, 14 (18%) did not compete at the pre-injury level during the two seasons following the index injury. Six players (8%) sustained a re-rupture within the first two seasons after return to play; four re-ruptures were in footballers who returned to play <180 days after injury. Age >30 years and re-ruptures had higher odds ratios of not returning to the same level of play.

CONCLUSIONS

96% of professional male football players who underwent surgery to repair an ATR returned to unrestricted practice and then competition after an average time of 7 and 9 months, respectively. However, 18% did not return to the same level of play within the two seasons following their return, with a higher risk in those experiencing a re-rupture.

Predicting Severe Cartilage Damage in the Hip: A Model Using Patient-Specific Data From 2,396 Hip Arthroscopies

PURPOSE

To determine patient-specific factors that can be used to predict the presence of severe articular cartilage damage in the hip in patients without osteoarthritis.

METHODS

The prevalence of severe (Outerbridge grade III or IV) cartilage damage to the acetabulum and femoral head was prospectively recorded at hip arthroscopy. Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopic surgery between 2006 and 2016 performed by a single surgeon were included. Patients were excluded if they underwent previous hip surgery, had poor-quality radiographs, were younger than 16 years at the time of surgery, or had a minimal joint space of 2 mm or less. The relation between severe cartilage damage and preoperative patient characteristics was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis with restricted cubic splines.

RESULTS

Of the 2,396 hips presenting for hip arthroscopy, 995 (41%) had severe cartilage damage to the acetabulum and 257 (11%) had severe cartilage damage to the femoral head. Older age was a significant risk factor for severe cartilage damage both to the acetabulum (χ² = 69.5, P < .001) and to the femoral head (χ² = 53.9, P < .001). An age of 45 years was associated with a 1.96 (95% confidence interval, 1.54-2.49) increase in the odds of severe acetabular cartilage damage and a 3.94 (95% confidence interval, 2.61-5.94) increase in the odds of severe femoral head cartilage damage relative to an age of 20 years. Male sex was associated with severe cartilage damage to the acetabulum (χ² = 66.7, P < .001), and a lower center-edge angle was a significant risk factor for severe cartilage damage to the femoral head (χ² = 78.5, P < .001). Predictive nomograms were established for severe cartilage lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary risk factors for severe hip cartilage damage were older age for both the femoral head and acetabulum; a lower center-edge angle and larger Tönnis angle for the femoral head; and male sex, body mass index, alpha angle, and joint space for the acetabulum. The likelihood of cartilage damage to the hip can be estimated clinically using a prediction nomogram.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, cross-sectional study.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Performance and Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Athletes Differs Between Sports

PURPOSE

To determine (1) return-to-sport rates for National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, and National Hockey League (NHL) athletes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, (2) postoperative return-to-sport rate differences between sports, (3) differences in postoperative career length and games per season, (4) differences in preoperative and postoperative performance, and (5) postoperative performance compared with that of matched control players.

METHODS

Professional athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome were identified. Matched control players were identified by position, age, experience, and performance. Return to sport was defined as playing in at least 1 game after surgery. Continuous variables for each group were compared by using a 2-tailed paired-samples Student t test or χ² test. A Bonferroni correction was used to control for multiple comparisons with statistical significance defined by a P value < .002.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-two players (86.4%) (mean age, 28.8 ± 5.2 years) were able to return to sport at an average of 7.1 ± 4.1 months. Athletes played 3.5 ± 2.4 years after surgery without significant differences between sports (P > .002). NHL players who underwent surgery played significantly fewer years (4.4 vs 3.3 years) (P < .001) and fewer games per season (4 fewer games) (P <.001) after surgery compared with control players. NHL players also had a significant decrease in performance after surgery compared with their performance before surgery (P < .001). In National Football League, Major League Baseball, and National Basketball Association athletes, no significant differences were found in games per season, career length, or preoperative performance compared with postoperative performance and performance of matched control players (P > .002).

CONCLUSION

The RTS rate for professional athletes after surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is high. Only NHL athletes had significantly shorter careers and played significantly fewer games per season compared with matched control players, with no difference between sports. NHL athletes had significantly worse postoperative performance compared with preoperative performance, with all other sports demonstrating a career-related decline similar to that of matched control players.

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.

Do Female Athletes Return to Sports After Hip Preservation Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome?: A Comparative Analysis

Background

Female patients undergoing surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) often experience inferior clinical outcomes and higher failure rates when compared with male patients. The influence of athletic status on hip arthroscopic outcomes in female patients, however, is unclear.

Purpose

To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of athletic and nonathletic female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, and to determine the return-to-sports rate in the athlete group.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Two-year PROs were assessed in female patients who had undergone hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS by a single surgeon. Patients who self-identified as athletes were compared with nonathletes. Preoperative and postoperative PRO scores including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction were analyzed and compared between athletes and nonathletes. Subanalysis was performed based on patient age and body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 330 female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS were identified. Of these, 221 patients identified as athletes (mean age, 29.1 ± 11.1 years; mean BMI, 23.0 ± 3.5 kg/m²) and 109 as nonathletes (mean age, 39.3 ± 11.4 years; mean BMI, 27.8 ± 5.8 kg/m²). Both groups demonstrated improvements in HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, mHHS, VAS for pain, and VAS for satisfaction scores (P < .001 for all). Athletes had significantly higher postoperative PRO scores compared with nonathletes (P < .001 for all). A 1:1 matched-pair subanalysis of 97 athletes and 97 nonathletes controlling for age and BMI indicated that these relationships held independently of potential demographic confounders (P < .001 for all). The number of patients meeting the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS was significantly higher in athletes aged ≤25 years versus those aged >25 years and for athletes versus nonathletes (P < .05 for all). Further, 189 of 194 athletes returned to sports at a mean of 6.0 ± 3.9 months postoperatively, with 93.7% reporting returning to the same or higher level of competition.

Conclusion

Among female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, patients considered athletes achieved superior clinical outcomes compared with patients considered nonathletes. In addition, younger female athletes had higher rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for all PRO measures.