Iliopsoas Tenotomy During Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Postoperative Outcomes

Adhesions After Hip Arthroscopy Are Associated With Revision But Show Poorly Defined Criteria for Diagnosis and Operative Management: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the current body of evidence surrounding the diagnosis, management, and clinical outcomes of adhesions that developed after hip arthroscopy (HA).

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases was designed and conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Eligible studies included patients with confirmed adhesions after HA that reported one or more of the following: (1) diagnostic procedures and criteria used; (2) indications for and details surrounding surgical management; and (3) clinical outcomes after the operative management of adhesions (e.g., patient-reported outcome measures).

RESULTS

Nineteen studies involving a total of 4,145 patients (4,211 hips; 38% female sex) were included in this review. The quality of evidence was found to be fair for both comparative studies (mean, 17; range, 13-21) and noncomparative studies (mean, 10; range, 5-12) according to the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument, with the level of evidence ranging from IIB to IV. Adhesions were often diagnosed intraoperatively at the time of revision surgery (10 of 19 studies, 53%), with only 3 studies specifying the criteria used to adjudicate adhesions. The most common indication for operative management (i.e., release or lysis of adhesions) was persistent pain (9 of 19, 47%), but this was often grossly stated for revision HA rather than being specific to adhesions. Patient-reported outcome measures were the most reported postoperative outcomes (9 of 19, 47%) and generally showed significant improvement from preoperative assessment across the short-term follow-up period (range, 24.5-38.1 months). There was a paucity of objective measures of clinical improvement (3 of 19, 16%) and of mid- and long-term follow-up (i.e., 5-7 years and ≥10 years, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting that adhesions are highly contributory to revision HA, there is ambiguity in the diagnostic approach and indications for operative management of adhesions. Additionally, although the operative management of adhesions after HA has shown satisfactory clinical outcomes in the short term, there is a paucity of research elucidating the mid- to long-term outcomes, as well as minimal use of objective assessment of clinical improvement (e.g., biomechanics).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

The role of iliopsoas fractional lengthening in hip arthroscopy: a systematic review

Arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening (IFL) is a surgical option for the treatment of internal snapping hip syndrome (ISHS) after failing conservative management. Systematic review. A search of PubMed central, National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) and Scopus databases were performed by two individuals from the date of inception to April 2023. Inclusion criteria were ISHS treated with arthroscopy. Sample size, patient-reported outcomes and complications were recorded for 24 selected papers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed and registered on PROSPERO database for systematic reviews (CRD42023427466). Thirteen retrospective case series, ten retrospective comparative studies, and one randomized control trial from 2005 to 2022 were reported on 1021 patients who received an iliopsoas fractional lengthening. The extracted data included patient satisfaction, visual analogue scale, the modified Harris hip score and additional outcome measures. All 24 papers reported statistically significant improvements in post-operative patient-reported outcome measures after primary hip arthroscopy and iliopsoas fractional lengthening. However, none of the comparative studies found a statistical benefit in performing IFL. Existing studies lack conclusive evidence on the benefits of Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening (IFL), especially for competitive athletes, individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), and borderline hip dysplasia. Some research suggests IFL may be a safe addition to hip arthroscopy for Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome, but more comprehensive investigations are needed. Future studies should distinguish between concurrent procedures and develop methods to determine if the psoas muscle is the source of pain, instead of solely attributing it to the joint.

Intra-articular Soft Tissue Pathology of the Postpartum Hip: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic and hip pain affects over half of postpartum females and has multiple aetiologies. The relative contribution of intra-articular soft tissue pathology to pregnancy-related hip pain is unknown. The current review investigates the available evidence regarding underlying intra-articular soft tissue aetiologies of hip pain in females during pregnancy and in the acute postpartum period.

RECENT FINDINGS

Three online databases (Embase, PubMed and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched from database inception until 11 April 2021. All titles, relevant abstracts and full-text articles were screened by two reviewers independently. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument. Descriptive study characteristics are presented in a narrative summary. Five level IV evidence articles were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-two females were included. Twenty patients presented with labral pathology, 15 of which necessitated hip arthroscopy with labral debridement or repair with or without acetabuloplasty and/or femoroplasty. One patient presented with an incidental labral tear in the context of osteitis condensans illi. One patient presented with posttraumatic osteoarthritis necessitating a hip arthroplasty. The contribution of intra-articular soft tissue injury is a documented, albeit sparse, aetiology contributing to pregnancy-related hip pain. Further research to better delineate the prevalence, natural history and optimal management options for females who sustained these injuries at a life-altering juncture is necessary to advance the care of these patients.

Patients With Concomitant Painful External Snapping Hip and Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndromes Reported Complete Snapping Resolution With Release of the Gluteus Maximus and Iliotibial Band, and Comparable Minimum 2-Year Outcomes to a Propensity-Matched Control Group

PURPOSE

To report minimum 2-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and painful external snapping hip (ESH) treatment and ESH resolution, and to compare these PROMs to a benchmark FAIS propensity-matched control group without ESH.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between November 2009 and April 2018. Patients were eligible if they were preoperatively diagnosed with FAIS and painful ESH and received primary hip arthroscopy to address these pathologies. ESH was treated with gluteus maximus and iliotibial band releases. Inclusion criteria were baseline and minimum two-year follow-up scores for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1 and previous hip conditions. A secondary subanalysis was performed to benchmark these outcomes to a FAIS propensity-matched control group without ESH, according to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Tönnis grade, and preoperative lateral center-edge and α-angles using a 1:3 ratio. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the maximum outcome improvement (MOI) rates were reported.

RESULTS

Twenty-two hips (21 patients) were included. The mean age, BMI, and follow-up were 31.3 years ± 14.0, 26 kg/m² ± 5.0, and 31.4 months ± 4.4, respectively, with 68.2% being female. ESH was resolved in 100% of patients. Significant improvement for all PROMs at a minimum two-year (P < .001) was reported. The minimum two-year PROMs and the rate of achieving the MCID and MOI threshold were comparable to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Following primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS and painful ESH, patients demonstrated significant improvement in all PROMs, and the rate of resolution of ESH was 100% at minimum two-year follow-up: with gluteus maximus and iliotibial band releases. Functional outcomes and rates of MCID and MOI achievement were comparable to a FAIS propensity-matched benchmark control group without ESH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Competitive Athletes with Femoroacetabular Impingement and Painful Internal Snapping Treated Arthroscopically with Intrabursal Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening: High Rate of Return to Sport and Favorable Midterm Functional Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Athletes with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) who undergo hip arthroscopy with iliopsoas fractional lengthening (IFL) in the context of painful internal snapping have demonstrated favorable patient-reported outcomes (PROs), return to sport (RTS), and resolution of internal snapping symptoms at short term follow-up. Midterm outcomes have not been established.

PURPOSES

(1) To report minimum 5-year PROs and RTS rate in competitive athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS and intra-bursal IFL for painful internal snapping and (2) to compare these clinical results with those of a propensity score-matched control group of competitive athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy without painful internal snapping and IFL.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were reviewed for consecutive surgeries performed by a single surgeon between February 2010 and December 2013. Patients were considered eligible if they were professional, collegiate, or high school athletes and received a primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS and intra-bursal IFL without extended capsulotomy for painful internal snapping. Indications for IFL were painful internal snapping on preoperative physical examination. Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 5-year follow-up scores for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale for pain. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference were also reported. For comparison, athletes in the IFL group were propensity matched by age, sex, body mass index, lateral and anterior center-edge angles, and sports level to a control group of athletes without internal snapping who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS without IFL.

RESULTS

A total of 105 competitive athletes in the IFL group were included in the study with a follow-up of 66.8 ± 6.9 months (mean ± SD). The IFL cohort showed significant improvement in all recorded PROs at minimum 5-year follow-up (P < .001). Furthermore, they demonstrated favorable rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference for the modified Harris Hip Score (82.0%), Nonarthritic Hip Score (85.4%), and Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific Subscale (82.8%). Further, 89.5% of athletes in the IFL cohort successfully returned to sport. A total of 42 athletes in the IFL group were propensity matched to 54 control athletes. When groups were compared, they demonstrated similar improvement in PROs and rates of RTS, revision arthroscopy, and achieving psychometric thresholds.

CONCLUSION

Competitive athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy and intra-bursal IFL in the context of FAIS and painful internal snapping demonstrated favorable PROs and RTS rate at minimum 5-year follow-up. These results were comparable with those of a control group of athletes not requiring IFL.

Endoscopic Resection for Iliopectineal Bursitis Associated With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Iliopectineal bursitis usually develops subsequent to other hip pathologies and can often be treated conservatively. However, when conservative treatment fails or the enlarged bursa causes pain or compression of the surrounding neurovascular structures, surgery may be required. Most previous studies have described open surgeries, and reports on endoscopy are very limited. We present a case of iliopectineal bursitis associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) that was successfully treated endoscopically. A 16-year-old female with a one-year history of right inguinal pain was referred to our department. She was diagnosed with a hip ganglion and treated with needle aspiration nine times by her previous doctor. Radiographs revealed bilateral DDH without narrowing of the joint space. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a distinct mass in the deep layer of the iliopsoas muscle, and communication between the mass and the hip joint was observed on ultrasonography. Endoscopic debridement and resection were performed based on the diagnosis of iliopectineal bursitis. We partially debrided the medial side of the rectus femoris muscle toward the deep layer and resected the bursa. We observed a burst of concentrated content from the bursa and confirmed the disappearance of the mass by intraoperative ultrasonography. The postoperative course was good, and there were no functional restrictions or symptom recurrence at two-year postoperatively. Endoscopic resection for repetitive iliopectineal bursitis without an intraarticular procedure does not induce hip instability in patients with DDH and is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, and superior to open surgery, especially in young women.

Borderline Dysplastic Female Patients With Painful Internal Snapping Improve Clinical Outcomes At Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up Following Hip Arthroscopy With Femoroplasty, Labral Repair, Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening, and Capsular Plication: A Propensity-Matched Controlled Comparison

PURPOSES

To report minimum 2-year follow-up patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) in borderline dysplastic female patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with femoroplasty, labral repair, iliopsoas fractional lengthening, and plication of the capsule (FLIP procedure) for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), labral tear, and painful internal snapping and to compare these PROs to a propensity-matched borderline dysplastic control group without painful internal snapping.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for cam-type FAIS and labral tear between September 2008 and May 2017. Females with borderline dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle of ≥18° to ≤25°) and painful internal snapping, who underwent the FLIP procedure, with minimum 2-year PROs for modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sports-Specific Subscale, patient satisfaction, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were included. The group was matched 1:1 to a control group without painful internal snapping for age, sex, body-mass index (BMI), and surgical procedures. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated. P-value was set at .05.

RESULTS

Seventy-four hips were included. The mean was 26.82 ± 10.49 years and 23.62 ± 4.56 kg/m² for age and BMI, respectively. Improvement was reported for all PROs and VAS (P < .0001). Twenty-nine patients were matched. At minimum 2-year follow-up, the FLIP procedure demonstrated comparable improvement in PROs and rate of achievement of MCID to the control group.

CONCLUSION

After primary hip arthroscopy and FLIP procedure, females with borderline dysplasia and painful internal snapping demonstrated significant improvement in PROs at minimum 2 years' follow-up. When compared to a propensity-matched control group without painful internal snapping, the improvement between groups was comparable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; Case-Control study.

Editorial Commentary: Indiscriminate Iliopsoas Tenotomy May Cause Complications-With Tight Indications and Transbursal Lengthening, We May Avoid Them

Surgical management of iliopsoas pathology that fails conservative treatment is controversial. Potential complications following iliopsoas tenotomy include recurrent painful internal snapping, postoperative pain, and hip flexor weakness. Concerns are even greater in dysplastic patients, in whom the iliopsoas may play a role as an anteromedial hip stabilizer. Although data demonstrate arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomy for painful internal snapping as safe and effective, its use has declined for the reasons stated above. On the other hand, procedures such as capsular plication with inferior shift and anatomic labral repair, augmentation, and reconstruction have made it possible to restore the primary stabilizers in many cases of hip instability. In these cases, iliopsoas fractional lengthening (IFL) with avoidance of collateral damage to the musculature or capsule can successfully treat painful internal snapping hip. We recommend iliopsoas lengthening when (1) there is painful internal snapping, (2) IFL can be performed without collateral damage, (3) the primary soft tissue stabilizers can be restored or augmented, and (4) there is no bony morphology likely to cause continued instability.