The Size and Prevalence of Bony Hip Morphology Do Not Differ Between Football Players With and Without Hip and/or Groin Pain: Findings From the FORCe Cohort

The association between cam morphology and hip pain in males and females within 10 years: A national prospective cohort study (CHECK)

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between baseline cam morphology and self-reported hip pain assessed at annual visits over a 10-year follow-up period stratified by biological sex. The secondary aim was to study the association between the magnitude of cam morphology and the severity of pain in symptomatic hips.

METHODS

The nationwide prospective Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) study includes 1,002 participants aged 45-65 years. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations were used to determine the strength of the associations between (1) baseline cam morphology (both alpha angle ≥60° and as a continuous measure) and the presence of hip pain at 10 annual follow-up visits and (2) the alpha angle (continuous) and the severity of pain as classified by Numerical Rating Scale at 5-,8-, 9-, and 10-years. The results are expressed as odds ratios (OR), adjusted for age, biological sex (only in the sex-combined group), body mass index, and follow-up Kellgren and Lawrence grade.

RESULTS

In total, 1,658 hips were included at baseline (1,335 female hips (79.2%)). The prevalence of cam morphology was 11.1% among all hips (29.1% in males; 6.4% in females). No association was found between cam morphology at baseline and the presence of hip pain at any follow-up in the female or sex-combined group. In males, only at 5-year follow-up, significant adjusted ORs were observed for the presence of cam morphology (1.77 (95%CI: 1.01-3.09)) and the alpha angle (1.02 (95%CI:1.00-1.04)). No evidence of associations was found between the alpha angle and the severity of hip pain in any of three groups.

CONCLUSION

Within this study, no consistent associations were found between cam morphology and hip pain at multiple follow-ups. There might be a weak relationship between cam morphology and hip pain in males, while no such relation was found in females. We did not identify an association between the alpha angle and severity of hip pain.

Are hip joint imaging findings associated with symptoms and early hip osteoarthritis features in elite male Australian Football League draftees?

1) describe intra-articular features (prevalence and severity) and bony hip morphology (prevalence and size) in elite male Australia Football League (AFL) draftees; 2) examine the relationship between bony hip morphology (cam and pincer morphology) and intra-articular features (cartilage defects and labral tears); and 3) examine the relationship between intra-articular features, bony hip morphology, and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Cross-sectional study. 58 male AFL draftees underwent 3-tesla hip MRI. Alpha angle determined cam morphology and acetabular depth defined pincer morphology. For each hip, intra-articular features were scored semi-quantitatively. All players completed the HAGOS to determine hip/groin symptoms and sports function. Logistic regression determined whether bony hip morphology was associated with labral tears and cartilage defects. Mann-Whitney U tests evaluated the difference in HAGOS subscale scores between football players with and without intra-articular features and bony hip morphology. Cam and pincer morphology were evident in 20% and 19% of hips, respectively. Nearly half of hips (41%) had a labral tear, with only 14% having a cartilage defect. Greater alpha angle was associated with the presence of labral tears (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.21, p < 0.001) but not cartilage defects. Hip imaging findings were not associated with lower (worse) HAGOS scores. Hip joint imaging findings were common in elite male AFL draftees but not associated with worse pain, symptoms, or sport function. Cam morphology may contribute to the development of labral tears in male AFL draftees.

Defining hip osteoarthritis feature prevalence, severity, and change using the Scoring of Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI)

OBJECTIVE

To define the reporting of Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) feature prevalence and severity, and to develop criteria to monitor feature change in longitudinal investigations.

METHODS

Twenty-five participants (50 hips) of the femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis cohort study underwent baseline and 2-year follow-up 3 T hip MRIs. Eight hip OA features were assessed using the SHOMRI. All MRIs were read paired with knowledge of timepoint by two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists. We provide definitions to report SHOMRI feature prevalence, severity, and longitudinal change.

RESULTS

We report clear definitions for SHOMRI feature prevalence, severity, and change. When we applied the definitions to the studied cohort, we could detect the prevalence, severity, and change of hip OA features. For example, 88% of hips had labral tears (34% graded as severe tears) and 76% had cartilage defects (42% graded as full thickness). Over 70% of hips had feature change over 2 years, highlighting the sensitivity of SHOMRI definitions to assess longitudinal change of hip OA features. Intra-reader reliability was almost perfect (weighted (w)-kappa 0.86 to 1.00), with inter-reader reliability substantial to almost perfect (w-kappa 0.80 to 1.00).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to provide definitions to report SHOMRI feature prevalence, severity, and change. The proposed definitions will enable comparison between hip MRI studies and improve our understanding of hip OA pathogenesis.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Association between hip muscle strength/function and hip cartilage defects in sub-elite football players with hip/groin pain

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between hip muscle strength and cartilage defects (presence and severity) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in young adults with hip/groin pain participating in sub-elite football.

DESIGN

Sub-elite football players with hip/groin pain (>6 months) completed assessments of isometric hip strength and functional task performance. Hip cartilage defects were assessed using the Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI tool. This exploratory, cross-sectional study used logistic and negative binomial models to assess the relationships between hip muscle strength or functional task performance and hip cartilage defects, controlling for body mass index, age, testing site and cam morphology, incorporating sex-specific interaction terms.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-two (37 women) sub-elite (soccer or Australian football) players with hip/groin pain (age 26 ± 7 years) were included. Greater hip extension strength was associated with higher cartilage total score (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.01, 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.02, p = 0.013) and superolateral cartilage score (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 1.06, p < 0.01). In female sub-elite football players, greater hip external rotation strength was associated with lateral cartilage defects (aOR 1.61, 95%CI: 1.05 to 2.48, p = 0.03) and higher cartilage total score (aIRR 1.25, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.66, p = 0.042). A one-repetition increase in one-leg rise performance was related to lower odds of superomedial cartilage defects (aOR 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94 to 0.99, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there were few associations between peak isometric hip muscle strength and overall hip cartilage defects. It is possible that other factors may have relevance in sub-elite football players. Additional studies are needed to support or refute our findings that higher one leg rise performance was associated with reduced superomedial cartilage defect severity and greater hip extension strength was related to higher cartilage defect severity scores.

Pain, function and quality of life are impaired in adults undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for hip dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in active adults with hip pain that can lead to joint degeneration. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a common surgical treatment for hip dysplasia. The effect of this surgery on pain, function and quality of life (QOL) has not been systematically analysed.

PURPOSE

In adults with hip dysplasia: (1) evaluate differences in pain, function and QOL in those undergoing PAO and healthy controls; (2) evaluate pre- to post-PAO changes in pain, function and QOL; (3) evaluate differences in pain, function and QOL in those with mild versus severe dysplasia, undergoing PAO; and (4) evaluate differences in pain, function and QOL in those having primary PAO versus those with previous hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

A comprehensive, reproducible search strategy was performed on 5 different databases. We included studies that assessed pain, function and QOL in adults undergoing PAO for hip dysplasia, using hip-specific patient reported outcomes measures.

RESULTS

From 5017 titles and abstracts screened, 62 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed PAO patients had worse outcomes pre- and post-PAO compared to healthy participants. Specifically, pain (standardised mean difference [SMD] 95% confidence interval [CI]): -4.05; -4.78 to -3.32), function (-2.81; -3.89 to -1.74), and QOL (-4.10; -4.43 to -3.77) were significantly poorer preoperatively.Meta-analysis found patients experienced improvements following PAO. Pain improved from pre-surgery to 1-year (standardised paired difference [SPD] 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02-1.67) and 2 years postoperatively (1.35; 1.16-1.54). For function, the activities of daily living scores at 1 year (1.22; 1.09-1.35) and 2 years (1.06; 0.9-1.22) and QOL at 1 year (1.36; 1.22-1.5) and 2 years (1.3; 1.1-1.5) all improved. No difference was found between patients undergoing PAO with mild versus severe dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Before undergoing PAO surgery, adults with hip dysplasia have worse levels of pain, function and QOL compared to healthy participants. These levels improve following PAO, but do not reach the same level as their healthy participants.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42020144748).

Does hip muscle strength and functional performance differ between football players with and without hip dysplasia?

OBJECTIVE

To compare hip muscle strength and functional performance in football players with and without hip dysplasia and investigate if the relationships were modified by sex.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study compared football players with hip dysplasia (HD group) and without hip dysplasia (control group). Hip muscle strength (Nm/kg) and functional task performance were assessed in both groups. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations were used to assess differences between groups. Sex was assessed as a potential effect modifier.

RESULTS

101 football players were included (HD group, n = 50, control group, n = 51). There was no difference in hip muscle strength or functional performance between the HD group and the control group. Results ranged from hip extension strength (Estimate -0.13.95%CI: 0.29 to 0.02, P = 0.087) to hip external rotation strength (Estimate 0.00.95%CI: 0.05 to 0.05, P = 0.918). No relationships were modified by sex or age.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar levels of hip muscle strength and functional performance were found in active football players with and without hip dysplasia. These findings differ from other studies. This may be due to our cohort having less advanced hip dysplasia than the surgical populations that have been previously investigated, or due to a beneficial effect of football participation on muscle strength and functional performance in people with hip dysplasia.

Football Players With Hip Dysplasia: The Relationship Between Muscle Strength, Functional Performance, Self-reported Sport and Recreation, Cartilage Defects, and Sex. A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: In symptomatic football players with hip dysplasia, we aimed to explore the relationships between self-reported sport and recreation ability and (1) hip muscle strength, (2) functional performance, and investigate if these relationships were modified by sex or cartilage defects. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, football players (n = 50) with longstanding (>6 months) hip and/or groin pain, a positive flexion/adduction/internal rotation test, and a lateral-center-edge angle <25° were included. Hip muscle strength and functional performance were assessed. Self-reported sport and recreation ability was quantified using the sports and recreational subscales from the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-Sport) and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS-Sport). Relationships were evaluated using regression models with sex and cartilage defects as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: There was a positive linear relationship between the one-leg-rise test and the iHOT-Sport subscale (β = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.14). A polynomial (concave) relationship was found between peak eccentric adduction strength and the HAGOS-Sport subscale (β = -30.88; 95% CI: -57.78, -3.99). Cartilage defects modified the relationship between peak isometric adduction strength and HAGOS-Sport, with those with cartilage defects having a polynomial (convex) relationship (β = 36.59; 95% CI: 12.74, 60.45), and those without cartilage defects having no relationship. CONCLUSION: One-leg-rise performance and adduction strength were associated with self-reported sport and recreation ability, indicating a possible relationship between physical function, hip joint structure, and sport and recreation ability in football players with hip dysplasia. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(10):1-8. Epub: 8 September 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.12026.

Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome?

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is considered a motion-related condition. Little is known about the influence of symptom severity and cam morphology on hip biomechanics for individuals with FAI syndrome.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome?

METHODS

Forty-nine male, sub-elite football (soccer or Australian football) players (mean age= 26 years) with FAI syndrome completed the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and underwent radiographic evaluation. Biomechanical data were collected during overground running (3-3.5 m∙s-1) using three-dimensional motion capture technology and an embedded force plate. Various discrete hip angles and impulses of joint moments were analysed during the stance phase. Linear regression models investigated associations between running biomechanics data (dependent variables) and iHOT-33 and HAGOS scores and cam morphology size (independent variables).

RESULTS

Hip joint angles during running were not associated with symptom severity in football players with FAI syndrome. A positive association was found between the impulse of the hip external rotation moment and HAGOS-Sport scores, such that a smaller impulse magnitude occurred with a lower HAGOS-Sport score (0.026 *10-2 [95%CI <0.001 *10-2 to 0.051 *10-2], P = 0.048). Larger cam morphology was associated with a greater peak hip adduction angle at midstance (0.073 [95%CI 0.002-0.145], P = 0.045).

SIGNIFICANCE

Hip biomechanics during running did not display strong associations with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome who were still participating in training and match play. Future studies might consider investigating associations during tasks that utilise end range hip joint motion or require greater muscle forces.

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.

Females with hip-related pain display altered lower limb mechanics compared to their healthy counterparts in a drop jump task

BACKGROUND

Hip-related pain describes femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, acetabular dysplasia, and other hip pain conditions without clear morphological features. Movement strategies in this population, notably sex-related patterns, are poorly understood and may provide insights into why females report more pain and worse function. This study examined the sex-related differences during a drop vertical jump task between those with hip-related pain and healthy controls.

METHODS

Patients with hip-related pain and healthy controls completed five repetitions of a drop jump while their kinematics and kinetics were recorded using a motion capture system and force plates. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angles and external joint moments during landing were used in general estimating equations for comparison of group by sex by limb interactions. Time series data were further investigated using statistical parametric mapping.

FINDINGS

Females with hip-related pain had 9.1° less hip flexion (P = .041) and 9.2° less knee flexion (P = .024) than healthy females, and 8.3° less knee flexion than male counterparts with hip-related pain (P = .039). Males demonstrated 1.4° less hip flexion on the affected side compared to their uninvolved side (P = .004). Statistical parametric mapping results showed significant differences in knee flexion angle for females with hip-related pain compared to healthy females (P = .042). There were no significant differences in hip, knee, or ankle moments.

INTERPRETATION

Females with hip-related pain showed kinematic patterns distinct from healthy controls. Sex may be an important variable of interest in characterizing movement impairments in this population and movement impairments may be an appropriate target for intervention for these patients.

Does Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Affect Self-Reported Burden in Football Players With Hip and Groin Pain?

BACKGROUND

It is unknown if football players with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome report worse burden than those with other causes of hip/groin pain, and to what extent this is mediated by cartilage defects and labral tears.

HYPOTHESIS

Football players with FAI syndrome would report worse burden than other symptomatic players, with the effect partially mediated by cartilage defects and/or labral tears.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

Football (soccer and Australian football) players (n = 165; 35 women) with hip/groin pain (≥6 months and positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation test) were recruited. Participants completed 2 patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 [iHOT-33] and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS]) and underwent hip radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). FAI syndrome was determined to be present when cam and/or pincer morphology were present. Cartilage defects and labral tears were graded as present or absent using MRI. Linear regression models investigated relationships between FAI syndrome (dichotomous independent variable) and PROM scores (dependent variables). Mediation analyses investigated the effect of cartilage defects and labral tears on these relationships.

RESULTS

FAI syndrome was not related to PROM scores (unadjusted b values ranged from -4.693 (P = 0.23) to 0.337 (P = 0.93)) and cartilage defects and/or labral tears did not mediate its effect (P = 0.22-0.97).

CONCLUSION

Football players with FAI syndrome did not report worse burden than those with other causes of hip/groin pain. Cartilage defects and/or labral tears did not explain the effect of FAI syndrome on reported burden.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

FAI syndrome, cartilage defects, and labral tears were prevalent but unrelated to reported burden in symptomatic football players.

The association between statistical shape modeling-defined hip morphology and features of early hip osteoarthritis in young adult football players: Data from the femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis cohort (FORCe) study

Objective

To explore the relationship between radiographic hip shape and features of early hip osteoarthritis (OA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in young male and female football players without radiographic hip OA.

Design

We used baseline data from a cohort of symptomatic and asymptomatic football players aged 18-50 years. Hip shape was assessed on anteroposterior radiographs with statistical shape modeling (SSM) for men and women separately. Cartilage defects and labral tears were graded using the Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) system. We used logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to estimate associations between each hip shape variant, called shape modes, and cartilage defects or labral tears.

Results

We included 229 participants (446 hips, 77.4% male). For each sex, 15 shape modes were analyzed. In men, three shape modes were associated with cartilage defects: adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 0.75 (95%CI 0.58-0.97) per standard deviation (SD) for mode 1; 1.34 (95%CI 1.05-1.69) per SD for mode 12; and 0.61 (95%CI 0.48-0.78) per SD for mode 15; and one also with labral tears: aOR 1.30 (95%CI 1.01-1.69) per SD for mode 12. These modes generally represented variations in the femoral neck and subtypes of cam morphology, with and without pincer morphology. For women, there was no evidence for associations with the outcomes.

Conclusions

Several hip shape variants were associated with cartilage defects on MRI in young male football players. Specifically, one subtype of cam morphology was associated with both cartilage defects and labral tears. Hip shape was not associated with early OA features in women.

Hip kinematics and kinetics in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome before and 1 year after hip arthroscopic surgery. Results from the HAFAI cohort

INTRODUCTION

Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) experience decreased function. Consequently, earlier studies have evaluated gait biomechanics in these patients, but a larger study evaluating gait biomechanics before and after an intervention standardising gait speed is lacking. We aimed at investigating gait kinematics and kinetics in patients with FAIS compared with pain-free controls before and 1 year after hip arthroscopic surgery. Secondary, we aimed at analysing gait pattern separately for the sexes and to investigate associations between peak kinematics and kinetics and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with FAIS and 30 pain-free controls were tested at a standardised gait speed (1.40 m/s ± 10%). Patients were tested twice: before and 1 year after surgery. Kinematics and kinetics were recorded using infrared high-speed cameras and a force plate. Participants answered HAGOS.

RESULTS

The largest difference among groups was that gait differed between males and females. Neither before nor after surgery could we demonstrate large alterations in gait pattern between patients and pain-free controls. Male patients demonstrated associations between peak kinematics and kinetics and HAGOS Sports function.

CONCLUSIONS

Gait pattern was only vaguely altered in patients with FAIS compared with pain-free controls before and after surgery when using at standardised gait speed. Hence, analysing gait in patients with FAIS does not seem of major importance. Nevertheless, there was an association between HAGOS Sports function and peak kinematics and kinetics in male patients, implying that there could be a clinical importance.

Does the use of i-FACTOR bone graft affect bone healing in those undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? A retrospective study

The aims of this study were to compare, in patients with and without the use of i-FACTOR bone graft during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), (i) bone healing at six-weeks post-operatively (ii) rate of complications. This was a retrospective review of case records. Participants were people aged 15-50 years undergoing rectus-sparing minimally invasive PAO surgery for DDH. Group 1: patients with i-FACTOR, Group 2: No i-FACTOR. The primary outcome was the rate of bone healing on radiographs at 6 weeks. The likelihood of bone healing was compared using logistic regression with Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) and expressed as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals (CIs; P &lt; 0.05)). The occurrence of complications was extracted from surgical records. The i-FACTOR group had 3-times greater odds of partial/full union than those without [adjusted odds ratio (95% CIs, P-value)]: [3.265 (1.032 to 10.330, P = 0.044)]. The i-FACTOR group had 89% partial/full union at 6-weeks, compared to 69% of the non-i-FACTOR group. Half of the patients had leaking of bone graft in the i-FACTOR group versus 10% in the non-i-FACTOR group, 26% of the i-FACTOR group and 12% of the non-i-FACTOR group had neuropraxia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Complication rates were low, and similar between groups. However, the rate of LFCN neuropraxia and bone graft leakage was higher in the i-FACTOR. These findings should be confirmed in a future prospective randomised clinical trial and include outcomes such as pain and quality of life.

Soccer players show the highest seasonal groin pain prevalence and the longest time loss from sport among 500 athletes from major team sports

PURPOSE

Groin pain is a widely recognized medical issue among athletes. Groin pain can affect both player and team performance and sometimes can be a career-ending injury. The aim of this study was to assess seasonal groin pain prevalence and the average seasonal time loss from sport for each injury in different team sport athletes. The hip and groin functionality at the beginning of the following season was also investigated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 600 team sport athletes (soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, and water polo players). The seasonal prevalence of groin pain, level of competition (professional and non-professional), time loss, and concomitant injuries in addition to groin pain were reported and analyzed. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was used to assess hip and groin pain and function related to sport and activity.

RESULTS

Among the 506 (84%) players included, 123 players (24.3%) reported groin pain. Overall, soccer players reported the highest groin pain prevalence (32.5%) followed by futsal (25.5%), basketball (25.2%), water polo (17.6%) and volleyball players (13.6%). Professional soccer, futsal and basketball athletes showed higher groin pain prevalence in comparison with non-professional athletes (p = 0.02, p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). The mean time loss from sport due to groin pain was 60.3 ± 66 days in soccer, 41.1 ± 16.6 days in futsal, 31.5 ± 18 days in water polo, 37.2 ± 14.2 days in basketball and 50.8 ± 24.6 days in volleyball. Significantly lower HAGOS values were found in athletes with groin pain for all sports evaluated compared to athletes with no groin pain history (p =  0.0001). Longer time loss from sport was correlated with lower HAGOS values in soccer (p = 0.002) and futsal (p = 0.002) players with groin pain. Concomitant injuries were correlated with lower HAGOS values in water polo players (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Seasonal groin pain occurs in as many as one in four team sport athletes. Soccer players show the highest groin pain prevalence and the longest time loss from sport. Professional athletes report higher prevalence of groin pain in comparison with non-professional athletes. HAGOS appears to be a valid outcome instrument to measure groin pain, correlating with both time loss from sport and concomitant injuries in athletes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Cam morphology is associated with MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears: a case-control study of 237 young adult football players with and without hip and groin pain

Objective

Football players are at risk of developing hip osteoarthritis (OA). Cam morphology (present in almost two of every three football players) may explain this heightened risk, but there is limited research on its role in hip OA development in younger athletes. Knowledge of this relationship will advance our understanding of the aetiology of hip OA in football players. We aimed to study the relationship between cam morphology size and MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears, and if this relationship differs by symptomatic state in young adult football players.

Methods

For this case–control study, 182 (288 hips) symptomatic (hip and/or groin pain >6 months and positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test) and 55 (110 hips) pain-free football players (soccer or Australian football) underwent anteroposterior and Dunn 45° radiographs, and 3-Tesla MRI. Cam morphology size was defined using alpha angle, and cartilage defects and labral tears were scored semiquantitatively. Presence, location and score (severity) of cartilage defects and labral tears were determined. Each participant completed the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score.

Results

Greater alpha angle was associated with cartilage defects (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04) and labral tears (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04). Greater alpha angle was associated with superolateral cartilage defects (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05) and superior labral tears (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05). The association of alpha angle with MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears was no greater in football players with symptoms than in those without (p=0.189–0.937)

Conclusion

Cam morphology size was associated with cartilage defects and labral tears in young adult football players with and without pain. This study provides evidence that cam morphology may contribute to the high prevalence of hip OA in football players. Prospective studies of football players are now needed to establish if cam morphology causes progression of cartilage defects and labral tears and development of hip OA.

Are cam morphology size and location associated with self‐reported burden in football players with FAI syndrome?

Cam morphology size and location might affect the severity of reported burden in people with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. We investigated the relationship between cam morphology size (i.e., alpha angle) and self‐reported hip/groin burden (i.e., scores for the International Hip Outcome Tool‐33 (iHOT‐33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS)), examined separately for the anteroposterior pelvis (AP) and Dunn 45° radiographs in football players with FAI syndrome. In total, 118 (12 women) subelite football (soccer or Australian football) players with FAI syndrome with cam morphology (alpha angle ≥60°) participated. One blinded assessor quantified superior and anterosuperior cam morphology size by measuring alpha angles for the AP and Dunn 45° radiographs, respectively. Linear regression models investigated relationships between alpha angle (continuous independent variable, separately measured for the AP and Dunn 45° radiographs) and iHOT‐33 and HAGOS scores (dependent variables). Larger anterosuperior cam morphology (seen on the Dunn 45° radiograph) was associated with lower (i.e., worse) scores for the iHOT‐Total, iHOT‐Symptoms, iHOT‐Job, and iHOT‐Social subscales (unadjusted estimate range −0.553 to −0.319 [95% confidence interval −0.900 to −0.037], p = 0.002 to 0.027), but not the iHOT‐Sport (p = 0.459) nor any HAGOS scores (p = 0.110 to 0.802). Superior cam morphology size (measured using the AP radiograph) was not associated with any iHOT‐33 or HAGOS scores (p = 0.085 to 0.975). Larger anterosuperior cam morphology may be more relevant to pain and symptoms in football players with FAI syndrome than superior cam morphology, warranting investigation of its effects on reported burden and hip disease over time.

Running biomechanics in football players with and without hip and groin pain. A cross-sectional analysis of 116 sub-elite players

OBJECTIVE

Examine whether football players with hip and/or groin (hip/groin) pain have impaired running biomechanics when compared to pain-free players, analysing men and women independently.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Biomechanics laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-eight (62 men, 16 women) football players with >6months of hip/groin pain and a positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation test and 38 (25 men, 13 women) asymptomatic players.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pelvis angles and hip, knee, and ankle joint angles and moments were analysed during the stance phase of overground running at 3-3.5 m⋅s^-1. Continuous joint angle and moment data were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic football players of the same sex using statistical parametric mapping. Joint moment impulses (area under the curve) were compared between groups using linear regression models.

RESULTS

Symptomatic football players did not display significant differences in pelvis angles or lower-limb joint angles, moments, or moment impulses during the stance phase of running, when compared to asymptomatic players of the same sex.

CONCLUSION

Our large sample of football players with hip/groin pain who were still participating in competitive sport displayed similar running biomechanics to asymptomatic players. Impaired running biomechanics might exist in people with worse hip/groin pain, warranting future investigation.

The Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness of the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) in Patients With Hip and Groin Pain Treated Without Surgery

BACKGROUND

The International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) was developed to evaluate patients seeking surgery for hip and/or groin (hip/groin) pain and may not be appropriate for those seeking nonsurgical treatment.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the iHOT-33 total (iHOT-Total) score and all subscale scores in adults with hip/groin pain who were not seeking surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients with hip/groin pain who were not seeking surgery were recruited from 2 ongoing studies in Australia. Semistructured one-on-one interviews assessed content validity. Construct validity was assessed by testing hypothesized correlations between iHOT-33 and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) subscale scores. Test-retest reliability was assessed in patients not undertaking treatment and who reported "no change" in their Global Rating of Change (GROC) score at 6-month follow-up. Scores were reliable at group and individual levels if intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were ≥0.80 and ≥0.90, respectively. Scores were responsive if Spearman rank correlations (ρ) between the change in the iHOT-33 score and the GROC score were ≥0.40.

RESULTS

In total, 278 patients with hip/groin pain (93 women; mean age, 31 years) and 55 pain-free control participants (14 women; mean age, 29 years) were recruited. The iHOT-33 demonstrated acceptable content validity. Construct validity was acceptable, with all hypothesized strong positive correlations between iHOT-33 and HAGOS subscale scores confirmed (r range, 0.60-0.76; P < .001), except for one correlation between the iHOT-Sport and HAGOS-Sport (r = .058; P < .001). All scores were reliable at the group level, except for the iHOT-33 job subscale (iHOT-Job) (ICC range, 0.78-0.88 [95% CI, 0.60-0.93]). None of the subscales met the criteria for adequate reliability for use at the individual level (all ICCs <0.90). Minimal detectable change values (group level) ranged from 2.3 to 3.7 (95% CI, 1.7-5.0). All iHOT-33 subscale scores were responsive (ρ range, 0.40-0.58; P≤ .001), except for the iHOT-Job in patients not undertaking treatment (ρ = 0.27; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

All iHOT-33 subscale scores were valid for use in patients with hip/groin pain who were not seeking surgery. Acceptable test-retest reliability was found for all subscale scores at the group level, except the iHOT-Job. All subscale scores, excluding the iHOT-Job, were responsive, regardless of undertaking physical therapist-led treatment or no treatment.

Prevalence of early hip OA features on MRI in high-impact athletes. The femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis cohort (FORCe) study

OBJECTIVE

To compare early hip osteoarthritis (OA) features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in high-impact athletes with and without hip and/or groin pain, and to evaluate associations between early hip OA features, the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).

DESIGN

This case-control study evaluated data of the femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis cohort (FORCe). One hundred and eighty-two symptomatic (hip and/or groin pain >6 months and positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test) and 55 pain-free high-impact athletes (soccer or Australian football (AF)) without definite radiographic hip OA underwent hip MRI. The Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) method quantified and graded the severity of OA features. Each participant completed the iHOT33 and HAGOS.

RESULTS

Hip and/or groin pain was associated with higher total SHOMRI (0-96) (mean difference 1.4, 95% CI: 0.7-2.2), labral score (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.33, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6). Differences in prevalence of cartilage defects, labral tears and paralabral cysts between symptomatic and pain-free participants were inconclusive. There was a lower prevalence of effusion-synovitis in symptomatic participants when compared to pain-free participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.46 (95% CI: 0.3-0.8). Early hip OA features were not associated with iHOT33 or HAGOS.

CONCLUSIONS

A complex and poorly understood relationship exists between hip and/or groin pain and early hip OA features present on MRI in high-impact athletes without radiographic OA. Hip and/or groin pain was associated with higher SHOMRI and labral scores.