Can hip arthroscopy in the presence of arthritis delay the need for hip arthroplasty?

Doctor when can I drive? A systematic review and meta-analysis of brake reaction time in patients returning to driving after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

BACKGROUND

A common question from patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is when they may return to driving.

PURPOSE

We aimed to perform a formal systematic review and meta-analysis to address this issue.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included OVID, EMBASE, and COCHRANE through July 2024 for articles with keywords and MeSH terms like "Hip arthroscopy," "Femoroacetabular Impingement," "total brake response time," and "reaction time" related to driving. Titles and full articles were reviewed for quality and relevance. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager Version 5.4.A total of 39 articles were reviewed, with 5 meeting inclusion criteria. All selected articles used brake reaction time (BRT) as an outcome measure. A meta-analysis compared pre- and postoperative BRT values. Data were analysed for the right and left hips combined, followed by a subgroup analysis by laterality. BRT values were divided into preoperative and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperative periods.

RESULTS

The studies assessed 160 patients, with 142 undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. The mean age was 32.75 ± 9.4 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 73:69. The right hip was affected in 68% of patients. Preoperative BRT ranged from 566 to 1960 milliseconds, while postoperative BRT ranged from 567 to 1860 milliseconds between week 2 and week 12.

CONCLUSIONS

BRTs returned to baseline or control values and continued to improve 4 weeks post-surgery for FAI. It is safe to recommend a return to driving at 4 weeks after hip arthroscopy for FAI.

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes for Labral Tears are Comparable to Advanced Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of evidence on outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who have symptomatic degenerative labral tears and mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to determine if outcomes of primary THA in the setting of painful, symptomatic labral tear and mild to moderate arthritic changes were comparable to outcomes of primary THA performed for severe arthritic changes. Primary outcomes were patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and perioperative complications.

METHODS

This was a retrospective investigation of all THAs between January 2018 and July 2022. There were 111 patients who had THA due to failure of nonoperative treatment of a degenerative labral tear without advanced arthritic changes (mild to moderate OA cohort, Kellgren-Lawrence Grades 1 to 3). These patients were matched to 111 patients who underwent THA for advanced OA (AOA cohort, Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 4). PROs included the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The average age for the labral tear cohort was 59 years, with 50.6% women, compared to 70 years (P < 0.001), and 49.4% women (P = 0.93) in the AOA cohort.

RESULTS

There were no differences in preoperative PROs, complications, or length of stay between groups. When looking at postoperative PROs between cohorts, the labral tear cohort had less improvement in WOMAC-Stiffness (24.3 versus 34.0, P = 0.005) and WOMAC-Functional limitation (26.3 versus 36.0, P = 0.005) at 12 months and greater improvement in WOMAC-Pain at 12 months (38.3 versus 34.7, P = 0.04). The Short Form 12-Physical function scores were significantly higher among the labral tear cohort compared to the AOA cohort at 12 months (48.5 versus 47.8, P < 0.001). The Short Form 12-Mental scores were significantly higher in the AOA cohort compared to the labral tear cohort at 3 months (47.1 versus 47.4, P = 0.02) and 12 months (46.7 versus 47.6, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the change in WOMAC-Pain at 12 months was significantly better for labral tear patients (odds ratio 7.5, P = 0.008, confidence interval 6.85 to 8.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that patients who have symptomatic degenerative labral tears with mild to moderate arthritic changes have comparable outcomes to patients who have AOA following primary THA. Given suboptimal outcomes with hip arthroscopy for labral tear in the setting of early arthritis, primary THA can be a reasonable treatment modality for patients failing nonoperative treatments.

The Alpha Angle

➢ The alpha angle was originally defined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, using a plane, parallel to the axis of the femoral neck. However, much of the literature on the alpha angle has used radiographs or other imaging modalities to quantify the alpha angle.➢ The measurement of the alpha angle can be unreliable, particularly on radiographs and ultrasound.➢ If radiographs are used to measure the alpha angle, the circle of best-fit method should be used on multiple different views to capture various locations of the cam lesion, and "eyeballing" or estimating the alpha angle should be avoided.➢ The cam lesion is a dynamic and 3-dimensional (3D) problem and is unlikely to be adequately defined or captured by a single angle.➢ Modern technology, including readily available 3D imaging modalities, as well as intraoperative and dynamic imaging options, provides novel, and potentially more clinically relevant, ways to quantify the alpha angle.

Editorial Commentary: Older Patients Without Degenerative Joint Disease Can Have Excellent Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy

Early research on hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome identified patient age as a risk factor for poor outcomes and heightened revision rates. However, more recent research challenges this dogma. Disparities between chronologic and physiologic age exist among patients. In addition, orthopaedic pathology (such as degenerative chondral or labral pathology) can correlate with age, so the use of age, and using age as a predictor of outcome, may be biased by this confounding effect. Older patients without degenerative joint disease can have excellent outcomes after hip arthroscopy. Recent research shows that patients older than the age of 40 years undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome demonstrate outcomes comparable with younger patients at 10-year follow-up. However, older patients were at greater risk for conversion to total hip arthroplasty. In our experience, in the absence of joint degeneration, patients older than the age of 40 years experience predictable and durable relief following arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. These outcomes result from sound surgical indications, appropriate preoperative counseling, and meticulous surgical technique. We ought not replace joints we can preserve, and age is not the most determinative factor regarding outcome of otherwise well-indicated and performed hip arthroscopy.

PREHAB FAI- Prehabilitation for patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome -Protocol for an assessor blinded randomised controlled feasibility study

BACKGROUND

The past decade has seen an exponential growth of minimally invasive surgical procedures. Procedures such as hip arthroscopy have rapidly grown and become the standard of care for patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS). Although, the results of such procedures are encouraging, a large proportion of patients do not achieve optimal outcomes due to chronicity and deconditioning as a result of delay in diagnosis and increased waiting times amongst other factors. In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials, moderate certainty evidence supported prehabilitation over standard care in optimising several domains including muscle strength, pain and health related quality of life in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical interventions. However, the role of prehabilitation in patients with FAI syndrome undergoing hip arthroscopy has received little attention.

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility, suitability, acceptability and safety of a prehabilitation programme for FAI to inform a future definitive randomised control trial to assess effectiveness.

METHODS

A systematically developed prehabilitation intervention based on a literature review and international consensus will be utilised in this study. A mixed methodology encompassing a two-arm randomised parallel study alongside an embedded qualitative component will be used to answer the study objectives. Patients will be recruited from a tertiary referral NHS centre for young adult hip pathology in the UK. Patient reported outcomes such as iHOT-12, Brief Pain Inventory Scale (Short form), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Patient Global Impression of Change score will be obtained alongside objective measurements such as Muscle Strength and Star Excursion Balance Test at various time points. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline (prior to prehabilitation intervention), after prehabilitation before surgery, and at 6 weeks+/- 4 weeks and 6 months +/- 4 weeks (planned primary endpoint for definitive RCT) postoperatively when participants attend the research site for clinical care and remotely at 12 months +/- 4 weeks postoperatively. Mean change and 95% CI, and effect size of outcome measures will be used to determine the sample size for a future RCT. For the qualitative component, in depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists and focus groups with participants will be conducted to assess the feasibility, suitability, and acceptability of the prehabilitation intervention using a predetermined success criteria. All qualitative data will be recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

DISCUSSION

This study will be first of its kind to evaluate a systematically developed prehabilitation intervention for patients with FAIS undergoing hip arthroscopy. This study will provide important preliminary data to inform feasibility of a definitive RCT in the future to evaluate effectiveness of a prehabilitation intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 15371248, 09/03/2023.

TRIAL PROTOCOL

Version 2.3, 26th June 2023.

Low Rates of 5-Year Secondary Surgery and Postoperative Complications After Primary Hip Arthroscopy in More Than 30,000 Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate 90-day complications, 5-year secondary surgery rates, and risk factors for secondary surgery following primary hip arthroscopy performed for femoroacetabular impingement and/or labral tears using a large national dataset.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver Mariner151 database. Patients with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, diagnosis codes for femoroacetabular impingement and/or labral tear undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with femoroplasty, acetabuloplasty, and/or labral repair between 2015 and 2021 were identified. Those with concomitant International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes for infection, neoplasm, or fracture were excluded, as were patients with a history of previous hip arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty, or age ≥70 years. Rates of complications within 90 days of surgery were assessed. Five-year rates of secondary surgery-revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to total hip arthroplasty-were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and risk factors for secondary surgery were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 31,623 patients underwent primary hip arthroscopy from October 2015 to April 2021, with annual volumes ranging from 5,340 to 6,343 surgeries per year. Femoroplasty was the most frequent surgical procedure (performed in 81.1% of surgical encounters), followed by labral repair (72.6%) and acetabuloplasty (33.0%). Ninety-day postoperative complication rates were low, with 1.28% of patients experiencing any complication. The 5-year secondary surgery rate was 4.9% (N = 915 patients). Multivariate logistic regression identified age <20 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.50; P < .001), female sex (OR 1.33; P < .001), class I obesity (body mass index 30-34.9: OR 1.30; P = .04), and class II/III obesity (body mass index ≥35.0: OR 1.29; P = .02) as independent predictors of secondary surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of primary hip arthroscopy, 90-day adverse events were low at 1.28%, and the 5-year secondary surgery rate was 4.9%. Age younger than 20 years, female sex, and obesity were risk factors for secondary surgery, suggesting the need for increased surveillance in these patient groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Acetabular Cartilage Lesions Predict Inferior Mid-Term Outcomes for Arthroscopic Labral Repair and Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of acetabular chondrosis at a minimum of 2 years following hip arthroscopy in patients undergoing labral repair and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2017, patients undergoing arthroscopic labral repair were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter hip arthroscopy registry. The registry was retrospectively queried for primary labral repair patients with complete 2-year outcomes and a Tonnis grade of less than 2. Patients were grouped according to severity of articular cartilage damage noted intraoperatively using the Beck classification system: none, low-grade (Grade 1 or 2), or high-grade (Grade 3 or 4) damage. A Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Dunn's test with Holm correction compared 2-year postoperative outcome scores of the iHOT-12 scale between groups. The proportion of patients in each cohort who achieved the clinically significant thresholds of the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), patient-acceptable symptom scale, and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models identified predictors of achieving clinical thresholds while controlling for demographic variation.

RESULTS

422 patients met inclusion criteria, from which 347 completed 2-year outcomes. All groups experienced improvement in iHOT-12 scores from baseline to follow-up (P < .001). iHOT-12 scores at follow-up were inferior for Low-Grade Damage and High-Grade Damage Groups relative to the No Damage Group (P = .04; P = .03). When accounting for age, body mass index, gender, and preoperative iHOT-12 scores in logistic regression models, the presence of high-grade lesions was a negative predictor for achieving SCB (OR [95% CI], 0.54 [0.29-0.96]) and low-grade lesions a negative predictor for achieving MCID (0.50 [0.27-0.92]. Among patients with high-grade lesions, there was no significant difference in 2-year iHOT-12 scores between those undergoing chondroplasty (n = 50) and those undergoing microfracture (n = 14) (P = .14).

CONCLUSIONS

Acetabular cartilage damage portends inferior patient-reported outcomes 2 years after primary labral repair and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. The presence of cartilage lesions was a negative predictor of individual achievement of several clinical thresholds.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Retrospective comparative cohort.

Symptom duration predicts inferior mid-term outcomes following hip arthroscopy

INTRODUCTION

Studies have demonstrated a negative relationship between the length of time with symptoms and patient-reported outcome measures in primary hip arthroscopy. Our aim was to expand the generalizability of this finding with a multi-center cohort.

METHODS

A multi-center hip arthroscopy registry was queried for patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy from 2014 to 2017. Patients were stratified according to whether pre-operative symptom duration exceeded two years or did not exceed two years. A Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed for differences in two year post-operative outcome scores. Logistic regression models analyzed the influence of symptom duration on achieving clinically meaningful thresholds (minimum clinically important difference, patient-acceptable symptom state, substantial clinical benefit) when controlling for baseline scores, age, BMI, and sex.

RESULTS

Seven hundred forty-four patients met the inclusion criteria, from which 620 had complete outcomes information. The mean ± SD 2-year iHOT-12 scores of patients with symptom duration greater than two years (69 ± 26) were significantly lower than patients with symptom duration less than two years (77 ± 23) (Dunn test, p < 0.001). Chronic duration of pain was a negative predictor of achieving iHOT-12 MCID (0.47 [0.31-0.72]), PASS (0.53 [0.37-0.76]), and SCB (0.67 [0.47-0.94]).

CONCLUSION

When controlling for differences in baseline demographic factors and pre-operative iHOT-12 scores, patients with chronic pain report poorer functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. These results suggest that chronic pain predicts inferior outcomes from primary hip arthroscopy and that surgical intervention at earlier time points may be beneficial in achieving better outcomes.

Labral Degeneration Predicts Inferior Mid-Term Outcomes in Hip Labral Repair: A Multicenter Comparative Analysis

PURPOSE

To analyze and compare the mid-term outcomes of hip arthroscopy for patients with and without labral degeneration from multiple orthopaedic centers. The purpose of this research is to develop an understanding of the impacts of labral degeneration on patient outcomes following arthroscopic treatment of labral tears.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter hip arthroscopy registry was queried for primary surgeries from January 2014 to October 2017 with completed 2-year International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12) reports. Patients were placed into cohorts based on the presence or absence of labral degeneration noted intraoperatively during hip arthroscopy. Degeneration was defined as yellowing, ossification, or calcification present in at least 50% of the labrum. Differences in baseline variation between groups were assessed with a Wilcoxon rank-sum test or χ² test. Two-year outcomes were assessed with iHOT-12. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted while controlling for age, body mass index, sex, and preoperative iHOT-12 scores to identify significant predictors of achieving the clinically significant thresholds of minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient-acceptable symptom scale.

RESULTS

In total, 735 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 613 had complete outcomes information. Relative to the control group, the labral degeneration group was significantly older (mean age 44 ± 11 years vs 33 ± 12 years; P < .01). Both groups experienced statistically significant improvement in iHOT-12 scores from baseline to final follow-up (P < .001); however, patients with labral degeneration reported inferior 2-year iHOT-12 scores when compared with patients without degeneration (P < .001). In the logistic regression models, labral degeneration was a significant negative predictor of achieving iHOT-12 minimal clinically important difference (odds ratio [OR] 0.47; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.28-0.79), patient acceptable symptom state (OR 0.50; 95 CI 0.32-0.77), and substantial clinical benefit (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.37-0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study conclude that patients with nondegenerative labral tissue at the time of repair have superior patient-reported outcomes at mid-term follow-up. The presence of labral degeneration was a negative predictor of achieving clinically significant thresholds after controlling for patient age, body mass index, sex, and baseline iHOT-12 scores.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Primary hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty: trends and survival analysis in the Medicare population

INTRODUCTION

With limited evidence on national incidences of hip arthroscopy in the elderly population, the current study aims to investigate trends of primary hip arthroscopies being performed in the elderly population, using the US Medicare database, and determine risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Medicare Standard Analytic Files were queried using CPT codes to retrieve records of primary hip arthroscopies done for degenerative pathology during 2005-2014. Overall and age-stratified trends in the incidence of hip arthroscopy over time were analysed. Kaplan Meier survival curves were used to assess the overall 2-year conversion rate to a THA. Cox regression analysis was implemented to study risk factors for conversion.

RESULTS

8100 primary hip arthroscopies for degenerative pathology were performed during 2005-2014. There was a 280% increase in overall incidence of arthroscopy. The most commonly performed arthroscopic procedure was for chondroplasty and/or resection of labrum, with 4712 (58.1%) procedures. Around 18.5% patients underwent arthroplasty within 2 years after primary arthroscopy. Following Cox regression an existing diagnosis of osteoarthritis, ages 65-69, ages 70-74, and arthroscopies done in the West were associated with higher risk of conversion to THA within 2 years. Undergoing a repeat arthroscopy was not significantly associated with a higher risk of conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite inconclusive clinical evidence, hip arthroscopies are being increasingly used in patients older than 65 in the Medicare population. We conclude that patients in the age bracket of 65-74 years and with a pre-existing diagnosis of osteoarthritis, arthroscopy should be approached with caution.

The Incidence of Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Labral Pathology Increased by 85% Between 2011 and 2018 in the United States

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of hip arthroscopy in patients with labral pathology in the United States from 2011-2018 using a large national database.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy from 2011-2018 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in the PearlDiver Patients Records Database (Colorado Springs, CO), which is a national database of orthopedic insurance records, including Medicare patients. The incidence of surgeries, age, and gender were all recorded. Groups were analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM, Armonk NY). CPT codes 29914/15/16 were introduced January 1, 2011 which is when we began our analysis. CPT-29999 and laterality were not assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 35,966 arthroscopies were identified between 2011 and 2018 from a randomly selected sample of 30 million orthopaedic patients from the PearlDiver Mariner dataset. The incidence increased by 85% from 2011 to 2018 (7.31 cases vs 13.54 cases per 100,000 patients). The distribution of the age of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy was bimodal with the mode of each peak at 18 years old and 42 years old, respectively. Females underwent surgery more frequently (67.9%) than males (32.1%). The most common CPT code for hip arthroscopy was 29914 (43.9) which corresponds to a hip arthroscopy with femoroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings corroborate those of previous studies and support the increase in incidence of hip arthroscopy in the United States. We indicate an overall increase of 85% from 2011 to 2018 and support previous trends, such as higher incidence of hip arthroscopy in women. Our study also supports a decreasing mean age for patients, likely due to improved diagnostics and surgeon familiarity and comfort with the procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Hip arthroscopy in osteoarthritis: Is it an option?

Arthritis of the hip is a degenerative disease characterised by pain and inflammation. It is common and most often affects middle-aged to older adults, with the definitive management being total hip replacement. Advances in the surgical techniques has brought about the popularity of hip preservation surgery in patients with pre-arthritic hip abnormalities, with a goal to prevent progression to early arthritis and subsequently prolong the need for arthroplasty. There is a large body of evidence correlating femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and the progression of osteoarthritis. Hip arthroscopy is a successful technique in the management of FAI and labral damage. There is, however, less evidence behind its use in those patients with established arthritic changes. After review of such evidence, we believe hip arthroscopy, and other hip preservation procedures, have a key role, and should be considered in the management of early hip arthritis. However, there is no role for such procedures in end-stage arthritis.

High Risk of Conversion to THA After Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Patients Older than 40 Years

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a recognized cause of hip pain and decreased quality of life and has been linked to primary idiopathic hip osteoarthritis (OA). Although the operative indications for FAI have expanded to include older patients, we do not know whether there is an increased risk of conversion to THA after femoroacetabular osteoplasty (FAO) via the mini-open approach for FAI in patients older than 40 years compared with younger patients, after controlling for other confounding variables.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) After matching for gender, BMI, preoperative symptomatic period, surgeon experience, Tönnis grade, and degree of chondral lesion, are patients older than 40 years who undergo FAO for FAI more likely to be revised to THA at a minimum of 2 years' follow-up than are patients younger than 40? (2) Is there a difference in delta (postoperative minus preoperative) improvement in functional outcome scores in those patients who did not go on to THA between patients older than and younger than 40 years?

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2017, one surgeon performed 281 FAOs via the mini-open approach in patients older than 40 years and 544 of the same procedure in patients younger than 40 years. During that period, the general indications for FAO were the same in both age groups: (1) history and physical exam consistent with FAI, (2) radiographic evidence of focal impingement (cam, pincer, or both), (3) evidence of labral or chondrolabral tears, and (4) minimal to no arthritic changes (all four criteria required). In general, age was not used as a contraindication for surgery. A total of 86% (241 of 281) of patients older than 40 and 91% (494 of 544) of those younger than 40 were available for minimum of 2 years' follow-up, had complete datasets (radiographs as well as preoperative and most recent patient-reported outcomes scores) at a minimum of 2 years after surgery, and were considered eligible for the match. Propensity score matching was used to match for BMI, gender, preoperative symptomatic period, surgeon experience, Tönnis grade, and degree of intraoperative chondral lesion. We matched at a 1:2 ratio 130 patients older than age 40 with 260 patients younger than age 40. The mean ± SD follow-up duration for both groups was 5 ± 2 years. The mean age of the cohort of interest was 47 ± 5 years compared with 28 ± 7 years in the control. Fifty-four percent (70 of 130) of patients older than 40 years were women and 46% (60 of 130) were men; for those younger than 40, 51% (133 of 260) of participants were women and 49% (127 of 260) were men. Tönnis grade distribution for patients older than 40 was as follows: 46% (60 of 130) had Grade 0, 42% (55 of 130) had Grade 1, and 12% (15 of 130) had Grade 2. In comparison, Tönnis grade for patients younger than 40 was as follows: 52% (136 of 260) had Grade 0, 38% (100 of 260) had Grade 1, and 9% (24 of 260) had Grade 2 (p = 0.49). Chondral lesion degree was determined intraoperatively as none, a partial-thickness tear, or a full-thickness tear. Tönnis grade was determined based on preoperative plain AP hip radiographs. We then compared the percentage of patients who converted to THA during the surveillance period (our primary study outcome). We also compared the difference in delta (preoperative minus postoperative) improvement in functional outcome scores using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) between the groups, excluding those who had already been converted to THA.

RESULTS

In patients older than 40 years, 16% (21 of 130) converted to THA at a mean time to conversion of 2 ± 1 years compared with 7% (17 of 260) at a mean time of 2 ± 2 years in patients younger than 40 years (p = 0.01). At a mean of 5 ± 2 years after FAO, among those patients who had not undergone conversion to THA, the mean delta mHHS score for patients older than 40 was 11 ± 17, compared with 20 ± 26 for patients younger than 40 (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Since approximately 1 in 6 patients older than 40 years in this series who underwent FAO for FAI opted for early conversion to THA at a mean time of 2 years after the osteoplasty procedure, and the remaining patients who did not undergo THA reported lower improvement in functional outcomes, we recommend surgeons avoid this procedure in patients in this age group until or unless we can better refine our indications. This is especially true because loss to follow-up causes us to believe that, if anything, our estimates of the risk of conversion to THA are conservative.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Hip arthroscopy versus total hip arthroplasty in patients above 40 differences: outcome and residual complain

This study aimed to compare patient outcomes and residual complains after hip arthroscopy (HAS) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) to improve patient counseling. It includes 140 hips/129 HAS-patients and 77 hips/62 THA-patients aged 40 to 55 years with a BMI under 30. All patients underwent primary HAS or primary THA in our hospital from 2007 until 2014. Exclusion criteria were a history of prior hip surgery or suffering sequels of childhood's hip disease, systemic inflammatory disease or avascular hip osteonecrosis. Outcome measures were WOMAC, subjective hip value, residual complains, the need of infiltrations and the complication and conversion rate. Patient data and scores were collected pre-operative, after one year and at the last follow-up. Scores indicated significant patient benefits in both groups (p < 0.0001). Variability of outcome was significantly higher and less predictable in the HAS group (HAS: 1.9 vs. THA: 0.9). While THA showed significant improvement mainly after one year, HAS showed significant improvements after one year and the latest follow-up. Residual complains were more frequent after HAS (p = 0.026). Groin pain was the main complain after HAS, limping and disturbing leg length discrepancy after THA. THA more predictably improves patient's outcome with shorter recovery time. Limping and leg length discrepancy are predominant after THA.

Validity of direct magnetic resonance arthrogram in patients with femoroacetabular impingement and their outcome post hip arthroscopy

Femoroacetabular Impingement is an established cause of labral tears and chondral delamination. The aim was to test the validity of direct magnetic resonance arthrogram [dMRA] in the diagnosis of the same. We also looked at the short term functional outcome in these patients post hip arthroscopy. The dMRA is valuable in diagnosing labral tears nevertheless poor in detecting cartilage delamination. Hip arthroscopic intervention provided a good short-term functional outcome; however, should be offered with caution in patients over 40 years. To our knowledge, this is the single largest series published with similar methodology.