Comorbidities in the first 2 years after arthroscopic hip surgery: substantial increases in mental health disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse and cardiometabolic conditions

Self-defined former smokers consume the highest opioid quantities following knee and shoulder arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors associated with increased postoperative opioid consumption and inferior pain outcomes following knee and shoulder arthroscopy.

METHODS

Using the data set from the NonOpioid Prescriptions after Arthroscopic Surgery in Canada (NO PAin) trial, eight prognostic factors were chosen a priori to evaluate their effect on opioid consumption and patient-reported pain following arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery. The primary outcome was the number of oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) consumed at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The secondary outcome was patient-reported postoperative pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. A multivariable linear regression was used to analyse these outcomes with eight prognostic factors as independent variables.

RESULTS

Tobacco usage was significantly associated with higher opioid usage at 2 (p < 0.001) and 6 weeks (p = 0.02) postoperatively. Former tobacco users had a higher 2-week (p = 0.002) and cumulative OME (p = 0.002) consumption compared to current and nonsmokers. Patients with a higher number of comorbidities (p = 0.006) and those who were employed (p = 0.006) reported higher pain scores at 6 weeks. Patients in the 'not employed/other' category had significantly lower pain scores at 6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

Former smoking status was significantly associated with increased post-operative opioid consumption following knee and shoulder arthroscopy at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Increased pain was found to be significantly associated with employment status and an increasing number of comorbidities at 6 weeks postoperatively. These findings can aid clinicians in identifying and mitigating increased opioid utilization as well as worse pain outcomes in high-risk patient populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, cohort study.

Perioperative Sleep Disturbance in Surgical Patients: A Concept Analysis

To investigate and define the concept of perioperative sleep disturbance (PSD) among surgical patients, with the goal of aiding clinical practice and research. Walker and Avant's eight-step approach of concept analysis was applied. A systematic search of English literature was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL, with a time restriction from 2010 to August 2023. Based on the 54 eligible studies, the attributes of PSD in surgical patients were identified as individualized symptom manifestation, difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep, and altered sleep patterns. The antecedents included poor psychological state, inaccurate perception, surgery and/or anesthesia-related physiological changes, and environmental interference. PSD in surgical patients was found to result in physical discomfort, psychological disorder, impaired neurocognitive function, and prolonged recovery. A clearly defined and distinguishable concept of PSD in surgical patients was achieved through concept analysis, which provides a conceptual basis for future development in both clinical practice and related research.

Will you get what you want? Treatment goals and expectations of patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome regarding physiotherapist-led treatment

OBJECTIVE: To (i) investigate the goals and expectations of participants enrolled in a clinical trial of physiotherapist-led treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and (ii) explore associations between their expectations and self-reported hip burden and kinesiophobia. METHODS: Data from 150 participants with FAI syndrome who participated in a clinical trial were analysed. Participants described their most important treatment goal and the expectation of achieving this goal throughout physiotherapy treatment. The International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) subscales were used to assess self-reported hip burden. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was used to assess kinesiophobia. Participants goals were qualitatively analysed using content analysis. Linear regression was used to explore associations between patient expectations and iHOT and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores. RESULTS: Participants with FAI syndrome reported goals relating to exercise (52%), improving activities of daily living quality (23%), improving physical function (15%), and reducing pain (10%). Negative expectations regarding physiotherapist-led treatment were reported by 68% of participants. Those with negative expectations reported worse scores for the iHOT-Total score (mean difference = 12 points, 95%CI = [4 to 19]), and iHOT-Symptoms (14 points, [7 to 21]) and iHOT-Social (11 points, [2 to 21]) subscales compared to those with positive expectations. Treatment expectations were not associated with iHOT-Sport, iHOT-Job, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with FAI syndrome had a generally negative expectation of physiotherapist-led treatment. There was a mismatch between patients' goals and current treatment approaches. Participants with FAI syndrome and negative expectations reported worse quality of life, symptoms, and social concerns than those with positive expectations.

What are participant beliefs regarding physical therapy led treatment? A qualitative study of people living with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

BACKGROUND

Physical therapist-led treatment programs are recommended for patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. Views of people with FAI syndrome regarding such interventions are currently unknown, including perceptions of potential barriers and facilitators to participation and adherence to exercise programs.

OBJECTIVES

To explore participant perceptions of physical therapist-led programs for FAI syndrome, including barriers and facilitators for accessing physical therapy, and adhering to a rehabilitation program.

METHODS

Our qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the perceptions of patients with FAI syndrome undertaking physical therapy-led treatment, where treatment was ceased due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The interview topic guide was informed by the Theoretical Domain Framework. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data categories were developed using inductive thematic analysis. Themes were discussed between researchers until consensus was reached.

RESULTS

Fourteen participants (mean age: 30 years) with a range of physical activity backgrounds undertook interviews. We identified four key themes, 1) Patients believed their hip pain was caused by structural damage worsened through exercise; 2) Barriers and facilitators on the feasibility of physical therapist-led programs; 3) Participants held beliefs regarding the importance of adjunct treatments to exercise; and 4) Impact of FAI syndrome on physical activity participation.

CONCLUSION

People with FAI syndrome believe they have structural damage which leads to their hip pain and are often afraid to exercise due to fear of causing more damage to their hip. Our findings suggest that people with FAI syndrome want clear education about exercise, imaging, and expectations of cost and duration of treatment.

Are We Able to Determine Differences in Outcomes Between Male and Female Servicemembers Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy? A Systematic Review

Background:

Female servicemembers sustain higher rates of lower extremity injuries as compared with their male counterparts. This can include intra-articular pathology in the hip. Female patients are considered to have worse outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and for hip labral repair.

Purpose:

To (1) compare published rates of hip arthroscopy between male and female military servicemembers and (2) determine if there are any sex-based differences in outcomes after hip arthroscopy in the military.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We reviewed the literature published from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2020, to identify studies in which hip arthroscopy was performed in military personnel. Clinical trials and cohort studies were included. The proportion of women within each cohort was identified, and results of any between-sex analyses were reported.

Results:

Identified were 11 studies that met established criteria. Studies included 2481 patients, 970 (39.1%) of whom were women. Surgery occurred between January 1998 and March 2018. Despite women accounting for approximately 15% of the active-duty military force, they represented 39.1% (range, 25.7%-57.6%) of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. In most cases, there were no differences in self-reported outcomes (pain, disability, and physical function), return to duty, or medical disability status based on sex.

Conclusion:

Women account for approximately 15% of the military, but they made up 40% of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. Outcomes were not different between the sexes; however, definitive conclusions were limited by the heterogeneity of outcomes, missing data, lack of sex-specific subgroup analyses, and zero studies with sex differences as the primary outcome. A proper understanding of sex-specific outcomes after hip arthroscopy will require a paradigm shift in the design and reporting of trials in the military health system.

Does Surgery for Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus Injury Increase the Risk of Comorbidities at 2 Years in the Military System?

This study aims to determine whether surgery for cruciate ligament (anterior or posterior) or meniscus injury increased risks of subsequent comorbidities in beneficiaries of the Military Health System. The study was a retrospective case-control design in which individuals with cruciate or meniscus injuries were divided into two groups (surgery or none). Data were pulled 12 months prior and 24 months following each respective event and presence of comorbidities were compared between the two groups. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to determine if surgery increased the odds of comorbidities. Participants included 1,686 with a cruciate ligament injury (30.1% treated surgically) and 13,146 with a meniscus injury (44.4% treated surgically). Bivariate comparisons of surgery versus nonsurgical treatment found multiple significant differences. After adjusting for covariates, a significant (p < 0.05) protective effect was seen only for meniscus surgery for concussion, insomnia, other mental health disorders, depression, and substance abuse. Surgery had no increased/decreased risk of comorbidities for cruciate ligament injuries. For meniscus injuries, surgery demonstrated a protective effect for six of the comorbidities we assessed. The treatment approach (surgery vs. nonsurgical) did not change the risk of comorbidities in those with a cruciate ligament injury. It is noteworthy that three of the six comorbidities involved mental health disorders. Although the study design does not allow for determination of causation, these findings should compel future prospective study designs that could confirm these findings.

High incidence of acute self-reported sleep disturbances in patients following arthroscopic-assisted knee surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the self-reported incidence of sleep disturbances, defined as ≤7 hours of sleep per 24-hour period, in patients undergoing arthroscopic-assisted knee surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery over the course of a 4-month period were prospectively included. Patients were excluded if a history of insomnia or other sleep altering medical history was reported. Self-reported sleep metrics included average number of hours of sleep per night, average number of awakenings during sleep per night, perceived quality of sleep, average pain level during sleep and number of hours of physical activity/therapy per week. Data were collected at weeks 1, 3, and 6 postoperatively. Joint circumference was measured on postoperative day 1 and served as an indicator of a knee effusion. Paired t-tests were used to compare preoperative to postoperative hours of sleep. Simple and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate relationships between surgical variables and postoperative sleep metrics.

RESULTS

There were 123 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the prospective enrolment period; 83 patients were included in the final analysis. The overall incidence of preoperative sleep disturbances was 20% (n=17). The overall incidence of self-reported postoperative sleep disturbances was 99%, 96% and 90% at weeks 1, 3 and 6, respectively. The average number of hours slept was significantly reduced at 1, 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively compared with the preinjury state (p<0.001). Knee joint circumference had a significantly negative correlation with average number of hours of sleep in the first 6 weeks postoperatively (R=-0.704; p=0.001). Surgical variables including severity of surgery, weekly postoperative pain level and weekly hours of postoperative physical therapy were not significant independent predictors of acute postoperative sleep disturbances (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sleep disturbances were commonly reported in patients following arthroscopic knee surgery without correction of sleep metrics by 6 weeks postoperatively. The majority of sleep disturbances in this cohort correlated with an increased knee effusion. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended to counsel patients regarding the potential for and problems with acute sleep disturbances following arthroscopic knee surgery.Level of evidence: 3.

Perioperative Sleep Disorder: A Review

Patients in the perioperative period usually present with different types and degrees of sleep disorders, which can severely affect their post-operative outcomes. Multiple risk factors may lead to the occurrence of perioperative sleep disorders, including personal factors, psychological factors, surgery factors, and environmental factors. In this review, we summarize the potential risk factors for perioperative sleep disorders during hospitalization. And it also provides an overview of perioperative outcomes and potential therapeutic prevention of perioperative sleep disorders. However, the further search is necessary to investigate the effectiveness and safety of preventions in the clinical practice and push forward the therapies.

Functional improvement in hip pathology is related to improvement in anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing: an intricate link between physical and mental well-being

Background

Pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression are risk factors for poor functional outcomes and worse post-treatment pain that can be treated alongside physical care given to orthopedic patients. While these factors have been shown to be common in patients with hip pathology, there is limited literature that follows these conditions throughout treatment. The purpose of this study was to track psychological factors in patients with various hip pathology to determine if they improved alongside functional measures following treatment.

Methods

Patients presenting to a specialist hip clinic were prospectively evaluated for outcomes of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and hip function. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were undertaken: Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, the Hip Outcome Survey, and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Patient characteristics were recorded. A correlation analysis, using the Spearman partial correlation coefficient (r_s), was conducted to evaluate the relationship between change in psychological factors with change in functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 201 patients (78 male, 123 female) with a mean age of 53.75 ± 18.97 years were included, with diagnoses of hip dysplasia (n = 35), femoroacetabular impingement (n = 35), lateral trochanteric pain syndrome (n = 9), osteoarthrosis (n = 109), and avascular necrosis of the hip (n = 13). Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between change in function level (as measured by HOOS ADL) and change in pain catastrophizing (r_s = − 0.373, p < 0.0001), depression (r_s = − 0.363, p < 0.0001), and anxiety (r_s = − 0.264, p = 0.0002). Pain catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety improved with function. Spearman correlation coefficients also revealed that pain catastrophizing, HADS anxiety, and HADS depression improved with improvement in other patient-reported functional outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients with hip pathology often exhibit pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression, but improvements in hip functionality are associated with decreased severity of these psychological comorbidities. Exploring this connection demonstrates the correlation between musculoskeletal impairment and psychosocial outcomes and mental health. Perioperative multidisciplinary assessment may be a beneficial part of comprehensive orthopaedic hip care.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04001-5.

The Risk of Prior Opioid Exposure on Future Opioid Use and Comorbidities in Individuals With Non-Acute Musculoskeletal Knee Pain

Objectives

Due to their potentially deleterious effects, minimizing the use of opioids for musculoskeletal pain is a priority for healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of future opioid prescription use based on prior opioid use within a non-surgical cohort with musculoskeletal knee pain. We also examined the risk of pre-existing comorbidities on future opioid use, and the risk of prior opioid use on future comorbidities (sleep, mental health, cardiometabolic disorders).

Methods

Data came from the Military Health System Data Repository for 80 290 consecutive beneficiaries with an initial episode of care for patellofemoral pain from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011. Risk was calculated using 2 × 2 tables based on pre- and post-opioid utilization and comorbid diagnosis. Risk ratios, relative and absolute risk increases, and numbers needed to harm were calculated, all with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Prior opioid use resulted in a risk ratio of 18.0 (95 CI 17.1, 19.0) and an absolute risk increase of 61.6% for future opioid use (numbers needed to harm = 2). The presence of all comorbidities (except cardiometabolic syndrome) were associated with a significant relative risk for future opioid use (RR range 1.2-1.5), but the absolute risk increase was trivial (range 0.7%-2.2%). The relative risk for a chronic pain diagnosis, traumatic brain injury/concussion, insomnia, depression, and PTSD were all significantly higher in those with prior opioid use (1.3-1.6), but absolute risk increase was minimal (1.1%-6.5%).

Discussion

Prior opioid use was a strong risk factor for future opioid use in non-surgical patients with knee pain. These findings show that history of prior opioid use is important when assessing the risk of future opioid use, whereas prior comorbidities may not be as important. Opioid history assessment should be standard practice for all patients with patellofemoral pain in whom an opioid prescription is considered.

The Effect of Psychological Impairment on Outcomes in Patients With Prearthritic Hip Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have suggested that mental health disorders negatively affect postoperative outcomes in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, the outcome measures reported and the effect sizes have varied. Furthermore, it is unknown whether similar effects are present in young adults with other hip disorders such as acetabular dysplasia.

PURPOSE

To synthesize current evidence regarding the effect of baseline psychological impairment on postintervention outcomes in patients with prearthritic hip disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

In February 2019, the Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for longitudinal studies that evaluated the effect of baseline psychological impairment (such as depression or anxiety) on a postintervention clinical outcome in patients with prearthritic hip disorders including FAI, acetabular dysplasia, and/or acetabular labral tears. Descriptive measures of study quality and bias were recorded, and studies that reported statistically comparable outcomes were analyzed in meta-analyses through use of random effects models.

RESULTS

We identified 12 eligible studies, all of which specifically evaluated patients with FAI after hip arthroscopy. No eligible studies described patients with acetabular dysplasia. Of the included studies, 8 studies reported odds ratios (ORs). The other 4 studies reported mean postoperative scores on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), all of which were scored from 0 to 100, with higher numbers being favorable. Patients with psychological impairment were less likely to achieve a favorable outcome after arthroscopy (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.88; P < .001), and they reported worse postoperative PROM scores compared with nonimpaired patients (weighted mean difference, -20.2 points; 95% CI, -32.9 to -7.5; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Baseline psychological impairment is associated with clinically significantly worse outcomes in patients with femoroacetabular impingement who undergo hip arthroscopy. More standardized reporting would facilitate improved understanding of this important, potentially modifiable risk factor.

REGISTRATION

CRD42019124836 (PROSPERO).

Physical therapy management of a patient with persistent groin pain after total hip arthroplasty and iliopsoas tenotomy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hip impingement syndrome can occur after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Nonoperative treatment is inconsistently recommended, and surgical options include iliopsoas tenotomy. The current case report describes the unique case of a patient with persistent groin pain after THA and iliopsoas tenotomy.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The 72-year-old male had persistent groin pain after right THA and an unsuccessful iliopsoas tenotomy. He had pain and limited right hip range of motion during active and passive hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Treatment consisted of high-grade joint mobilization to improve the range of motion of the right hip and an exercise program.

OUTCOMES

The patient was treated for six visits over 3 weeks. Clinically important improvements were noted in pain, function, and perceived level of improvement. Pain during hip flexion improved on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and function improved on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Improvements in the range of motion and strength were also observed. At 6-month follow-up, he reported maintenance of improvements.

DISCUSSION

Joint mobilization and exercise were effective for improving range of motion, groin pain, and function in a patient with a 4-year history of persistent groin pain after THA and subsequent iliopsoas tenotomy.

Mismatch between expectations and physical activity outcomes at six months following hip-arthroscopy: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors influencing participation in physical activity for young to middle-aged patients at six months post-hip arthroscopy.

DESIGN

Qualitative study.

SETTING

Three specialist surgical centres in Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventeen adults aged 18-50 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken and transcribed verbatum. Inductive analysis of the data was undertaken, with themes identified through an iterative coding process.

RESULTS

Four key themes emerged from the analysis: 1) an evident mismatch between expectations and actual progress of physical activity during the first six months post-arthroscopy; 2) physical activity levels vary widely at six months post-operatively; 3) evidence of suboptimal psychological readiness to return to sport and an associated emotional toll; and 4) the influence of available support and information on post-operative physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study has provided in-depth perspectives on recovery after hip arthroscopy. Clear opportunities exist to: 1) help patients develop realistic post-operative goals; 2) provide timely patient education and support; and 3) facilitate an effective transition to desired physical activity.

Location of Intra- and Extra-articular Hip Impingement Is Different in Patients With Pincer-Type and Mixed-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement Due to Acetabular Retroversion or Protrusio Acetabuli on 3D CT-Based Impingement Simulation

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of hips with different types of pincer femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), such as protrusio acetabuli and acetabular retroversion, remain controversial because actual 3-dimensional (3D) acetabular coverage and location of impingement cannot be studied via standard 2-dimensional imaging. It remains unclear whether pincer hips exhibit intra- or extra-articular FAI.

PURPOSE

(1) To determine the 3D femoral head coverage in these subgroups of pincer FAI, (2) determine the impingement-free range of motion (ROM) through use of osseous models based on 3D-computed tomography (CT) scans, and (3) determine the osseous intra-and extra-articular 3D impingement zones by use of 3D impingement simulation.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, comparative, controlled study involving 70 hips in 50 patients. There were 24 patients (44 hips) with symptomatic pincer-type or mixed-type FAI and 26 patients (26 hips) with normal hips. Surface models based on 3D-CT scans were reconstructed and compared for hips with acetabular retroversion (30 hips), hips with protrusio acetabuli (14 hips), and normal asymptomatic hips (26 hips). Impingement-free ROM and location of impingement were determined for all hips through use of validated 3D collision detection software based on CT-based 3D models. No abnormal morphologic features of the anterior iliac inferior spine were detected.

RESULTS

(1) Mean total femoral head coverage was significantly (P < .001) increased in hips with protrusio acetabuli (92% ± 7%) and acetabular retroversion (71% ± 5%) compared with normal hips (66% ± 6%). (2) Mean flexion was significantly (P < .001) decreased in hips with protrusio acetabuli (104°± 9°) and acetabular retroversion (116°± 6°) compared with normal hips (125°± 13°). Mean internal rotation in 90° of flexion was significantly (P < .001) decreased in hips with protrusio acetabuli (16°± 12°) compared with normal hips (35°± 13°). (3) The prevalence of extra-articular subspine impingement was significantly (P < .001) higher in hips with acetabular retroversion (87%) compared with hips with protrusio acetabuli (14%) and normal hips (0%) and was combined with intra-articular impingement. The location of anterior impingement differed significantly (P < .001) between hips with protrusio acetabuli and normal hips.

CONCLUSION

Using CT-based 3D hip models, we found that hips with pincer-type and mixed-type FAI have significantly larger femoral head coverage and different osseous ROM and location of impingement compared with normal hips. Additionally, intra- and extra-articular subspine impingement was detected predominantly in hips with acetabular retroversion. Acetabular rim trimming during hip arthroscopy or open surgical hip dislocation should be performed with caution for these hips. Patient-specific analysis of location of impingement using 3D-CT could theoretically improve diagnosis and planning of surgical treatment.

Sleep quality and nocturnal pain in patients with femoroacetabular impingement and acetabular dysplasia

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and acetabular dysplasia (AD) are common pathologies that lead to pain in the young adult hip. Nocturnal pain in these patients is often reported, yet little is known regarding the effect of these hip pathologies on overall sleep quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sleep quality in patients with AD and FAI syndrome.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 115 patients who complained of hip pain secondary to either FAI syndrome or AD. One hundred fifteen patients with hip pain secondary to FAI syndrome and AD were assessed using the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and then Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Multiple linear regression, with adaptive LASSO variable selection, was used to assess factors associated with sleep quality.

Results

Of the 115 patients, 62 had a diagnosis of FAI syndrome and 53 with AD. The mean age was 34.55 ± 11.66 (age range: 14 to 58 years), 76.52% had an ASA classification of 1 (ASA range: 1 to 3), and all Tonnis grades were either 0 or 1. The mean PSQI global score for all patients was 8.46 ± 4.35 (PSQI range: 0 to 21), indicating poor sleep quality. The adaptive LASSO-penalized least squares multiple linear regression revealed that HOOS Pain, SF-12 Role Emotional, and SF-12 Mental Health significantly predicted Sleep Quality (Adjusted R2 = 0.4041). Sleep quality improved as pain, emotional problems, and mental health improved.

Conclusion

Patients with symptomatic FAI syndrome and AD have poor sleep quality. Worsening pain from a patient’s hip pathology is associated with poor sleep, even prior to the onset of osteoarthrosis of the hip. Patients presenting with hip pain from FAI syndrome and AD should be screened for sleep disturbance and may benefit from a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Utility of catastrophizing, body symptom diagram score and history of opioid use to predict future health care utilization after a primary care visit for musculoskeletal pain

BACKGROUND

Self-report information about pain and pain beliefs are often collected during initial consultation for musculoskeletal pain. These data may provide utility beyond the initial encounter, helping provide further insight into prognosis and long-term interactions of the patient with the health system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if pain catastrophizing and pain-related body symptoms can predict future health care utilization.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study. Baseline data were collected after receiving initial care for a musculoskeletal disorder in a multidisciplinary clinic within a large military hospital. Subjects completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, a region-specific disability measure, numeric pain rating scale and a body symptom diagram. Health care utilization data for 1 year prior and after the visit were extracted from the Military Health System Data Repository. Multivariable regression models appropriate for skewed and count data were developed to predict (i) musculoskeletal-specific medical visits, (ii) 12-month opioid use, (iii) musculoskeletal-specific medical costs and (iv) total medical costs. We investigated whether a pain catastrophizing × body symptom diagram interaction improved prediction, and developed separate models for opioid-naïve individuals and those with a history of opioid use in an exploratory analysis.

RESULTS

Pain catastrophizing but not body symptom diagram was a significant predictor of musculoskeletal visits, musculoskeletal costs and total medical costs. Exploratory analyses suggest these relationships are most robust for patients with a history of opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain catastrophizing can identify risk of high health care utilization and costs, even after controlling for common clinical variables. Addressing pain catastrophizing in the primary care setting may help to mitigate future health care utilization and costs, while improving clinical outcomes. These results provide direction for future validation studies in larger and more traditional primary care settings.

Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (Propensity Score) using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index

When randomized controlled trials are not feasible, retrospective studies using big data provide an efficient and cost-effective alternative, though they are at risk for treatment selection bias. Treatment selection bias occurs in a non-randomized study when treatment selection is based on pre-treatment characteristics that are also associated with the outcome. These pre-treatment characteristics, or confounders, can influence evaluation of a treatment's effect on the outcome. Propensity scores minimize this bias by balancing the known confounders between treatment groups. There are a few approaches to performing propensity score analyses, including stratifying by the propensity score, propensity matching, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Described here is the use of IPTW to balance baseline comorbidities in a cohort of patients within the US Military Health System Data Repository (MDR). The MDR is a relatively optimal data source, as it provides a contained cohort in which nearly complete information on inpatient and outpatient services is available for eligible beneficiaries. Outlined below is the use of the MDR supplemented with information from the national death index to provide robust mortality data. Also provided are suggestions for using administrative data. Finally, the protocol shares an SAS code for using IPTW to balance known confounders and plot the cumulative incidence function for the outcome of interest.

Editorial Commentary: A Commentary on a Meta-analysis of Short-Term Outcomes

Hip pain is prevalent and costly, and young patients with hip femoroacetabular impingement have similar levels of pain and quality of life to older patients with hip osteoarthritis. Hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement is increasing in prevalence, and the benefits of operative treatment compared with nonoperative treatment require consideration. Hip arthroscopy should not be a first-line treatment but can be necessary in cases in which high-quality, exercise-based nonsurgical treatment options have been exhausted. Patients should be informed that surgery is not necessarily cost-effective and may have an increased risk of comorbidities such as chronic pain and insomnia. Patient-reported outcomes may improve by up to 20% with either surgery or physical therapy but are not likely to return to those seen in patients without hip pain. Although most patients return to sport after hip arthroscopy, the ability to participate at a preinjury level is seen in fewer than a quarter of patients. Return-to-sport rates with physiotherapist-led nonoperative treatment are not known.

Physiotherapist-led treatment for young to middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain: consensus recommendations from the International Hip-related Pain Research Network, Zurich 2018

The 1st International Hip-related Pain Research Network meeting discussed four prioritised themes concerning hip-related pain in young to middle-aged adults: (1) diagnosis and classification of hip-related pain; (2) patient-reported outcome measures for hip-related pain; (3) measurement of physical capacity for hip-related pain; (4) physiotherapist-led treatment for hip-related pain. Thirty-eight expert researchers and clinicians working in the field of hip-related pain attended the meeting. This manuscript relates to the theme of physiotherapist-led treatments for hip-related pain. A systematic review on the efficacy of physiotherapist-led interventions for hip-related pain (published separately) was conducted and found that strong evidence for physiotherapist-led treatments was lacking. Prior to the meeting, draft consensus recommendations for consideration in the meeting were also developed based on the systematic review. The draft consensus recommendations were presented to all of the meeting participants via email, at least 1 week prior to the meeting. At the meeting, these recommendations were discussed, revised and voted on. Six recommendations for clinical practice and five recommendations for research were included and all gained consensus. Recommendations for clinical practice were that (i) Exercise-based treatments are recommended for people with hip-related pain. (ii) Exercise-based treatment should be at least 3 months duration. (iii) Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation after hip surgery should be undertaken. (iv) Patient-reported outcome measures, measures of physical impairment and measures of psychosocial factors should be used to monitor response to treatment. (v) Physical activity (that may include sport) is recommended for people with hip-related pain. (vi) Clinicians should discuss patient expectations, use shared-decision making and provide education. Recommendations for research were (i) Reporting of exercise programmes: Exercise descriptors such as load magnitude, number of repetitions and sets, duration of whole programme, duration of contractile element of exercise, duration of one repetition, time under tension, rest between repetitions, range of motion through which the exercise is performed, and rest between exercise sessions should be reported. (ii) Research should investigate the optimal frequency, intensity, time, type, volume and progression of exercise therapy. (iii) Research should examine the effect of patient education in people with hip-related pain. (iv) Research should investigate the effect of other treatments used in people with hip-related pain (for example: manual therapy, medications, injections). (v) Research should examine the impact of comorbidities and social determinants on treatment effectiveness in people with hip-related pain. Clinicians and researchers working with young to middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain may use these consensus recommendations to guide, develop, test and implement individualised, evidence-based physiotherapist-led rehabilitation programmes.

Short-term Response to Treatment Targeting the Thoracolumbar Junction in Patients With Hip Pain: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

In patients presenting with hip and groin symptoms, evaluation and treatment of the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) may be underutilized. The TLJ is less recognized as a source of pain referral in these regions. The purpose of this case series was to describe the management of 3 patients with primary hip and groin pain who were treated with interventions targeting the TLJ.

DIAGNOSIS

The 3 patients in this case series presented with subacute or chronic complaints of hip and groin pain that had failed to resolve with typical treatments. They had undergone several inconclusive clinical testing procedures. Each patient underwent a detailed physical therapy evaluation and was found to have pain and mobility deficits at the TLJ. Once the therapist had determined that the patients' symptoms were likely of musculoskeletal origin, treatment commenced. Joint mobilization and exercise directed at the TLJ were used in each case. Marked improvements in pain, thoracic range of motion, and functional deficits were observed within 3 to 4 weeks, after an average of 6 treatment sessions. All patients returned to prior activity levels. Patients in cases 1 and 3 had improvements in hip mobility and strength without direct treatment to the hip.

DISCUSSION

This case series describes the management of 3 patients with hip and groin symptoms who were successfully treated with interventions targeting the TLJ. In patients reporting primary hip or groin pain, physical therapists should consider the TLJ as a potential source of symptoms and include treatment strategies directed at the TLJ, as warranted, after a careful examination and clinical-reasoning process.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Differential diagnosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(8):611-619. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8309.