Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Military Population

The Impact of Anterior Pelvic Tilt on Return to Duty/Return to Run in Active Duty Personnel After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

INTRODUCTION

Annually, 300,000 soldiers are rendered medically nondeployable because of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs). Of this population, nearly 10,000 (3.3%) involve injuries to the hip. Factors related to these injuries impose significant healthcare, financial, and readiness burdens on the Army system, degrading overall mission readiness. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess for correlation between increased anterior pelvic tilt and a lower likelihood for return to duty/return to run (RTD/RTR) in active duty personnel who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), thus identifying increased anterior pelvic tilt as a potential prognostic indicator for RTD/RTR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-two active duty U.S. Army service members aged 18 years or older who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center from September 1, 2014, to September 1, 2019, were included. Utilizing a retrospective review of existing data, the amount of anterior pelvic tilt, as estimated on a presurgical weight-bearing anterior-posterior pelvis radiograph using the distance from the pubic symphysis to the transischial line, was measured and compared to postoperative RTD/RTR statuses, assessing for correlation.

RESULTS

The overall RTD rate was 39.1% with a 22.8% RTR rate. Only 6.5% (6/92) of subjects returned to full, unrestricted duty and running. Logistic regression analyses showed that individuals with increased anterior pelvic tilt (≥7°) were 2.6 times less likely to RTD and 2.9 times less likely to RTR compared to those with minimal or no anterior pelvic tilt (<7°) (respectively, odds ratio (OR) 2.619; 95% CI, 1.107-6.195; P = .029 and OR 2.897; 95% CI, 1.041-8.059; P = .042). Results support the study teams' hypothesis that increased anterior pelvic tilt is associated with a lower odds of RTD/RTR.

CONCLUSIONS

Statistical analysis confirmed the correlation between an increased amount of anterior pelvic tilt and a lower odds of RTD and RTR after hip arthroscopy for FAI in active duty U.S. Army personnel. This information can be used in patient counseling to better inform shared decision-making, provide more thorough informed consent, and help determine the optimal timing for surgical intervention, thus contributing to better stewardship of medical resources and decreasing the ever-growing financial healthcare burden. These findings will spur future research to consider the causes and optimal treatment of anterior pelvic tilt, positively impacting the culture of Army medicine by focusing on preventive and targeted treatments in order to preserve and grow the force.

Return to Duty in Military Service Members Following Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

INTRODUCTION

As the utilization of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion (SIJF) continues to expand, a better understanding of postoperative outcomes is needed, particularly in young and active individuals. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of this procedure in an active duty military population by examining return-to-duty (RTD) rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the electronic medical record from a tertiary military medical center was performed for active duty service members undergoing SIJF from January 2013 to January 2019. The primary outcome measured was RTD at 6 months, with active duty status at 1 year, last follow-up, and revision surgery as secondary outcomes. Demographic and surgical variables recorded included patient age, gender, military rank, utilization of navigation, and implant type.

RESULTS

Sixteen service members met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 40.5 ± 6.7 years. The mean follow-up after surgery was 24 ± 15 months. Patients received either cylindrical (n = 6) or triangular (n = 10) implants placed with (n = 6) or without (n = 10) navigation. Within 6 months of surgery, 56% of patients were able to RTD. Patients undergoing navigation-assisted procedures were significantly more likely to RTD at 6 months (100% vs. 30%, P = .011) compared to those undergoing surgery performed with orthogonal fluoroscopic imaging. Compared to those with cylindrical implants, patients with triangular implants were also more likely to RTD at 6 months (80% vs. 17%, P = .035).

CONCLUSIONS

Following SIJF, a small majority of service members were able to return to full active duty status by 6 months. Further studies are needed to assess the potential benefits of navigation and implant selection, as our retrospective review noted differences in outcomes based on these variables.

Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy Show No Differences Between Sexes: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To assess differences in postoperative outcomes between male and female patients following hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases were searched. Key words included "hip," "arthroscopy," "outcome," "gender difference," "sex difference," "gender," and "patient-reported outcome." Studies were included that reported sex-specific analysis of outcomes following primary hip arthroscopy with minimum 2-year follow-up. Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria were applied to each study. Data collected included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, rates of revision arthroscopy (RA), and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Forest plots were generated for the most frequently reported PROMs, RA, and THA rates.

RESULTS

In total, 38 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 40,194 (57% female) hips included. The most common indications for hip arthroscopy were femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. Eighteen studies reported PROMs, with no clear trend towards sex differences. Eleven studies reported on RA rates, with 4 showing a significantly greater rate of RA in female patients. Seventeen studies reported on conversion to THA, with an overall conversion rate of 9.64%. There were no clear sex differences in conversion to THA.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference between sexes for postoperative PROM scores. Male patients were less likely to reach the MCID for the HOS-SSS than female patients in the majority of studies, and there were no sex differences for PASS rates. There were no significant differences between sexes in revision arthroscopy rates and conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II, III and IV studies.

Arthroscopy Confers Excellent Clinical Outcomes in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) Patients Aged 50 Years and Above

OBJECTIVE

Hip preservation surgery has expanded to include treatment of hip pathology in elderly patients. Most data on efficacy of arthroscopy treatment in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has been generated from Western populations, while studies in the older Asian FAIS population are lacking. Here, we report efficacy of hip arthroscopy for treatment of Asian patients aged 50 years and above.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 775 hips that were treated arthroscopically for FAIS between 2016 and 2019. Patients with a history of hip surgery, contralateral surgery during the follow-up period, lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) <25°, Tӧnnis grade ≥2, and incomplete records were excluded. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), International Hip Outcome Tool 12-component form (iHOT-12), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were compared pre- and post-operation. We also recorded radiographic measures, intraoperative findings, procedures, complications, and subsequent surgical revisions. Finally, we correlated demographics with PRO improvement among the study group.

RESULTS

A total of 57 hips met the inclusion and exclusion requirements and were therefore included in the final analysis. After the follow-up period (3.3 years), most patients exhibited significantly higher PROs than preoperative values, HOS-ADL (65.0-81.7), iHOT-12 (44.3-69.1), mHHS (58.9-81.7), and VAS (5.8-2.2; all p < 0.001). Shorter symptom duration was significantly correlated with improved HOS-ADL (p = 0.015), and mHHS score (p = 0.022). The overall rate of complications and rate of revisions were 5.3% and 7.0%, respectively, and none of the patients required total hip arthroplasty (THA).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic surgery confers significant clinical outcomes in most FAIS patients in the Asian population who are aged 50 years and above. These benefits are accompanied by either a low revision rate or conversion to THA, while shorter symptom duration is positively correlated with improved HOS-ADL and mHHS scores.

The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Hip Surgical Disorders and Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To systematically review the associations between mental health and preoperative or postoperative outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines.

RESULTS

Nine studies were identified that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies assessing patient-reported outcomes found significantly lower patient-reported outcomes (modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sports-Specific Subscale, and International Hip Outcome Tool scores) related to worse mental health functioning before surgery. Specifically, preoperative Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living and Hip Outcome Score-Sports-Specific Subscale were significantly greater in control patients than patients in the mental health group by 11.6 points (mean difference; 95% confidence interval 7.58-15.79, P < .001) and 10 points (95% confidence interval 5.14-14.87, P < .001), without significant heterogeneity between studies (I² = 28.59, P = .25; I² = 0, P = .93), respectively. Patients with lower mental health status also had lower rates of achieving a minimal clinically important difference in 5 studies included in this review.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review finds consistent evidence supporting the association between negative psychological function and worse preoperative and postoperative outcomes for patients with hip disorders. Understanding both the effect of mental health on surgical outcomes and the potential benefits of psychological intervention may represent an opportunity to improve patient outcomes following hip arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Sex-Based Differences in Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

While sex-based differences in outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are often recorded, no studies have been dedicated to analyzing the literature as a whole.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether sex is a predictor of outcomes in studies evaluating hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Ovid, and PubMed Central databases for English-language studies that evaluated sex-specific outcomes in human populations. The search terms used were as follows: ("Hip Arthroscopy") AND ("Femoroacetabular Impingement" OR "FAI") AND ("Sex" OR "Gender" OR "Male" OR "Female"). Studies with evidence levels 2 through 4 were included. The studies were then screened, followed by data extraction. Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) outcomes and return-to-sport (RTS) rates were recorded. These were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was calculated using the I ² statistic.

RESULTS

Of 256 full-text articles screened, 48 articles were included in this analysis; of these, 14 studies (29%) concluded that female sex was a negative predictor of postoperative outcomes, while 6 studies (13%) found female sex to be positive predictor. The remaining 28 studies (58%) found no sex-based differences in postoperative outcomes. Of 7 studies (416 male and 519 female) included in the mHHS analysis, 2 studies concluded that male patients had significantly higher postoperative mHHS scores. Of 6 studies (502 male and 396 female) included in the RTS analysis, 1 study concluded that male patients had a significantly higher RTS rate.

CONCLUSION

Almost one-third of the included studies determined that female sex was a negative predictor of postoperative outcomes, 13% found female sex to be a positive predictor, and 58% found no sex-based differences. Our study illustrates an insufficiency of high-level evidence supporting sex-specific differences in outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery, but findings indicated that the postoperative mHHS score and RTS rate may be influenced by sex.

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

BACKGROUND

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

PURPOSE

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

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Low Back Pain, Psychiatric Disorders, and a Combination of Both Negatively Affect Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes in Servicemembers

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in athletes, including military servicemembers, has resulted in variable outcomes. The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and psychiatric disorders (PSYs) is high among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of LBP, PSYs, and the combination of both on outcomes in servicemembers treated arthroscopically for FAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Between April 2016 and June 2020, a total of 108 consecutive active-duty servicemembers underwent hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon at a single military medical center. Servicemembers were grouped according to the presence of preoperative LBP (Group LBP), a PSY (Group PSY), or both (Group Both), and outcomes were compared with those of servicemembers without these comorbidities (Group None). The minimum follow-up was 6 months. The primary outcome measure was return to duty (RTD). Secondary outcomes included the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) subscale, and Hip Outcome Score-Sports (HOS-S) subscale.

RESULTS

All servicemembers' final duty status was confirmed, with a mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 6 months-4.3 years). The prevalence of preoperative LBP and PSY was 27% and 39%, respectively. RTD was 59% (10/17) in Group LBP, 10% (3/30) in Group PSY, 0% (0/12) in Group Both, and 47% (23/49) in Group None. Compared with Group None, the risk of discontinuing military service was statistically higher in Group PSY (relative risk [RR], 1.70 [95% CI, 1.41-1.99]) and Group Both (RR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.62-2.15]) but not in Group LBP (RR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.15-1.40]). The mean preoperative secondary outcomes all significantly improved postoperatively in Group None (NAHS, 58 to 75 [P < .001]; HOS-ADL, 63 to 74 [P < .001]; HOS-S, 44 to 57 [P < .001]). Among the comorbid groups, the mean HOS-S did not significantly improve (Group LBP, 45 to 48 [P = .71]; Group PSY, 36 to 44 [P = .22]; Group Both 43 to 45 [P = .75]), and <50% of these servicemembers achieved HOS-S meaningful clinical benefit metrics.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative LBP, PSY, and a combination of both negatively affected outcomes after hip arthroscopy. Preoperative counseling is crucial in setting realistic outcome expectations.

Return to Work After Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy is a procedure commonly performed to correct various hip pathologies such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. These hip pathologies commonly affect young, otherwise healthy patients. The recovery after hip arthroscopy can prevent patients from returning to work and impair performance levels, having significant economic repercussions. To date, there has been no cumulative analysis of the existing literature on return to work after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the existing literature regarding return to work after hip arthroscopy and analysis of factors associated with the ability to return to work and time to return to work.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies assessing functional outcomes and return to work, including return to military duty, after hip arthroscopy were included. Patients' ability to return to work, as well as time to return, was compared between selected studies. Where available, workers' compensation status as well as type of work was compared. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, Version 22. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 1124 patients were included. Patients were followed for an average of 17.6 months. Using weighted means, the average rate of return to work was 71.35%, while full return to previous work duties was achieved at a rate of 50.89%. Modification to work duties was required at a rate of 15.48%. On average, the time to return to work was 115 days (range, 17-219 days). Rate of return by patients with workers' compensation status was found to be 85.15% at an average of 132 days (range, 37-211 days). Rate of return to work in workers performing professions reported as strenuous vs light (ie, mostly sedentary) jobs showed a statistically higher return to work in light professions (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41-0.69).

CONCLUSION

After hip arthroscopy, there is a high rate of return to work at an average of 115 days after surgery. However, full return to work was achieved by only half of patients upon final follow-up.

Periacetabular Osteotomy in United States Military Personnel: Results From an Interservice Hip Preservation Practice

Background:

Untreated or residual developmental dysplasia of the hip may cause significant morbidity. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) allows for surgical reorientation of the acetabulum but requires a significant recovery period. Because of the physical demands of active military service, hip dysplasia or its treatment with PAO may cause a significant impact on the careers of affected personnel.

Purpose:

To measure the impact of symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and its treatment with PAO on the physical readiness of personnel in the United States Armed Forces.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Records from an interservice hip-preservation practice were reviewed for all patients who underwent PAO while on active duty from January 2014 through April 2017. Collected information included branch of service, military occupation, preoperative duty restrictions related to the hip, and concomitant surgical procedures. Patients were evaluated for a minimum of 24 months and assessed for their time to return to duty, continued duty restrictions, and referrals to the medical evaluation board.

Results:

Twenty patients (15 female, 5 male) underwent a PAO while on active duty during the period assessed. The mean patient age at surgery was 25.9 years, and the mean follow-up was 3.3 years (range, 2.3-5.4 years). In the 6 months preceding surgery, 94% of the 17 patients with available records were on duty restrictions specific to their hip (14 temporary, 2 permanent). After PAO, 35% of patients (n = 7) returned to full duty and 85% were able to remain on active duty (n = 12) or complete their military service commitments (n = 5) without noted medical disability. Three patients were medically discharged after PAO, with 1 patient referred due to hip pathology.

Conclusion:

Acetabular dysplasia significantly affects physical readiness in affected servicemembers, with 94% requiring duty restrictions. PAO allowed 85% of patients to return to military service, and 1 in 3 were able to return to full duty.

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.

Is Self-reported Return to Duty an Adequate Indicator of Return to Sport and/or Return to Function in Military Patients?

BACKGROUND

In the military, return-to-duty status has commonly been used as a functional outcome measure after orthopaedic surgery. This is sometimes regarded similarly to return to sports or as an indicator of return to full function. However, there is variability in how return-to-duty data are reported in clinical research studies, and it is unclear whether return-to-duty status alone can be used as a surrogate for return to sport or whether it is a useful marker for return to full function.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty also returned to athletic participation as defined by self-reported level of physical activity? (2) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty reported other indicators of decreased function (such as nondeployability, change in work type or level, or medical evaluation board)?

METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative self-reported physical profile status (mandated physical limitation), physical activity status, work status, deployment status, military occupation specialty changes, and medical evaluation board status were retrospectively reviewed for all active-duty soldiers who underwent orthopaedic surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord from February 2017 to October 2018. Survey data were collected on patients preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in all subspecialty and general orthopaedic clinics. Patients were considered potentially eligible if they were on active-duty status at the time of their surgery and consented to the survey (1319 patients). A total of 89% (1175) were excluded since they did not have survey data at the 1 year mark. Of the remaining 144 patients, 9% (13) were excluded due to the same patient having undergone multiple procedures, and 2% (3) were excluded for incomplete data. This left 10% (128) of the original group available for analysis. Ninety-eight patients reported not having a physical profile at their latest postoperative visit; however, 14 of these patients also stated they were retired from the military, leaving 84 patients in the return-to-duty group. Self-reported "full-time duty with no restrictions" was originally used as the indicator for return to duty; however, the authors felt this to be too vague and instead used soldiers' self-reported profile status as a more specific indicator of return to duty. Mean length of follow-up was 13 ± 3 months. Eighty-three percent (70 of 84) of patients were men. Mean age at the preoperative visit was 35 ± 8 years. The most common surgery types were sports shoulder (n = 22) and sports knee (n = 14). The subgroups were too small to analyze by orthopaedic procedure. Based on active-duty status and requirements of the military profession, all patients were considered physically active before their injury or surgery. Return to sport was determined by asking patients how their level of physical activity compared with their level before their injury (higher, same, or lower). We identified the number of other indicators that may suggest decreased function by investigating change in work type/level, self-reported nondeployability, or medical evaluation board. This was performed with a simple survey.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients reporting return to duty at the final follow-up, 67% (56) reported an overall lower level of physical activity. Twenty-seven percent (23) reported not returning to the same work level, 32% (27) reported being nondeployable, 23% (19) reported undergoing a medical evaluation board (evaluation for medical separation from the military), and 11% (9) reported a change in military occupation specialty (change of job description).

CONCLUSION

Return to duty is commonly reported in military orthopaedics to describe postoperative functional outcome. Although self-reported return to duty may have value for military study populations, based on the findings of this investigation, surgeons should not consider return to duty a marker of return to sport or return to full function. However, further investigation is required to see to what degree this general conclusion applies to the various orthopaedic subspecialties and to ascertain how self-reported return to duty compares with specific outcome measures used for particular procedures and subspecialties.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Gender and Age-Specific Differences Observed in Rates of Achieving Meaningful Clinical Outcomes 5-Years After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To compare the impact of age and gender on achieving meaningful outcomes among minimum patients 5 years after undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS by a single fellowship-trained surgeon between January 2012 and October 2014 were analyzed. Study inclusion criteria included any patient undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with 5 years follow-up. Preoperative and 5-year postoperative functional scores were collected, including the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL), HOS-Sport Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and Visual Analog Scale for satisfaction. Patients were matched 1:1 by gender and age to compare outcomes between these 2 demographics. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) were calculated for each functional measure and compared by gender and age.

RESULTS

Of the 340 patients (70.5%) with 5 years' follow up, 150 were matched by gender and age into one of the following groups: female patients <30 years, female patients 30 to 45 years, female patients >45 years, male patients <30 years, male patients 30 to 45 years, and male patients >45 years of age. At minimum 5-year follow-up, all 6 groups demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the functional outcome score averages and pain (P < .001 for all). Both within gender and within age category analysis of postoperative functional scores did not demonstrate any statistical differences (P > .05). Analysis of achieving MCID and PASS demonstrated that females had higher rates of reaching the HOS-SS and mHHS threshold for achieving MCID as compared to their male counterparts (P < .05). Furthermore, patients <30 years old had higher rates of reaching the HOS-ADL and mHHS for achieving PASS when compared to patients >45 years old (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients achieve clinically significant outcome improvement at 5-year follow-up after arthroscopic FAIS surgery. Females reach the mHHS threshold for achieving MCID at significantly higher rates than males. Patients <30 years of age achieved PASS on the HOS-ADL and mHHS threshold scores at higher rates than those >45 years old.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control study.

Evaluation of outcome reporting trends for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome- a systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the trends in the literature regarding surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and to present which patient-reported outcome-measures (PROMs) and surgical approaches are included.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted with the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed on PubMed and Embase, covering studies from 1999 to 2020. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies with surgical treatment for FAIS, the use of PROMs as evaluation tool and studies in English. Exclusion criteria were studies with patients < 18 years, cohorts with < 8 patients, studies with primarily purpose to evaluate other diagnoses than FAIS and studies with radiographs as only outcomes without using PROMs. Data extracted were author, year, surgical intervention, type of study, level of evidence, demographics of included patients, and PROMs.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 2,559 studies, of which 196 were included. There was an increase of 2,043% in the number of studies from the first to the last five years (2004-2008)-(2016-2020). There were 135 (69%) retrospective, 55 (28%) prospective and 6 (3%) Randomized Controlled Trials. Level of evidence ranged from I-IV where Level III was most common (44%). More than half of the studies (58%) originated from USA. Arthroscopic surgery was the most common surgical treatment (85%). Mean follow-up was 27.0 months (± 17 SD), (range 1.5-120 months). Between 1-10 PROMs were included, and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was most commonly used (61%).

CONCLUSION

There has been a continuous increase in the number of published studies regarding FAIS with the majority evaluating arthroscopic surgery. The mHHS remains being the most commonly used PROM.

Self-reported allergies correlate with a worse patient-reported outcome after hip arthroscopy: a matched control study

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with and without at least one self-reported allergy undergoing hip arthroscopy were compared. Data on 1434 cases were retrospectively reviewed, and 267 patients were identified with at least one self-reported allergy and randomly matched to a control group on a 1:2 ratio. Four PROMs [Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports (HOS-Sport) and 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33)] were collected preoperatively, and at 5–11, 12–23 and 24–35 months postoperatively. Significant PROM differences were found 5–11 months postoperative on mHHS (P < 0.001), HOS-ADL (P = 0.002), HOS-Sport (P < 0.001) and iHOT-33 (P < 0.001). At 12–23 months postoperative, the allergy cohort had significantly worse scores on mHHS (P = 0.002), HOS-ADL (P = 0.001), HOS-Sport (P < 0.001) and iHOT-33 (P < 0.001). They also had significantly worse measures 24–35 months postoperative on mHHS (P = 0.019), HOS-Sport (P = 0.006) and iHOT-33 (P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that each additional allergy reported significantly increased the risk of failing to meet the minimal clinically important difference 5–11 months after surgery on mHHS by 1.15 [OR (95% CI): 1.15 (1.03, 1.30), P = 0.014], on HOS-ADL by 1.16 [OR (95% CI): 1.16 (1.02, 1.31), P = 0.021] and on iHOT-33 by 1.20 [OR (95% CI): 1.20 (1.07, 1.36), P = 0.002]. Results suggest self-reported allergies increase the likelihood of a patient-perceived worse outcome after hip arthroscopy. An understanding of this association by the physician is essential during presurgical planning and in the management of postoperative care.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Management of Labral Tears in the Athlete

Femoroacetabular impingement and associated labral tearing is a common source of hip pain in athletes. This article reviews the hip joint anatomy and complex interplay between alterations on the femoral and acetabular sides, in addition to evaluation of soft tissue stabilizers and spinopelvic parameters. Symptom management with a focus on arthroscopic treatment of abnormal bony morphology and labral repair or reconstruction is discussed. In select patients with persistent pain who have failed conservative measures, hip arthroscopy with correction of bony impingement and labral repair or reconstruction has yielded good to excellent results in recreational and professional athletes.

Sex-specific sagittal and frontal plane gait mechanics in persons post-hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Postoperative gait mechanics in persons with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) remain understudied as a treatment outcome despite observed, yet inconclusive, preoperative gait abnormalities. Females with FAIS demonstrate worse preoperative patient-reported hip function and altered hip mechanics when compared with males; it is unknown whether these sex differences persist postarthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to compare sex-specific gait kinematics between persons at least 1 year postarthroscopy for FAIS and healthy comparisons. General linear models with estimating equations were used to evaluate the effect of (a) limb and sex within each group, and (b) limb and group within each sex for peak sagittal and frontal plane trunk, pelvis, and hip kinematics during stance phase of gait. Analyses were covaried by gait speed. Seventeen females and eight males an average 2.5 years postarthroscopy (1.1-7.2 year) for FAIS were compared with healthy females (n = 7) and males (n = 5). Females in the FAIS group presented with an average of 4.6° more anterior pelvic tilt, and 4.8° less hip extension compared with healthy females (P ≤ .03) and 8.6° less trunk flexion, 4.8° more anterior pelvic tilt, 3.1° more pelvic drop, and 7.5° more hip flexion than males with FAIS (P ≤ .03). Males in the FAIS group presented with 2.9° less pelvic drop, and 3.2° less hip adduction than healthy males. Preoperative gait mechanics were not collected and thus changes in mechanics could not be evaluated. This study is significant to clinicians who treat patients postarthroscopy to consider sex-specific gait impairments.

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).

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement and Concomitant Labral Tears: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up Study

PURPOSE

The present study investigated the minimum 2-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and concomitant labral tears in Asian patients.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for both FAI and concomitant labral tears between January 2012 and December 2017 were included. Patients with hip osteoarthritis of Tönnis grade ≥2, previous hip surgery, or followed for less than 2 years were excluded. Clinical assessments were performed using the modified Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the rates of achieving threshold values of the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state at the latest follow-up. Plain radiographs were acquired pre- and postoperatively for radiologic assessments.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients (90 hips, 58 male, 15 female; mean age 34.4 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI and concomitant labral tears were enrolled. Forty-three hips (47.8%) had cam-type, 7 (7.8%) had pincer-type, and 40 (44.4%) had mixed-type FAI. The mean follow-up duration was 5.2 years. In cam- and mixed-type FAI hips, the mean α angle significantly decreased from 66.7 ± 8.28° preoperatively to 44.9 ± 3.78° postoperatively (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.6°-22.8°; P < .001). The mean modified Harris Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index increased from 74.8 ± 13.2 and 75 ± 12.7 preoperatively to 93 ± 8.1 (95% CI 15.4-20.9; P = .001) and 89.4 ± 8.4 postoperatively (95% CI 11.8-17; P = .001), respectively. Seventy-four hips (82.2%) crossed the minimal clinically important difference, and 85 hips (94.4%) had achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state. There were 2 cases of pudendal nerve palsy and 1 case of sciatic nerve palsy. No additional surgeries were required.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy can be an effective treatment for FAI and concomitant labral tears in Asian patients as demonstrated in this study, with improved PRO scores and reoperation rates. Longer-term studies with larger cohorts are necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

The impact of mental health disorders on outcomes following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a systematic review

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI) has been shown to be beneficial in the short- to medium-term though outcomes vary between individuals. Multiple factors have been suggested to affect outcomes including pre-operative mental health disorders. We undertook a systematic review to assess the evidence relating to the effect of pre-existing mental health disorders on the outcomes following hip arthroscopy for FAI. Following PRISMA guidelines, a multi-database search was undertaken using three key concepts: 'mental health', 'FAI' and 'hip arthroscopy'. Results were screened and data extracted from relevant studies. A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria including 2248 hips, all published between 2017 and 2019. All studies were of evidence level III or IV with reasonable methodological quality. One study demonstrated pre-operative depression to be related to altered pain reduction in the short-term following surgery. Three studies reported inferior outcomes in the medium-term (1-2 years) in those with worse mental health. One study demonstrated an increased risk of persistent pain 2 years following surgery and one a reduced chance of returning to active military service following surgery in those with worse mental health. Despite inferior outcomes individuals with mental health disorders did still benefit from surgery in general. In conclusion, the presence of pre-existing poor mental health is associated with inferior outcomes in the medium-term following arthroscopic surgery for FAI. Surgeons should consider screening patients for mental health disorders before surgery and counselling them appropriately as to the potential for less satisfactory surgical outcomes.

Running with Femoral Acetabular Impingement: Operative Vs Nonoperative Treatment

A 31-year-old female lawyer presents with right hip pain starting approximately 3 years ago and worsening over the past 2 to 3 months. She is an avid runner, running 20 to 30 miles weekly, and noticed that her pain started after a running program training for the marathon. Her pain is primarily over the lateral aspect of her hip with some radiation into the groin. The pain is made worse with impact exercises such as running and made better with walking and cycling. She has done physical therapy for the past 3 months without any significant improvement. She has not had any injections or taken anti-inflammatories because of a history of gastric ulcer disease. On physical examination she has mild tenderness over her right greater trochanter and her range of motion tests are full in terms of flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation. She has a positive FADIR (flexion-adduction-internal rotation) impingement that causes both groin and lateral hip pain. Radiograph of the right hip revealed preservation of the joint space and an anterior cam lesion with reduced offset at the femoral head neck junction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right hip revealed a tear at the anterior superior labrum at the 1 to 2 o'clock position along with subjacent bone marrow edema in the femoral head that is likely reactive. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the right hip confirmed a combined cam and pincer type femoral acetabular impingement of the right hip with overcoverage of the femoral head. There was 15° of femoral anteversion and the coronal lateral center of edge angle (LCEA) is 34°. Dr. Peter Moley argues that a focused rehabilitation program to restore strength and motor control of the deep hip stabilizers will provide optimal functional recovery. Dr. Jakub Tatka argues that right hip arthroscopy with labral repair and possible osteochondralplasty are indicated in order to prevent early hip arthritis and prevent long-term sequela of femoral acetabular impingement.

Likelihood of Return to Duty Is Low After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in an Active-duty Military Population

BACKGROUND

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is considered a viable surgical treatment option in the symptomatic, postmeniscectomy knee and as a concomitant procedure with ACL revision and articular cartilage repair. Although promising outcomes have recently been reported in active and athletic populations, MAT has not been well-studied in the high-demand military population.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What proportion of active-duty military patients who underwent MAT returned to full, unrestricted duty? (2) What demographic and surgical variables, if any, correlated with return to full, unrestricted duty?

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2015, three fellowship-trained sports surgeons (TMD, SJS, BDO) performed 110 MAT procedures in active-duty military patients, of which 95% (104 patients) were available for follow-up at a minimum 2 years (mean 2.8 ± SD 1.1 year). During the study period, indications for MAT generally included unicompartmental pain and swelling in a postmeniscectomized knee and as a concomitant procedure when a meniscal-deficient compartment was associated with either an ACL revision reconstruction or cartilage repair. Demographic and surgical variables were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoints were the decision for permanent profile activity restrictions and military duty termination by a medical board. The term "medical board" implies termination of military service because of medical reasons. We elected to set statistical significance at p < 0.001 to reduce the potential for spurious statistical findings in the setting of a relatively small sample size.

RESULTS

Forty-six percent (48 of 104) of eligible patients had permanent profile activity restrictions and 50% (52 of 104) eventually had their military duty terminated by a military board. Only 20% (21 of 104) had neither permanent profile activity restrictions nor medical-board termination and were subsequently able to return to full duty, and only 13% (13 of 104) continued unrestricted military service beyond 2 years after surgery. Age, gender, tobacco use, and BMI did not correlate with return to full duty. Combat arms soldiers were less likely to have permanent profile activity restrictions (odds ratio 4.76 [95% confidence interval 1.93 to 11.8]; p = 0.001) and were more likely to return to full duty than soldiers in support roles (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.09 to 0.65]; p = 0.005), although these findings did not reach statistical significance. Officers were more likely to return to full duty than enlisted soldiers at more than 2 years after surgery (OR 17.44 [95% CI 4.56 to 66.65]; p < 0.001). No surgical variables correlated with return-to-duty endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons should be aware of the low likelihood of return to military duty at more than 2 years after MAT and counsel patients accordingly. Based on this study, MAT does not appear to be compatible with continued unrestricted military duty for most patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic study.

Arthroscopy for Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in the Military Health System: A 10-Year Epidemiological Overview of Cases with 2-year Follow-up

INTRODUCTION

With the rapid rise in arthroscopy rates for the management of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Syndrome, it is important to understand current surgical rates and the impact of these surgeries within the Military Health System (MHS). The purpose of this study was to provide an epidemiological descriptive summary of hip arthroscopy for FAI Syndrome in the MHS and describe perioperative healthcare utilization variables.

METHODS

Eligible beneficiaries ages 18-50, undergoing hip arthroscopy with 2-year follow-up after surgery were included. Healthcare utilization data were abstracted from the MHS Data Repository (MDR) from June 2003 to July 2015, and included all visits, costs, procedures, and prescriptions taking place in both military and civilian hospitals worldwide.

RESULTS

1870 patients were included (mean age 32.2 years; 55.5% male). 51.7% of the procedures took place in military versus 48.3% in civilian hospitals. Mean hip-related healthcare costs in the 2-year following surgery were $15,434 per patient. Patients had a median of 3 opioid prescriptions and 72% had a comorbidity present after surgery. Generally, rates of surgery grew annually from 66 cases in 2004 to 422 cases in 2013. Overall complication rates were comparable to other published reports. Procedures in both military and civilian hospitals had the same rates of femoroplasty and labral repairs, however acetabuloplasty procedures occurred at a higher rate in military (18.9%) vs civilian (14.7%) hospitals. Only 58.8% of patients had physical therapy in the year prior to surgery, while 82.7% had it after surgery. Additionally, 50% of patients had received opioid prescriptions in the 1 year prior to surgery, while 38.9% had 3 or greater opioid prescriptions beyond the initial perioperative fill within the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Rates of arthroscopy have grown in the MHS over the last decade. Complication rates are similar to those reported in other populations and settings. Utilization of physical therapy was much more likely after surgery than prior to it. Opioid use was high prior to surgery and many individuals continued to receive opioid prescriptions beyond the initial perioperative period.

Correlation of Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation Score for Sport and Activities of Daily Living to Modified Harris Hip Score and Hip Outcome Score in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Hip Surgery

BACKGROUND

The Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) is a single-question outcome score that has been shown to be a reliable measure of outcomes for shoulder and knee injuries but has not been compared with other validated outcome scores in hip pathology managed arthroscopically.

PURPOSE

To correlate SANE Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport subscales with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS) ADL and Sport subscales before and after arthroscopic hip surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

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

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively filled database of patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery by a single surgeon was conducted. Inclusion criteria included patients scheduled for arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement, labral tear, or gluteus medius tear. Exclusion criteria included previous surgery to the hip. Outcome scores, including the mHHS, HOS ADL and Sport, and SANE ADL and Sport, were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months, 1 year, and then annually. Pearson correlation coefficients between preoperative SANE ADL and Sport and the mHHS, HOS ADL, and HOS Sport were calculated. Pearson correlation coefficients between postoperative SANE ADL and Sport and the mHHS, HOS ADL, and HOS Sport were also calculated.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients (mean age, 37.9 years; range, 14-66 years; 57 females, 28 males) underwent arthroscopic hip surgery for assorted pathology. Mean follow-up was 8 months (range, 3-64 months). Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient, preoperative SANE ADL and Sport had a moderate correlation with the mHHS (r = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.79; P < .0001; r = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31-0.71; P < .0001, respectively). Preoperative SANE ADL and Sport had a moderate correlation with HOS ADL (r = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.75; P < .0001) and HOS Sport (r = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45-0.79; P < .0001). Postoperative SANE ADL and Sport had a strong correlation with the mHHS (r = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50-0.82; P < .0001; r = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.88; P < .0001). Postoperative SANE ADL and Sport had a strong correlation with HOS ADL (r = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.88; P < .0001) and HOS Sport (r = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78-0.94; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

This study showed a significant correlation between SANE and mHHS in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery both pre- and postoperatively. SANE ADL and Sport had a strong correlation with HOS ADL and Sport preoperatively and short-term postoperatively. SANE scores are more highly correlated with traditional subjective outcome measures during the short-term postoperative period than they are preoperatively. The SANE score provides an efficient method of assessing outcomes after hip arthroscopy.

Return to Duty After Mini-Open Arthroscopic-Assisted Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in an Active Military Population

Purpose

To report the return-to-duty rate and surgical outcomes in a military population after mini-open arthroscopic-assisted surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in an effort to affirm its efficacy.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive active-duty patients receiving mini-open arthroscopic-assisted surgery for FAI between 2007 and 2011 was performed. Patients younger than 18 years, non–active-duty patients, and patients with prior hip surgery were excluded. Demographic, radiographic, and duty-status data were collected. The primary outcome measure was a return to duty. Outcome scores were obtained in a proportion of the cohort, including the modified Harris Hip Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, patient satisfaction score, and Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12) score. All patients had achieved a minimum of 1 year of follow-up at the time of assessment. All P values for significance were set at .05 or lower.

Results

Of 182 patients (average age, 30.4 years), 156 (86%) were available for follow-up with return-to-duty data at an average of 2.8 years (range, 1-6 years). Of the patients, 78% returned to full duty (53%) or returned to duty with restrictions (25%). Outcome scores were available for 101 of 182 patients (55%) with duty rates similar to the total cohort (81% who returned to duty: 58% with no restrictions and 23% with restrictions). Return to duty correlated with improved outcomes compared with those who were medically discharged with respect to the modified Harris Hip Score (68.2 vs 54.5, P < .03), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (48.2 vs 25.3, P < .02), and VR-12 physical (39.7 vs 33.2, P < .05) and VR-12 mental (54.5 vs 43.4, P < .005) scores.

Conclusions

Mini-open arthroscopic-assisted surgery for FAI is successful in returning most service members to duty at short-term follow-up. Return correlates with improved outcome scores, although previously reported minimally clinical important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state threshold values were not uniformly achieved.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Femoroacetabular impingement is more common in military veterans with end-stage hip osteoarthritis than civilian patients: a retrospective case control study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) between matched groups of military veterans and civilian patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Patients who underwent a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 at a single Veteran's Affairs Hospital were identified. Veterans were then matched 1:2 with civilian patients from our prospective outcome registry. The alpha angle and lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) were measured by a single evaluator. Independent t-tests were used to compare joint angles, and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the prevalence of cam (alpha angle ≥60°), pincer (LCEA ≥40°), or mixed-type pathologies.

RESULTS

Twenty-one veterans were matched 1:2 with civilian patients. The mean alpha angle did not significantly differ between groups (P = 0.33) nor did the prevalence of cam deformities (P = 0.79). The LCEAs were significantly greater in veterans than in civilians (P = 0.04), and veterans also demonstrated a significantly greater prevalence of pincer and mixed-type deformities than civilians (P = 0.025 and P = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that FAI is perhaps a more common mechanism in the progression of OA in a veteran population than in a civilian population, as pincer and mixed-type deformities were significantly more common among veterans than civilians. The forces borne by the hip during military training exceed normal physiologic conditions. In addition, the time between symptom onset and surgical correction may be 10-12 months longer for active military personnel than for civilians. The combination of increased physical demands and a protracted time to treatment highlights the need for better recognition of FAI in military members. Future studies are necessary to determine whether earlier intervention may prevent or delay the progression to end-stage OA and the need for total hip arthroplasty.

Predictors of Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

Background

The benefits of hip arthroscopic surgery in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have been well established; however, some patients may experience a greater degree of improvement than others. Identifying positive and negative predictors of outcomes would assist the orthopaedic surgeon's management algorithm for patients with FAI.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The objective of this systematic review was to identify demographic, radiographic, and other operative predictors of positive and negative outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery for patients with FAI. It was hypothesized that factors including FAI morphology, age, body mass index (BMI), sex, dysplasia, articular cartilage damage, radiographic joint space, and labral treatment would predict outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Three databases (Embase, PubMed, and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched on May 19, 2018, using terms including "hip," "arthroscopy," and "FAI." Studies were screened and data extracted in duplicate.

Results

A total of 39 studies were included in this systematic review, comprising 9272 hips with a mean age of 36.5 years (47.2% female). Younger age, male sex, lower BMI (<24.5 kg/m²), Tönnis grade 0, and preoperative pain relief from diagnostic intra-articular hip injections predicted positive outcomes. Female sex, older age (>45 years), longer duration of preoperative symptoms (>8 months), elevated BMI, increased Tönnis grade (≥1), chondral defects, decreased joint space (≤2 mm), increased Kellgren-Lawrence grade (>3), increased lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), and undergoing labral debridement alone were predictors of negative outcomes.

Conclusion

In patients with FAI, younger age, male sex, lower BMI (<24.5 kg/m²), Tönnis grade 0, and pain relief from preoperative intra-articular hip injections are significantly more likely to achieve positive outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery. On the other hand, older age (>45 years), female sex, elevated BMI, osteoarthritic changes, decreased joint space (≤2 mm), chondral defects, increased LCEA, and undergoing labral debridement compared with labral repair are associated with negative outcomes.

Joint Space Narrowing in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Matched Cohort Study of Military versus Civilian Patients

Introduction

Decreased hip joint space has been associated with poorer outcomes after hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists in hip joint degenerative findings in military versus civilian patients with FAI.

Methods

A single surgeon’s case series was reviewed to identify all patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI. All active duty military personnel were included in the study group. A cohort of civilian patients matched for age, gender, lateral center edge (LCE) angle, and alpha angle was identified and included as the control group. The hip joint space was measured at the medial and lateral extents of the acetabular sourcil and the center of the sourcil. The Tonnis grade for osteoarthritis was recorded for each patient. Labral tear size as well as femoral head and acetabular chondromalacia grading were obtained from operative records.

Results

A total of 229 patients that underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI were identified. 46(20.1%) were active duty military personnel. A well-matched cohort of 46 civilian patients was identified. There was no statistical difference in age (35.0, 34.7 years), gender (31 males, 15 females in both groups), BMI (26.8, 27.6), LCE angle (31.0, 31.5), and alpha angle (64.9, 64.9) between the civilian and military groups. Joint space was narrower in the military group in each of the three measured locations (Superomedial 3.8 mm vs 4.2 mm, p = 0.025; Superior 4.0 mm vs 4.4 mm, p = 0.013; Superolateral 4.4 mm vs 4.9 mm, p = 0.043).

Conclusion

Military patients with FAI may have increased joint space narrowing compared to otherwise similar civilian patients. Femoral and acetabular chondromalacia are found in similar frequencies in military and civilian populations, however the grading system utilized accounts for the presence but not the size of high grade lesions.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.

The Presence of a Psychiatric Condition is Associated With Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Matched Case-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

We sought to examine the association between having a psychiatric condition and undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

METHODS

A matched case-control study was performed to control for age and gender. All patients over 16 years of age with FAI treated with hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon were randomly matched to a patient of the same age and gender undergoing knee arthroscopy for any diagnosis other than infection by the same surgeon during the same period. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare the odds of having a psychiatric condition between groups.

RESULTS

Fifty-one matched pairs of patients undergoing hip and knee arthroscopy were identified. Each group contained 35 females (69%) and had a mean age of 33.6 years. Of the 51 hip arthroscopy cases, 23 (45.1%) had a psychiatric condition. Of the 51 knee arthroscopy controls, 11 (21.6%) had a psychiatric condition. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were statistically significantly more likely to have a psychiatric condition compared to patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% confidence interval 1.3-9.2, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

There was a strong association between having a psychiatric condition and undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. More research should be done investigating psychiatric conditions among patients with FAI and whether this association can identify strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

Predictors of chronic prescription opioid use after orthopedic surgery: derivation of a clinical prediction rule

Background

Prescription opioid use at high doses or over extended periods of time is associated with adverse outcomes, including dependency and abuse. The aim of this study was to identify mediating variables that predict chronic opioid use, defined as three or more prescriptions after orthopedic surgery.

Methods

Individuals were ages between 18 and 50 years and undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery between 2004 and 2013. Two categories of chronic opioid use were calculated based on individuals (1) having three or more unique opioid prescriptions within 2 years and (2) still receiving opioid prescriptions > 1 year after surgery. Univariate elationships were identified for each predictor variable, then significant variables (P > 0.15) were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify the most parsimonious group of predictor variables for each chronic opioid use classification. Likelihood ratios were derived from the most robust groups of variables.

Results

There were 1642 participants (mean age 32.5 years, SD 8.2, 54.1% male). Nine predictor variables met the criteria after bivariate analysis for potential inclusion in each multivariate model. Eight variables: socioeconomic status (from enlisted rank family), prior use of opioid medication, prior use of non-opioid pain medication, high health-seeking behavior before surgery, a preoperative diagnosis of insomnia, mental health disorder, or substance abuse were all predictive of chronic opioid use in the final model (seven variables for three or more opioid prescriptions; four variables for opioid use still at 1 year; all< 0.05). Post-test probability of having three or more opioid prescriptions was 93.7% if five of seven variables were present, and the probability of still using opioids after 1 year was 69.6% if three of four variables were present.

Conclusion

A combination of variables significantly predicted chronic opioid use in this cohort. Most of these variables were mediators, indicating that modifying them may be feasible, and the potential focus of interventions to decrease the risk of chronic opioid use, or at minimum better inform opioid prescribing decisions. This clinical prediction rule needs further validation.

Femoroacetabular Impingement Randomised controlled Trial (FIRST) - a multi-centre randomized controlled trial comparing arthroscopic lavage and arthroscopic osteochondroplasty on patient important outcomes and quality of life in the treatment of young adult (18-50 years) femoroacetabular impingement: a statistical analysis plan

Background

The research objectives of the Femoroacetabular Impingement Randomised controlled Trial (FIRST) are to assess whether surgical correction of the hip impingement morphology (arthroscopic osteochondroplasty) with or without labral repair, in adults aged 18–50 years diagnosed with non-arthritic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), provides decreased pain and improved health-related quality of life at 12 months compared to arthroscopic lavage of the hip joint. This article describes the statistical analysis plan for the FIRST trial.

Methods/design

FIRST is an ongoing multi-centre, blinded randomised controlled trial of 220 patients who have been diagnosed with FAI and are optimized for surgical intervention. This article describes the overall analysis principles, including how participants will be included in each analysis, the presentation of the results, adjustments for covariates, the primary and secondary outcomes and their respective analyses. In addition, we will present the planned sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Discussion

Our rationale for FIRST is based upon (1) an epidemic of FAI surgery with resultant increased healthcare costs over that last decade, (2) worldwide disparity in perceptions about its utility, and (3) consensus that definitive evidence for or against surgical approaches is lacking.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01623843. Registered on 20 June 2012.

Editorial Commentary: The Warrior Athlete: An Illustrative Microcosm in the War Against Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement

From an orthopaedic perspective, our military personnel truly are warrior athletes. Distilling the information available in these subjects provides an enlightening microcosm of the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Symptoms associated with damage caused by FAI represent the culmination of a process present since childhood. Thus, while arthroscopic correction can result in significant improvement, it does not invariably result in full restoration of function. Numerous factors influence an individual's response to injury and recovery from surgery, including subjective parameters such as resiliency. Thus, function is not always based simply on objective parameters. In view of compelling literature to support the efficacy of arthroscopic correction and treatment of FAI, servicemen and women have historically been discriminated against by unilateral lack of coverage. This trend has only partly been reversed as it is now deemed acceptable for active-duty personnel but arbitrarily not for their dependent family members. The war on FAI goes on in terms of better understanding of the FAI enemy, better techniques and technology to use during the war, and better solicitation of the homeland resources for continuing this important battle.

Most Military Service Members Return to Activity Duty With Limitations After Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Determine which proportion of active-duty service members return to duty (RTD), RTD without limitations, which surgical intervention returns these personnel at a better proportion and with the ability to perform their military duties after surgery compared with the pre-injury state.

METHODS

A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases was performed with keywords related to RTD for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for study methodology. Methodologic quality of individual studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies (884 service members/886 hips) qualified for inclusion. Limited evidence from level III to IV studies indicates that service members RTD at a proportion ranging from 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53% to 62%) to 84% (95% CI: 73% to 91%), but only 39% (95% CI: 35% to 44%) to 59% (95% CI: 49% to 69%) do so without limitations. Mean duration of follow-up was 33.2 ± 11.3 months. No studies reported on actual duty requirements before versus after surgery, RTD criteria, or career longevity. Only 1 of 5 studies reported the RTD time-frame (mean 5 months). Only 2 of 5 studies reported complications, with a rate of 9.4% ± 6.3%. Three of 5 studies reported failures at a rate of 7.2% ± 4.7%, respectively. Femoroplasty (mean 56% of procedures in 4 studies) and acetabuloplasty (mean 55% of procedures in 4 studies) were the most commonly used procedures in studies reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

RTD is poorly defined in the included studies. Limited evidence substantiates that approximately 75% of service members remain on active duty for at least 1 to 2 years after surgery for FAI syndrome, whereas only approximately 47% do so without limitations at mid-term follow-up. Similarly, despite improvements in patient-reported outcome measures, service members still report continued pain and functional limitations after FAI syndrome surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Editorial Commentary: Hip Arthroscopy in a Military Population: Are the Results Comparable to an Athletic Population?

Hip pain is common in the military population and has led to an increase in hip arthroscopy as a means of therapeutic treatment. Return to duty (RTD) is the measure by which military surgeons tend to judge their outcomes; could the servicemember "get back in the fight?" Return to play (RTP) is a common metric in sports medicine for assessing the effectiveness of a surgical intervention. The results of prior studies of RTD hip arthroscopy in the US military population have been underwhelming when compared with RTP in athletic cohorts. This discrepancy in outcomes likely has more to do with the differences in RTD and RTP as outcome measures than any surgeon, pathology, or demographic factors.

Arthroscopic Surgery or Physical Therapy for Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic hip surgery has risen 18-fold in the past decade; however, there is a dearth of clinical trials comparing surgery with nonoperative management.

PURPOSE

To determine the comparative effectiveness of surgery and physical therapy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Patients were recruited from a large military hospital after referral to the orthopaedic surgery clinic and were eligible for surgery. Of 104 eligible patients, 80 elected to participate, and the majority were active-duty service members (91.3%). No patients withdrew because of adverse events. The authors randomly selected patients to undergo either arthroscopic hip surgery (surgery group) or physical therapy (rehabilitation group). Patients in the rehabilitation group began a 12-session supervised clinic program within 3 weeks, and patients in the surgery group were scheduled for the next available surgery at a mean of 4 months after enrollment. Patient-reported outcomes of pain, disability, and perception of improvement over a 2-year period were collected. The primary outcome was the Hip Outcome Score (HOS; range, 0-100 [lower scores indicating greater disability]; 2 subscales: activities of daily living and sport). Secondary measures included the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), Global Rating of Change (GRC), and return to work at 2 years. The primary analysis was on patients within their original randomization group.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were seen in both groups on the HOS and iHOT-33, but the mean difference was not significant between the groups at 2 years (HOS activities of daily living, 3.8 [95% CI, -6.0 to 13.6]; HOS sport, 1.8 [95% CI, -11.2 to 14.7]; iHOT-33, 6.3 [95% CI, -6.1 to 18.7]). The median GRC across all patients was that they "felt about the same" (GRC = 0). Two patients assigned to the surgery group did not undergo surgery, and 28 patients in the rehabilitation group ended up undergoing surgery. A sensitivity analysis of "actual surgery" to "no surgery" did not change the outcome. Twenty (33.3%) patients who underwent surgery and 4 (33.3%) who did not undergo surgery were medically separated from military service at 2 years.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between the groups at 2 years. Most patients perceived little to no change in status at 2 years, and one-third of military patients were not medically fit for duty at 2 years. Limitations include a single hospital, a single surgeon, and a high rate of crossover. Registration: NCT01993615 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).