Career Length and Performance Among Professional Baseball Players Returning to Play After Hip Arthroscopy

Upper-Extremity Injuries Have the Poorest Return to Play and Most Time Lost in Professional Baseball: A Systematic Review of Injuries in Major League Baseball

PURPOSE

To summarize the incidence of injuries occurring in professional baseball and compare player outcomes reported in the literature.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines across 3 databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase). Inclusion criteria were studies of injury incidences and/or injury outcomes on active Major League Baseball (MLB) athletes and studies published in the English language. Exclusion criteria were non-MLB players, case series and case report studies with a cohort of ≤3 players, and/or review articles.

RESULTS

A total of 477 articles were identified from the initial search of 3 databases, with 105 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Among these articles, the most common injuries studied were elbow (38%), shoulder (14%), hip/groin (11%), hand/wrist (7%), head/face (7%), knee (7%), spine (5%), and foot/ankle (3%). Injuries with the greatest incidence included hand/wrist (150.3 per year), hamstring (7.8-73.5 per year), ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears (0.23-26.8 per year), gastrocnemius strains (24.2 per year), and concussions (3.6-20.5 per year). Lowest rates of return to play were seen following shoulder labral tears (40%-72.5%), rotator cuff tears (33.3%-87%), and UCL tears (51%-87.9%). The injuries leading to most time away from sport included elbow UCL tears (average 90.3 days treated nonoperatively to 622.8 days following revision reconstruction), shoulder labral tears (average 315-492 days), and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears (average 156.2-417.5 days). Following ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, shoulder labral tears, and hip femoroacetabular impingement requiring arthroscopy, athletes had a significantly lower workloads compared with before injury upon return to play.

CONCLUSIONS

Most published investigations focus on elbow injuries of the UCL, with variable return to play and mixed performance following surgery. UCL tears, shoulder labral tears, and ACL tears result in the most missed time. Upper-extremity injury such as shoulder labral tears, rotator cuff tears, and UCL tears had the poorest return to play rates. Workload was most affected following ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, shoulder labral repair, and hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review of level II-IV studies.

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.

Performance of wild animals with “broken” traits: Movement patterns in nature of moose with leg injuries

Organismal traits are presumed to be well suited for performance in the tasks required for survival, growth, and reproduction. Major injuries to such traits should therefore compromise performance and prevent success in the natural world; yet some injured animals can survive for long periods of time and contribute to future generations. We here examine 3 years of camera trap observations along a remote trail through old‐growth forest in northern British Columbia, Canada. The most common observations were of moose (2966), wolves (476), and brown bears (224). The moose overwhelmingly moved in one direction along the trail in the late fall and early winter and in the other direction in the spring. This movement was clustered/contagious, with days on which many moose traveled often being interspersed with days on which few moose traveled. On the video recordings, we identified 12 injured moose, representing 1.4% of all moose observations. Seven injuries were to the carpus, three were to the antebrachium, and two were to the tarsus—and they are hypothesized to reflect damage to ligaments, tendons, and perhaps bones. The injured moose were limping in all cases, sometimes severely; and yet they did not differ noticeably from uninjured moose in the direction, date, contagiousness, or speed of movement along the trail. We discuss the potential relevance of these findings for the action of natural selection in the evolution of organismal traits important for performance.

Editorial Commentary: Earlier Hip Arthroscopy May Result in Improved Outcomes for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in Symptomatic Athletes: No Time Like the Present Could Mean Better Luck Next Year

Hip arthroscopy is an effective tool to address hip pain and dysfunction related to femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), and an increasing volume of evidence suggests improved outcomes of these procedures if they are done closer to the onset of symptoms. Although this same relationship is observed in competitive athletes, these patients often have competing priorities when deciding if and when to proceed with surgical management of FAIS, including the desire to complete a competitive season, scouting and scholarship considerations, and financial incentives. Despite these incentives, consideration may be given to earlier surgical management, given the improved outcome potential and high rates of return to play. However, caution should be taken, particularly in the elite athlete population, as return to play data may not paint the whole picture, and there remains a paucity of data on sport performance after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Using Advanced Data to Analyze the Impact of Injury on Performance of Major League Baseball Pitchers: A Narrative Review

Major league baseball (MLB) pitchers are at risk of numerous injuries during play, and there is an increasing focus on evaluating their performance in the context of injury. Historically, performance after return to play (RTP) from injury has focused on general descriptive statistics, such as innings or games played, or rate statistics with inherent variability (eg, earned run average, walks and hits per inning pitched, strikeouts per 9 innings, or walks per 9 innings). However, in recent years, MLB has incorporated advanced technology and tracking systems in every stadium, allowing for more in-depth analysis of pitcher-specific data that are captured with every pitch of every game. This technology allows for the ability to delve into the pitching performance on a basis that is more specific to each pitcher and allows for more in-depth analysis of different aspects of pitching performance. The purpose of this narrative review was to illustrate the current state of injury recording for professional baseball pitchers, highlight recent technological advances in MLB, and describe the advanced data available for analysis. We used advanced data in the literature to review the current state of performance analysis after RTP in MLB pitchers after injury. Finally, we strived to provide a framework for future studies to more meticulously assess RTP performance given the current available resources for analysis.

High-Level Athletes Who Did Not Return to Sport for Reasons Unrelated to Their Hip Achieve Successful Midterm Outcomes With a Benchmarking Against High-Level Athletes Who Returned to Sport

PURPOSE

1) To report minimum 2- and 5-year outcomes of high-level athletes who did not return to sport (RTS) after hip arthroscopy for reasons unrelated to their hip (T athletes) and 2) to benchmark these findings against a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes who returned to sport (RTS athletes).

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for professional, collegiate, and high school athletes between April 2008 and October 2015, who underwent primary hip arthroscopy. Athletes were considered eligible if they did not return to sport for reasons unrelated to their hip such as loss of interest, graduation, or a lifestyle transition (T athletes). Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold (MOIST). T athletes were then propensity-matched to a control group of high-level athletes who returned to sport after hip arthroscopy (RTS athletes) for comparison.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven T hips (25 patients) were included in the analysis with a mean follow-up time of 38.9 ± 16.8 and 72.1 ± 16.8 months for minimum 2- and 5-year outcomes, respectively. They demonstrated significant improvement in all measured PROs. When compared to a propensity-matched control group of RTS athletes, T athletes demonstrated similar improvement in PROs (mHHS, NAHS, and HOS-SSS) and achieved MCID at similar rates for NAHS (T: 77.8% vs RTS: 68.8%; P = .570) and HOS-SSS (T: 70.3% vs RTS: 76.6%, P = .824) compared to RTS athletes; however T athletes demonstrated higher rates of achieving MCID for mHHS (T: 88.9% vs RTS: 72.9% P = .033).

CONCLUSION

Athletes who did not return to sport for reasons unrelated to their hip demonstrated favorable outcomes at minimum 2- and 5-year follow-up. They had similar PROs and rates of achieving MCID for HOS-SSS compared to a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes who returned to sport. Return to sport status may not necessarily be correlated to the patient's perception of their own outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective cohort study.

Femoroacetabular Impingement in Elite Skiers and Snowboarders: Return to Sports and Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy has been shown to be an effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in high-level athletes; however, limited outcome and return-to-play data exist for hip arthroscopy in skiers and snowboarders.

PURPOSES

To determine the return-to-sports rate of elite skiers and snowboarders who have undergone hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI and to assess hip-related outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Elite skiers and snowboarders who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI between 2005 and 2018 were identified via a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Data were obtained from fis-ski.org, usskiandsnowboard.org, xgames.com, and wikipedia.org, including information on each player's career length, participation on a national team, and time between surgery and first competition after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were prospectively collected preoperatively and at minimum 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

In total, 26 elite skiers and snowboarders (34 hips) were included. The mean ± standard deviation age at surgery was 24.5 ± 6.7 years (range, 18.7-46.8 years). A total of 85% (22/26) returned to elite-level competition at 8.9 months (range, 2.9-23.7 months) with an average career length of 3.6 ± 2.7 years after surgery. Four athletes (5 hips) required revision arthroscopy, with adhesions being the most frequent indication. At a mean follow-up of 7.7 ± 3.2 years, significant improvement in PROs (P < .05) was demonstrated for the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living (from 76 ± 20 to 95 ± 6), HOS-Sport Specific Subscale (from 63 ± 28 to 92 ± 14), modified Harris Hip Score (from 70 ± 19 to 89 ± 12), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary (from 45 ± 11 to 54 ± 8). Patient satisfaction had a mean of 8 ± 2 (range, 1-10) and median of 10.

CONCLUSION

The return-to-competition rate in elite skiers and snowboarders after hip arthroscopy for FAI was 85% at an average of 8.9 months and with a career length of 3.6 years after surgery. Significant improvement in PROs was demonstrated for the HOS-Activities of Daily Living, HOS-Sport Specific Subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary, with a median patient satisfaction score of 10. These findings support hip arthroscopy as an effective procedure for the treatment of FAI in elite skiers and snowboarders with symptomatic activity-limiting hip pain, allowing them to return to their previous levels of competition at a high rate.

Postoperative Alpha Angle Is Predictive of Return to Sport in Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

PURPOSE

To identify clinical and radiographic factors that predict return to sport in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy and to determine thresholds for significant predictors.

METHODS

Data were reviewed on all patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between November 2008 and August 2018. Patients were included if they played professional, college, or high school sports within 1 year before surgery and had preoperative, 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome scores for modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific-Subscale, and Nonarthritic Hip Score. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference also were evaluated. Patients were divided into groups based on whether they returned to sport at the same or greater level. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between significant variables and return to sport.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients with a mean age of 20.8 ± 7.07 years were included. Among athletes who attempted to return, professional and collegiate athletes returned to sport at any level at a rate of 85.0% (51/60), and high-school athletes returned at a rate of 88.1% (52/59). Competition level, postoperative alpha angle, change in alpha angle, and postoperative patient-reported outcomes were significantly different between groups. Athletes who returned to sport achieved the minimal clinically important difference for Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific-Subscale at significantly higher rates than athletes who did not return to sport (91.6% vs 71.7%, P = .002, S = 8.97). The multivariate logistic regression model identified postoperative alpha angle as a statistically significant predictor of return to sport (P < .001, S > 9.97 [odds ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.91]). The receiver operator characteristic curve for postoperative alpha angle demonstrated acceptable discrimination between patients returning to sport and patients not returning to sport with an area under the curve of 0.71 and a threshold value of 46°. Athletes with a postoperative alpha angle ≤46° returned to sport at significantly higher rates than those with a postoperative alpha angle >46° [(P < .001, S > 9.97 [odds ratio 6.3, 95% confidence interval 2.6-15.2]).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative alpha angle was identified as a predictor of return to sport in athletes. The odds of returning to sport were 6.3 times greater in athletes with postoperative alpha angles ≤46° compared with athletes with angles >46°.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective cohort study.

Lower extremity injuries in the baseball athlete

Baseball is unique in its multiple facets: pitching, hitting, base rounding, and fielding are distinct activities that require different athletic skills to perform at a high level. Likewise, these different aspects of the game can contribute to a multitude of varying injuries. While high-velocity overhead throwing, along with batting, can produce a plethora of upper extremity injuries that often garner attention, injuries to the lower extremity can severely impact a player’s performance and ability to compete. The rigors of the short, explosive sprinting required for base running, as well as the dynamic movement required for fielding, create ample opportunity for lower limb injury, and even subtle pathology can affect a pitcher’s ability to perform or increase their long-term risk of injury. Chronic injury from conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement and hip labral tears can also occur. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the relevant epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of lower extremity injuries in baseball athletes, with reference to current research into the prevention and management of such injuries.

The Team Physician: Return to Play Considerations and Outcomes

Successful rehabilitation of sports-related orthopedic injuries remains a challenge for both orthopedic surgeons and their patients. Team physicians are tasked with the complex problem of minimizing time away from competition, while simultaneously mitigating the risk of reinjury. Varying levels of expectation and demand between recreational and competitive athletes coupled with the already complex nature of sports-related injuries present a multifactorial challenge for the even the most experienced physicians. In the realm of sports medicine, timing of return to sport has become a controversial yet ubiquitous criterion by which treatment outcomes are measured. While accelerated rehabilitation may be desired in many cases, surgeons must also recognize the identifiable risk factors for potential reinjury. With these principles in mind, we present a summary of the available literature on data pertaining to return to sport, with coverage of injuries commonly seen within an orthopedic sports medicine practice.

Comparing Midterm Outcomes of High-Level Athletes Versus Nonathletes Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

High-level athletes (HLAs) have been shown to have better short-term outcomes than nonathletes (NAs) after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

(1) To report midterm outcomes of HLAs after primary hip arthroscopy and (2) to compare their results with a propensity-matched cohort of NA patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed between February 2008 and November 2015 for HLAs (professional, college, or high school) who underwent primary hip arthroscopy in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). HLAs were included if they had preoperative, minimum 2-year, and minimum 5-year follow-up data for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). Radiographic and intraoperative findings, surgical procedures, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and return to sport were reported. The HLA study group was propensity-matched to a control group of NA patients for comparison.

RESULTS

A total 65 HLA patients (67 hips) were included in the final analysis with mean follow-up time of 74.6 ± 16.7 months. HLAs showed significant improvement in all PROs recorded, achieved high rates of MCID and PASS for mHHS (74.6% and 79.4%, respectively) and HOS-SSS (67.7% and 66.1%, respectively), and returned to sport at high rates (80.4%). When compared with the propensity-matched NA control group, HLAs reported higher baseline but comparable postoperative scores for the mHHS and NAHS. HLA patients achieved MCID and PASS for mHHS at similar rates as NA patients, but the HLA patients achieved PASS for HOS-SSS at higher rates that trended toward statistical significance (66.1% vs 48.4%; P = .07). NA patients underwent revision arthroscopic surgery at similar rates as HLA patients (14.9% vs 9.0%, respectively; P = .424).

CONCLUSION

Primary hip arthroscopy results in favorable midterm outcomes in HLAs. When compared with a propensity-matched NA control group, HLAs demonstrated a tendency toward higher rates of achieving PASS for HOS-SSS but similar arthroscopic revision rates at minimum 5-year follow-up.

A Systematic Review of the Orthopaedic Literature on Truncal and Lower Extremity Injuries in Major League Baseball Players

BACKGROUND

Orthopaedic injuries in Major League Baseball (MLB) players can have a tremendous impact on player health, longevity, salaries, and time lost from play.

PURPOSE

To summarize all data published between January 1980 and August 2019 on truncal and lower extremity orthopaedic injuries sustained by MLB players.

METHODS

A literature review of studies examining injuries in MLB was performed using the PubMed and Embase databases. Included studies focused on truncal and lower extremity injuries in professional baseball players. Studies pertaining to nonorthopaedic injuries, and case reports, were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 41 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the final analysis. Articles were divided based on anatomic region of injury: hip and pelvis (16%), thigh (15%), truncal (14%), knee (13%), and ankle (11%). Most studies (83.7%) were level 3 evidence. Most studies obtained data using publicly available internet resources (29.8%) compared with the MLB Health and Injury Tracking System (22.1%).

CONCLUSION

This review provides physicians with a single source of the most current literature regarding truncal and lower extremity orthopaedic injuries in MLB players. Most research was published on hip and pelvic, truncal, and thigh injuries and consisted of level III evidence.

Defining Return to Sport: A Systematic Review

Background:

Return to sport (RTS) commonly serves as a measure for assessment of clinical outcomes in orthopaedic sports medicine surgery. Unfortunately, while RTS is commonly utilized in research for this purpose, currently there is no widely accepted or standardized definition for when an athlete has officially returned to his or her sport.

Purpose:

To conduct a systematic review to evaluate and report the differences in specific definitions of RTS utilized in the orthopaedic surgery literature.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Trials databases per PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Search terms consisted of variations of “RTS” combined with variations of “orthopedic surgery” and “define” to capture as many relevant articles as possible. The definition of RTS was recorded and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 718 articles were identified in the initial search, 29 of which met eligibility criteria, providing a clear definition of RTS. Of the 29 studies included, 20 (69.0%) defined RTS as an athlete competing in a game or other competitive play. Three (10.3%) defined this as the athlete competing in a game or other competitive play but with an explicitly stated competition-level modifier of the athlete returning to his or her preinjury level of competition. Two articles (6.9%) included returning to training or practice, and the remaining 4 articles (13.8%) used terminology other than the standard RTS.

Conclusion:

There is variability in the definition of RTS used in orthopaedic sports medicine literature. Most studies refer to the athlete competing in a game or other competitive play. Other variants include returning to practice/training and explicitly defined competition levels and objectives. Future studies should aim to standardize the definition of RTS to facilitate more precise assessment of outcome after sports medicine surgery. Using terminology that describes components of the recovery and rehabilitation process, such as “return to participation” and “return to performance,” in addition to RTS will allow us to more clearly understand the athlete’s recovery and associated level of competition or performance.

High rate of return to tennis after hip arthroscopy for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate return to sport (RTS) outcomes in tennis athletes following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). It was hypothesized that there would be a high rate of return to tennis after hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Level IV, Retrospective Analysis.

SETTING

Outpatient sports medicine clinic at a single institution.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 28 patients (60.8% female; mean age, 36.2 ± 9.2 years; mean BMI, 22.8 ± 2.1 kg/m²) with self reported tennis activity prior to hip arthroscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A postoperative return to sport and minimum two-year patient reported outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a high rate of return to tennis, with 78% of patients eventually returning to tennis. An additional 9% of patients had the necessary hip function to return, but did not return due to lack of interest or resources. The patients returned to tennis at an average of 8.0 ± 3.3 months after surgery. The majority of athletes (66.7%) were able to continue competing at the same or higher levels following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients return to tennis 78% of the time at a mean of 8.0 ± 3.3 months following hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Outcomes and rate of return to play in elite athletes following arthroscopic surgery of the hip

Background

The tremendous physical demands of elite performance increase the risk of elite athletes sustaining various orthopaedic injuries. Hip pain is common in high-level athletes representing up to 6% of all athletic injuries. Expedient diagnosis and effective treatment are paramount for their future sporting careers and to prevent subsequent joint degeneration.

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcome and the rate of return to play (RTP) following arthroscopic procedures in the hip (osteoplasty, chondroplasty, labral repair and/or debridement, capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy or any soft tissue procedure) in elite athletes. Elite athletes were defined as those who represented their country in international contests or were competing professionally for the purpose of this study.

Methods

A computer-based systematic search, following the PRISMA Guidelines, was performed on CENTRAL, PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Google Scholar and Web of Science from inception until January 1, 2020, identifying studies that looked at return to sports post-hip arthroscopy in elite athletes. Weighted means were calculated for the RTP rate and duration and for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

After eligibility screening, 22 articles were included with a total of 999 male and seven female patients, 1146 hips and a mean age of 28.4 ± 3.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 35.8 ± 13.4 months and 15.9 ± 9.6% of athletes had undergone bilateral procedures. Overall, 93.9% (95% CI: 90.5, 96.6, P < 0.0001) of patients demonstrated RTP after 6.8 ± 2.1 months post-surgery and all PROMs improved post-operatively. During follow-up, 9.6% (95% CI: 5.2, 15.2, P = 0.025) patients needed further intervention.

Conclusion

A high percentage of elite athletes return to the same level of competition after hip arthroscopy, with a low rate of further interventions. Hip arthroscopy appears to be an efficacious treatment for hip and/or groin pain, caused by pathologies such as FAI or labral tears, in elite athletes in the shorter term. Long term outcomes need further evaluation.

Can We Identify Why Athletes Fail to Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

No previous systematic review has focused on the athletes who fail to return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

PURPOSE

To review the literature on the athletes who fail to return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS to determine the rate of nonreturning athletes and explore the reasons for their inability to return to sport after arthroscopic FAI surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles using prespecified criteria. Eligible articles were those that clearly stated the rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Data collected were the rate of patients who did not return to sport, the level of competition (high level, recreational, or mixed), the type of sport, comments on patients who did not return to sport, the rate of subsequent hip surgeries (total hip replacement or revision hip arthroscopy) in nonreturning athletes, and the reported reason for not returning to sport. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were eligible for inclusion, and 1093 athletes were analyzed. The weighted rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was 12.1% (95% CI, 7.7-17.4). Only 2 studies (2/20;10%) reported the age of the athletes who did not return, while sex was reported in 3 studies (3/20;15%). The estimated proportion of athletes who did not return to sport because of hip-related issues was significantly greater than the percentage of athletes who did not return for reasons unrelated to their hip (74.3% vs 22.3%; P < .0001). Persistent hip pain was the most commonly reported factor (52/110 patients; 47.2%) associated with failure to return to sport. Whether the nonreturning athletes underwent any subsequent hip procedure after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was reported in only 4 out of 20 studies (20%). There was evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The estimated rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was 12%, with the majority of athletes being unable to return because of persistent hip pain. There is a severe lack of evidence on the athlete characteristics and clinical course of the nonreturning athletes, and the rate of subsequent hip procedures is unknown. The outcomes and reasons for athletes not returning to sport should be reported in detail to improve patient care.

Surgical Treatment of Labral Tears: Debridement, Repair, and Reconstruction

Advances in hip preservation surgery have to lead to increased utilization of hip arthroscopy. With this, there has also been a growth in the understanding of various hip conditions, therefore, leading to an increase in hip conditions amenable to arthroscopic intervention. The acetabular hip labrum has been at the forefront of arthroscopic advances in the hip. The labrum is important for hip stability, provision of the suction seal, and joint proprioception. Given the labrum's central role in hip biomechanics, there is increasing emphasis on labral preservation in the form of debridement and repair. In revision settings, advanced techniques such as labral augmentation and reconstruction may play a role in the management of labral pathology. Appropriate management of the hip labrum at the time of surgery can be an important mediator of the outcome. As such, an understanding of the evolving evidence base and surgical indications and techniques are integral to the treatment and management of labral pathology.

Cutting, Impingement, Contact, Endurance, Flexibility, and Asymmetric/Overhead Sports: Is There a Difference in Return-to-Sport Rate After Arthroscopic Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have established a classification of sports based on hip mechanics: cutting, impingement, contact, endurance, flexibility, and asymmetric/overhead. No previous review has compared the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) using this classification.

PURPOSE

To determine whether the rate of return to sport differs among cutting, impingement, contact, endurance, flexibility, and asymmetric/overhead athletes who undergo hip arthroscopy for FAIS. We also aimed to identify differences in patient characteristics, intraoperative procedures performed, and time to return to play among the 6 sport categories.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstract, and full-text articles using prespecified criteria. Eligible articles were those that reported the rate of return to sport (defined by the number of hips) after hip arthroscopy for FAIS in athletes of all levels. Data collected were patient age, sex, body mass index, type of sport, rate and time to return to sport, and intraoperative procedures performed. A mixed effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 29 articles and 1426 hip arthroscopy cases were analyzed with 185 cutting, 258 impingement, 304 contact, 207 endurance, 116 flexibility, and 356 asymmetric/overhead athletes. The mean age was similar among the 6 subgroups (P = .532), but the proportion of female athletes was significantly higher in flexibility, endurance, and asymmetric/overhead sports as compared with impingement and contact athletes. Flexibility athletes had the highest rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS (94.8%), whereas contact athletes had the lowest rate (88%). The longest mean ± SD time (8.5 ± 1.9 months) to return to sport was reported in cutting sports, while endurance athletes returned faster than the rest (5.4 ± 2.6 months). The difference in rate and time to return to sport, as well as the intraoperative procedure performed, did not reach statistical significance among the 6 subgroups. There was evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity, and the mean Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies score was 13 ± 2.6.

CONCLUSION

Flexibility athletes had the highest rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, while endurance athletes returned the fastest. The difference in rate and time to return to sport and intraoperative procedures performed did not reach statistical significance among the 6 subgroups. These results are limited by the evidence of publication bias and should be interpreted with caution. Laboratory-based studies are necessary to validate the classification of sports based on hip mechanics.

Definitions of Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy: Are We Speaking the Same Language and Are We Measuring the Right Outcome?

Background:

Return to sport is a commonly studied outcome of hip arthroscopy that is relevant to both patients and providers. There exists substantial variability in criteria used to define successful return to sport.

Purpose:

To review and evaluate the definitions used in the literature so as to establish a single standard to enable comparison of outcomes in future studies.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2019, for studies relating to hip arthroscopy and return to sport. Articles included were those that met the following criteria: (1) contained 2 or more patients, (2) studied patients 18 years of age and older, (3) reported postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy, (4) clearly defined return to play, and (5) were written in English. Excluded articles (1) reported outcomes for nonoperative or open treatments, (2) did not clearly define return to play, or (3) were review articles, meta-analyses, or survey-based studies. Return-to-play definitions and additional metrics of postoperative performance and outcome were recorded.

Results:

A total of 185 articles were identified, and 28 articles were included in the final review, of which 18 involved elite athletes and 10 involved recreational athletes. Of articles studying elite athletes, 6 (33%) defined return to play as participation in regular or postseason competition, 3 (17%) extended the criteria to the preseason, and 2 (11%) used participation in sport-related activities and training. The remaining 7 (39%) reported rates of return to the preoperative level of competition but did not specify preseason versus regular season. All 10 articles evaluating recreational athletes defined return to play based on patient-reported outcomes. Four (40%) did so qualitatively, while 6 (60%) did so quantitatively.

Conclusion:

There exists significant variability in criteria used to define successful return to sport after hip arthroscopy, and these criteria differ among elite and recreational athletes. For elite athletes, return to the preoperative level of competition is most commonly used, but there exists no consensus on what type of competition—regular season, preseason, or training—is most appropriate. For recreational athletes, patient-reported data are most commonly employed, although there are clear differences between authors on the ways in which these are being used as well.

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.

Low rate of high-level athletes maintained a return to pre-injury sports two years after arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate the rate of athletes still active at their pre-injury sports level two years after arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), and examine this between different sports and gender, and its correlation to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHOD

High-level athletes planned for arthroscopic treatment for FAIS were included prospectively in a Swedish hip arthroscopy registry between 2011 and 2017, and 717 met the inclusion criteria. Self-reported sporting activity was recorded preoperatively. The subjects answered PROMs, including the HSAS, iHOT-12 and HAGOS pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 551 athletes (median age 26, interquartile range 20-34 years; 23% women) had completed follow-up PROMs, at mean 23.4 ± 7.2 months postoperatively. In total, 135 (24.5%) were active at their pre-injury level of sports at follow-up (RTS^pre). Athletes ≤30 years at time of surgery (n = 366; median age 22 years) had higher rate of RTS^pre (31.4%) compared with athletes > 30 years (n = 185; median age 40 years) (10.8%; p < 0.001). All athletes had improvements in iHOT-12 and HAGOS, two years postoperatively (p < 0.001), while RTS^pre athletes reported significantly better PROMs, pre- and postoperatively, and had greater improvements two years postoperatively, compared with athletes not active at pre-injury level.

CONCLUSION

Only 25% of all high-level athletes and 31% of athletes ≤30 years were still active at their pre-injury sports level two years after arthroscopic treatment for FAIS. Athletes still active had significantly and clinically greater improvement regarding hip symptoms, function and quality of life, as compared with athletes not active at pre-injury level, two years postoperatively.

Return to Sport After Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery and Sport-Specific Considerations: a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent advancements in surgical technology and techniques have improved functional results for operative treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Few studies have comprehensively evaluated the literature regarding return to sport criteria, timing, level, and rates. The purpose of this study was to review recent studies regarding return to play after surgical correction of FAIS. We will specifically evaluate the level of return to play and look to compare pre- and postoperative competition levels when available. We will also analyze timing of return to play from injury to surgery. Additionally, we will elucidate any sport-specific criteria that may determine readiness for return.

RECENT FINDINGS

Athletes with FAIS treated non-operatively have a low rate of return to sport and are often functionally limited in their level of performance. Surgical management of FAIS includes hip arthroscopy as well as open techniques. Current literature suggests a high rate of return to sport after contemporary surgery for FAIS at 87-93% overall. Rate of return to the same level of competition following surgery for FAIS is 55-83% in pooled studies. Limited evidence is available comparing postoperative rehabilitation protocols and timing of return among different sports. Operative treatment of FAIS results in high rates of return to sport and functional performance. The results of this study may help educate patients preoperatively in regard to the likelihood of functional return to sport and sport-specific considerations. Further research evaluating rehabilitation protocols and return criteria may better elucidate timing intervals for patients to maximize function while limiting complications.

Differences in lower quarter Y-balance test with player position and ankle injuries in professional baseball players

PURPOSE

Although there has been research about the correlation between ankle injury and Y-balance test (YBT) conducted in other sports, there has been a lack of research on the correlation between ankle injury among baseball players and YBT scores or on differences in scores according to baseball positions. This study focused on professional baseball players as its subjects with the aims of analyzing the correlation between YBT and ankle injury and assessing differences in YBT between baseball positions.

METHODS

Age, height, weight, body mass index, and spine malleolar distance of 42 professional baseball players were measured. YBT measurements were performed using each foot in three distinct directions. YBT normalized reach distances, composite score, and reach asymmetry were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean right posteromedial normalized reach distances for the player positions were significantly different between the pitchers (107.7%) and infielders (113.7%) ( p = 0.028). For the composite score, the difference between the pitchers (92.3%) and infielders (95.0%) was statistically significant ( p = 0.048). The anterior reach asymmetry was larger in the injured group than in the noninjured group ( p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that YBT can be used as a way of evaluating the injury of baseball players. It also shows the reference value of YBT according to position in professional baseball players. This study could be useful for the treatment of ankle injury of baseball players. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Ankle and Lower Leg Injuries in Professional Baseball Players

BACKGROUND

Ankle and lower leg injuries are very common in sports, and numerous studies have discussed their diagnosis and management. Our study differs in that we report lower leg injuries in professional baseball players spanning the 2011-2016 seasons by utilizing a comprehensive injury surveillance system developed by Major League Baseball (MLB).

PURPOSE

To determine the injury characteristics of ankle and lower leg injuries in professional baseball players during the 2011-2016 seasons by utilizing the MLB injury surveillance system.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

Our study is a descriptive epidemiological evaluation through a retrospective review of injury data from the MLB Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) since its implementation in 2010. We included any professional baseball player (MLB and Minor League Baseball [MiLB]) who was identified as having an ankle or lower leg injury between January 1, 2011, and February 28, 2017.

RESULTS

Over the study period, there were a total of 4756 injuries, of which 763 (16%) occurred in MLB players and 3993 (84%) occurred in MiLB players. The mean number of days missed for all players was 27.8 ± 141.4 days, with a median of 3 days. From 2011 through 2016, it was estimated that there were 414,912 athlete exposures (AEs) in MLB and 1,796,607 AEs in MiLB. Of the 4756 injuries recorded, 550 (12%) took place during the MLB regular season, and 3320 (70%) took place during the MiLB regular season. Injuries in MLB players, however, were 1.7 times more likely to require surgery (P < .001). Additionally, rates of injury to the lower leg were stratified by position, with infield players experiencing injuries at a 1.6 times greater rate than any other position (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this is the only epidemiological study to focus primarily on ankle and lower leg injuries in professional baseball players, utilizing an injury surveillance system developed by MLB.

Editorial Commentary: Hip Arthroscopy Wins the National Basketball Association Slam Dunk Contest!

Hip arthroscopy has proved its efficacy and value in the management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in recreational and professional athletes. However, needs, expectations, and economic burden are remarkable and astonishingly different within the elite sport world. When considering hip arthroscopy to address a femoroacetabular impingement condition, 3 big questions are asked by every athlete and must be answered: (1) Can I play again? (2) Will I play at the same level? (3) When can I return to sport? Regarding the National Basketball Association, approximately 88% of athletes return to play at the same level in about 6 months.

Comparing Outcomes of Competitive Athletes Versus Nonathletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

A growing number of studies have examined return to sport in competitive athletes after undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS); however, few have evaluated the rate of achieving meaningful clinical outcomes in this group.

PURPOSE

To determine if competitive athletes (professional, semiprofessional, or collegiate) have better 2-year patient-reported outcomes and achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit at higher rates when compared with nonathletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The study was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who identified as either a competitive athlete or a nonathlete and had undergone hip arthroscopy for FAIS by a single fellowship-trained surgeon between January 2012 and April 2017. Patients in the 2 groups were matched 1:2 by age, sex, and body mass index. Baseline and clinical outcomes, including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score, and international Hip Outcome Tool-12, were collected preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively and compared between the groups. The MCID and substantial clinical benefit were calculated for each group separately and compared using chi-square analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 59 competitive athletes and 118 nonathletes were included in the final analysis. Most of the competitive athletes were soccer players (23.7%), followed by softball players (10.2%) and runners (10.2%). Postoperative score comparison between competitive athletes and nonathletes demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the HOS-SS (mean ± SD, 84.5 ± 19.0 vs 76.1 ± 23.8; P = .02). Meaningful outcome analysis demonstrated that competitive athletes had a higher rate of achieving the HOS-SS threshold for the MCID (97.4% vs 82.5%; P = .021). There was no other difference in frequency of achieving the threshold for any other meaningful clinical outcome between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS in competitive athletes and nonathletes produced clinically meaningful outcomes in both patient groups. However, competitive athletes achieved the MCID on the HOS-SS at higher rates than nonathletes and had significantly higher scores at 2 years postoperatively on the HOS-SS.

Surgical Treatment of Labral Tears: Debridement, Repair, Reconstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the rapid growth of hip arthroscopy over the past decade, new treatment paradigms as well as recognition of new disease states have sprung forth. The ability to perform complex arthroscopic procedures of the hip such as labral augmentation and reconstruction is essential for hip arthroscopists in the revision setting, with patient selection and indications for various labral treatments the key driver for improved short- and mid-term clinical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current techniques have been developed to address disease states where the labrum is either unstable, torn, deficient, or otherwise incompetent. Many early reports focused on the description of these techniques with new literature reporting short- and mid-term outcomes. A few of these have demonstrated improved outcomes with a contemporary arthroscopy with emphasis on capsule preservation and repair. Studies have demonstrated that labral repair has improved outcomes over labral debridement, with results of labral reconstruction in a revision approaching those of labral repair. In addition, newer reports have shown significantly improved outcomes and survivorship with capsule repair and therefore should be included in every hip arthroscopy.

Hip Arthroscopy: A Social Media Analysis of Patient Perception

Background

The rate of hip arthroscopy has increased significantly in recent years, although understanding of patient perception remains limited.

Purpose

To analyze posts shared on Instagram and Twitter referencing hip arthroscopy to evaluate perspective, tone, timing, content, visibility, and location.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A search of public posts on Instagram and Twitter was performed over a 1-year period, selected through use of the following hashtags: #hiparthroscopy, #hipscope, and #labralrepair. A total of 1850 Instagram posts and 163 Twitter posts were included in the analysis. A categorical classification system was used for media format (picture or video), perspective (patient, family or friend, physician, hospital or physical therapy group, professional organization, news media, or industry), timing (preoperative, postoperative, nonoperative), perioperative period (within 1 week before or after surgery), tone (positive, negative, or neutral), and content (surgical site, hospital or surgeon, imaging, rehabilitation, activities of daily living (ADLs), return to work, surgical instruments, or education). Post popularity (number of likes) and geographic location were also recorded.

Results

Of the 1850 Instagram posts analyzed, 91.2% were made by patients, and 52.9% were positive. The most common content included in Instagram posts was rehabilitation, ADLs, and hospital or surgeon. A total of 163 Twitter posts were analyzed, with 59.0% of posts made by physicians. A majority of posts had a positive tone, and the most frequently referenced themes included education, hospital or surgeon, and rehabilitation. Overall, posts originated from 24 different countries.

Conclusion

The majority of patients who undergo hip arthroscopy have a positive tone when discussing their procedure. Posts commonly focused on rehabilitation, ADLs, hospital or surgeon, and education. This analysis provides insight into patient perspectives toward hip arthroscopy.

Editorial Commentary: Returning to High-Impact Sports After Hip Arthroscopy: Are We Shooting Ourselves in the Hip?

There is a clear consensus in the literature that professional athletes exhibit high rates of return to sport following hip arthroscopy. As orthopaedic surgeons, we are well equipped to guide athletes back to the field after intra-articular hip injuries. However, returning to high-impact sports and playing through the pain can have implications on long-term health. Literature suggests that former elite athletes are at greater risk for reinjury and developing hip osteoarthritis compared with non-athletes. While it is incumbent upon us as orthopaedic surgeons to inform and advise our patients regarding the long-term consequences of return to sport after a hip injury, we recognize and enthusiastically support the passion that many athletes feel for the game and the vast benefits that they can derive from returning to the sport they love.

Performance and Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Major League Baseball Players

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain that may lead to decreased performance in Major League Baseball (MLB) players.

Purpose

To determine the (1) return-to-sport (RTS) rate in MLB players after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI; (2) postoperative career length, innings pitched (IP) (pitchers), and plate appearances (PA) (position players); (3) preoperative and postoperative performance; and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players matched by position, age, years of experience, and performance.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

MLB athletes who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI and matched controls were identified. Demographic and performance data were collected. RTS was defined as playing in at least 1 MLB game after surgery. Continuous variables of each group were compared using a 2-tailed paired-samples Student t test for normally distributed data. The chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data. The Bonferroni correction was used to control for multiple comparisons, with statistical significance defined by a P value of ≤.007.

Results

A total of 50 players (57 surgeries) were analyzed (mean age, 30.4 ± 3.9 years; mean MLB experience at the time of surgery, 7.0 ± 4.6 years). Pitchers (31 surgeries; 54.4%) represented the largest proportion of players analyzed. Of these players, 42 (47 surgeries; 82.5%) were able to RTS at a mean of 8.3 ± 4.1 months. The overall 1-year MLB career survival rate of players undergoing FAI surgery was 78.9%. Players in the control group were in MLB a similar number of years (4.0 ± 2.9 years) to players who underwent surgery (3.3 ± 2.4 years) (P > .007). There was no significant decrease in IP or PA per season after surgery (P > .007). There was no significant difference in performance for pitchers and nonpitchers compared with matched controls after surgery (P > .007).

Conclusion

The RTS rate for MLB athletes after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI was high. There were similar IP, PA, and career lengths postoperatively compared with preoperatively and with matched controls. There was no significant difference in performance for pitchers and nonpitchers compared with matched controls after surgery.

Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Basketball Players: Return to Play, Career Length, and Performance After Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that hip arthroscopy is an effective treatment for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in professional athletes across a variety of sports. However, the return-to-play rates and postoperative performance of elite basketball players after hip arthroscopy are currently unknown.

PURPOSE

To determine return-to-play rates and postoperative performance among professional basketball athletes after hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Eighteen professional basketball players underwent hip arthroscopy (24 hips) for symptomatic FAI between 2001 and 2016 by a single surgeon. Return to play was defined as competing in a single professional game of equal level after surgery. Data were retrospectively obtained for each player from basketball-reference.com , ESPN.com , eurobasket.com, and individual team websites. Matched controls were selected from the websites to compare performances.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of surgery was 25.6 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.4 kg/m². All players returned to their previous levels of competition, with a mean number of 4 seasons played after surgery (median, 3; range, 1-12). The mean ± SD time between the date of surgery and return to a professional game was 7.1 ± 4.4 months. There was no change in player efficiency rating when pre- and postinjury performance were compared. When compared with controls, players undergoing surgery also had no significant decline in player efficiency rating.

CONCLUSION

Elite basketball athletes who undergo hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI return to their presurgical levels of competition at a high rate. These athletes demonstrate no significant overall decrease in performance upon their return to play.