Incidence of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Surgical Management Trends Over Time

Femoroacetabular Impingement: Critical Analysis Review of Current Nonoperative Treatments

» Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the premature contact of the femoral head-neck junction with the superior acetabular rim during hip range of motion, which may further damage intra-articular soft tissue structures and lead to the accelerated development of osteoarthritis.» FAI syndrome is diagnosed by a triad of symptoms, clinical signs, and imaging findings, and is a common cause of hip pain in young patients that have a significant impact on patient hip-related function and quality of life.» The treatment of FAI syndrome begins with noninvasive nonoperative modalities such as patient education and supervised exercise-based physical therapy. For recalcitrant symptoms, various injections have been explored for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes; however, the efficacy of these interventions have generally not been demonstrated outside of the short term» In this article, we examine the available literature regarding the nonoperative treatment of FAI and provide insight into the effectiveness of current treatment modalities.

The Impact of Hip Arthroscopy on the Progression of Hip Osteoarthritis in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Hip arthroscopy (HA) for the surgical management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) provides reliable improvements in pain and function; however, debate remains regarding the impact of HA on the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

Purpose

To determine whether HA for FAIS reduces the progression of OA and the risk of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Study Design

Systematic review; level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A systematic electronic search of articles in Medline, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was performed under the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with 5046 articles remaining after duplicates were removed. All papers addressing HA for FAIS that reported radiographic progression of hip OA with a follow-up of ≥2 years were eligible for inclusion. Studies assessing labral reconstruction, revision HA, case reports, studies with <10 patients, and patients with hip dysplasia or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. A total of 322 studies progressed to full text, and 16 studies were ultimately included in this review. Studies were divided based on short-term (ST) (2 to <5 years), mid-term (MT) (5 to <10 years), and long-term (LT) (>10 years) follow-ups. A meta-analysis of homogenous studies and outcomes was performed, otherwise, descriptive statistics were presented.

Results

Sixteen studies (2278 hips) with FAIS were included, in which 1196 hips underwent HA and 1082 hips were treated nonoperatively. There were 8 ST studies, 4 MT studies, and 4 LT studies. A meta-analysis of 2 comparative studies found 32% (P = .002) less risk of progression of radiographic OA (any increase in grading) with HA compared with nonoperative management. In addition, there was a nonsignificant 23% (P = .35) decreased risk of conversion to THA/hip resurfacing with HA. For all studies, there was a progression of hip OA ranging from 0% to 37.1% for ST studies, 11.5% to 23% for MT studies, and 4.3% to 28% for LT studies.

Conclusion

Our systematic review demonstrated that studies of patients undergoing HA for FAIS demonstrated increased radiographic progression of hip OA over time. Although significantly limited by only 2 retrospective cohort studies, subgroup analysis comparing operative versus nonoperative management demonstrated a 32% reduction in the radiographic progression of OA (any increase in grading) at the LT follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in the risk of THA/hip resurfacing. Future long-term, high-level controlled studies are needed to help further understand this important clinical question.

Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Athletes Versus Non-Athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a frequently observed hip condition among young, active individuals-especially athletes-that can result in pain, restricted mobility, and a heightened risk of osteoarthritis. Hip arthroscopy has increasingly become the preferred surgical approach for managing FAI due to its ability to alleviate symptoms and improve function. However, potential differences in outcomes between athletes and non-athletes have not been thoroughly investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared arthroscopic management for FAI in athletes versus non-athletes. The outcomes of interest were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically accessed until October 2024. The studies eligible were clinical investigations comparing athletes and non-athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The outcomes assessed included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hip Outcome Score for Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). Data on reoperation rates and progression to total hip arthroplasty were also extracted. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Three comparative investigations, comprising 808 patients (165 athletes and 643 non-athletes), met the inclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics were similar across both groups. The analyses demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the PROMs (VAS: p = 0.7; HOS-ADL: p = 0.5; HOS-SSS: p = 0.4), reoperation rates (p = 0.7), or the rate of progression to arthroplasty (p = 0.4) between athletes and non-athletes. Furthermore, meta-analyses of two studies reinforced the absence of significant differences in VAS and HOS-SSS outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Hip arthroscopy for FAI appears to yield equivalent improvements in pain and functional outcomes for both athletes and non-athletes, with comparable complication rates at an approximate two-year follow-up. Despite the limited number of studies and a moderate risk of bias, the findings support the effectiveness of arthroscopic intervention across varying physical activity levels.

Patients Requiring Revision Surgery After Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Show a Small Reduction of Postoperative Labral Size: A Propensity-Matched Controlled Study

PURPOSE

To compare the changes in labral size after primary hip arthroscopy between patients requiring revision surgery and those did not.

METHODS

Data collected between August 2016 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and undergoing primary and revision hip arthroscopy at our institute were included in the revision group. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, concomitant hip conditions, and incomplete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Patients who did not undergo revision surgery or conversion to total hip arthroplasty at minimum 2-year follow-up were matched in a 1:2 ratio and included in the control group. The labral size (width and height at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:00) on MRI (noncontrast, 3.0 T) before and after 12 months of primary surgery was compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were included in the revision group, and 42 patients were matched in the control group. In the revision group, significant reduction in labral width and height at 11:30 and 1:30, and labral width at 3:00 was observed at 12 months after primary hip arthroscopy (all with P < .05), whereas the control group did not show significant difference of changes in labral size (all with P > .05). Smaller postoperative labral width at 1:30 and 3:00 was observed in the revision group compared with the control group (all with P < .05). The revision group presented with greater reduction of labral width at all 3 positions and labral height at 1:30 compared with the control group (all with P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients requiring revision surgery after primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome presented with smaller postoperative labral size (less than 1 mm difference) and greater reduction of labral size (at or less than 1mm difference) on MRI 12 months after primary surgery compared with those patients that did not require later revision surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case control.

Revision Hip Arthroscopy Terrible Triad: Capsular Deficiency, Labral Deficiency, and Femoral Over-Resection

Revision hip arthroscopy is increasingly common and most often performed to treat residual femoroacetabular impingement caused by cam under-resection. Unfortunately, other pathologies encountered during revision hip arthroscopy are more difficult to treat, including capsular deficiency, labral deficiency, adhesion formation, and/or cam over-resection. When encountered, these various pathologies should be comprehensibly corrected with the goals of restoring anatomy, re-establishing the hip fluid seal, and ensuring impingement-free motion. Labral deficiency can successfully be treated with labral augmentation or reconstruction. Capsular deficiency is best managed with primary repair or capsular reconstruction. Cam over-resection is a difficult problem, but there is growing evidence for a soft-tissue remplissage used to fill the defect with soft tissue. The combination of these problems can be considered a salvage scenario but can be treated comprehensively with these techniques with improved outcomes and acceptable survivorship.

Femoroacetabular Impingement: Preoperative Evaluation and Postoperative Imaging

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a significant orthopaedic condition that primarily affects young active adults. It is characterized by abnormal contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum, leading to joint damage and osteoarthritis. This syndrome presents in three forms: pincer, cam, and mixed impingement, each with distinct morphological characteristics that can cause labral tears and cartilage damage. Over the last 20 years, the diagnosis and management of FAI has evolved considerably with advancements in imaging technologies and surgical techniques, especially hip arthroscopy.This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging criteria, surgical treatments, and postoperative outcomes of FAI, providing essential insights for radiologists and surgeons. The importance of early and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is emphasized to prevent the progression of FAI and to plan effective surgical interventions aimed at joint preservation. Challenges remain in the postoperative setting, where residual symptoms can require revision surgeries. Future directions in the management of FAI will likely focus on refining imaging protocols and surgical techniques to enhance the success rates of primary procedures and reduce the need for subsequent interventions.

Patients With a History of Lumbar Fusion Have a Greater Risk of Revision Arthroscopy and Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty After Primary Hip Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To characterize the risk of revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) among patients with a history of lumbar fusion undergoing primary hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

We used the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, an administrative database including all ambulatory and inpatient surgery encounters in New York, to identify all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement between 2010 and 2020. Patients with previous lumbar fusion were identified using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision, coding definitions. Patients with and without previous fusion were matched in a 1:5 ratio according to age and comorbidity burden. The number of levels fused was defined in the following fashion: (1) no fusion, (2) 1-2 levels, or (3) ≥3 levels. Patients were followed for 2 years to evaluate the rate of revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to THA. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to measure the association between number of levels fused and revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to THA.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2020, there were 23,277 patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy in New York state. Of these, 348 (1.4%) had a previous lumbar fusion. After matching for age and comorbidities, the composite rate of revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to THA was greater in patients with previous lumbar fusion compared with patients without (16.5% vs 8.5%; P < .001). This risk increased with the number of levels fused (1-2 levels: 15.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval 1.3-2.6; vs ≥3 levels: 26.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval 1.7-7.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a history of lumbar fusion had significantly greater rates of revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to THA compared with patients without previous fusion. The risk of revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to THA was increased approximately 2-fold in patients with 1 to 2 levels fused and 3-fold in patients with 3 or more levels fused.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic retrospective matched comparative case series.

A meta-analysis of the effectiveness and side effects of hip arthroscopy and open surgical dislocation in the management of femoroacetabular impingement

BACKGROUND

The influence of femoroacetabular (FA) impingement has been implied in early hip osteoarthritis, particularly in young patients who enjoy athletics. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness and safety of hip arthroscopy compared to open surgical dislocation for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), based on clinical trials that have been published.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies evaluating coxoscopy and open surgical dislocation as treatment modalities for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI).

RESULTS

Ultimately 9 studies were added in this meta-analysis. 9 studies reported the Improvement of alpha angle of the Hip Arthroscopy treatment group and the surgical treatment group, which was no remarkable statistical significance(SMD: -5.54; 95% Cl: -12.45,1.38; P = 0.117) compared to the surgical treatment group, Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) after 12 months of follow-up(SMD: 0.94; 95% Cl: -2.87,4.75; P = 0.629), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) after 12 months of follow-up (SMD:6.31; 95% Cl: 0.53,12.09; P = 0.032), rate of recurrence (OR: 0.48; 95% Cl: 0.29,0.82; P < 0.01), and rate of Complication (OR: 0.66; 95% Cl: 0.26,1.65; P = 0.372).

CONCLUSION

Alpha angle improvement, mHHS, NAHS after 12 months of follow-up, rate of recurrence, and rate of Complication are some of the indicators of the study's results point to the possibility that hip arthroscopy may be effective for patients with FA impingement; hence, these conclusions required to be corroborated by additional superior-quality studies.

The Continuous Fragility Index of Statistically Significant Findings in Studies Based on High Levels of Evidence Comparing Interventions for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Critical analysis of studies with high level of evidence has relied on the significance set by the reported P values. However, this strategy steers readers toward categorical interpretation of the data; therefore, a more comprehensive approach of data analysis is warranted. The continuous fragility index (CFI) allows for frailty interpretation of any given study's continuous outcome results.

PURPOSE

To calculate the CFI of high-level quality studies reporting significant continuous outcomes on comparison of treatment modalities for management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Three databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) were queried from inception to February 2024 utilizing Boolean operators to combine variations of the following search terms: "femoroacetabular impingement, randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort." Studies were included if level of evidence 1 or 2, and a statistically significant outcome was reported for any continuous outcome. CFI calculation was performed for all significant outcomes to obtain a study-specific mean CFI and also for the primary outcome of each study. Mean CFI was also calculated for outcomes reported to be significant in >3 studies. Additionally, multivariable linear regression was utilized for assessment of variables associated with achievement of a higher CFI.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies totaling 1316 patients were included for analysis: 11 level of evidence 1 and 2 level of evidence 2 studies. A total of 48 outcomes reaching significance were extracted, with 8 representing primary outcomes. Study-specific mean (SD) CFI was 8 (9.3), whereas primary outcome mean CFI was 12.5 (12). In 4 of the 13 studies, the number of hips lost to follow-up was greater than the study CFI. Outcome-specific mean CFI was obtained for 5 outcomes reported in >3 studies. Multivariable linear regression revealed that larger sample size and greater journal impact factor had a significant positive association with a higher overall CFI value (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The mean (SD) number of patient outcome events needed to reverse the significance of a continuous outcome (ie, CFI) was 8.0 (9.3). Nearly one-third of studies had a CFI less than the reported loss to follow-up, reflecting the need for better patient compliance to attain less fragile statistical results. Larger sample size and greater journal impact factor were both predictive of a higher CFI.

Sex-related functional outcome after periacetabular osteotomy in mild to severe hip dysplasia

Aims

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is well established for acetabular reorientation and has shown successful improvement in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Nevertheless, studies focusing on postoperative outcomes related to patient individual factors are still underrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the functional outcome and activity level in relation to patient sex with a minimum follow-up of two years after PAO for mild to severe hip dysplasia.

Methods

A single-centre study was conducted, enrolling patients undergoing PAO and completing a preoperative and postoperative radiological and clinical outcome assessment. The PROMs were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) with the subscales for pain, sport, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QoL), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. Kendall's tau were calculated for correlation analyses.

Results

In total, 145 patients (28 male, 117 female) were included. The PROMs improved significantly across males and females at the latest follow-up. Female patients had significantly lower preoperative PROMs: mHHS (47 vs 57.4; p = 0.002); HOOS pain (44.9 vs 60; p = 0.003), sport (47 vs 57.4; p = 0.002), ADL (58.9 vs 69.3; p = 0.032), and QoL (26.8 vs 39.3; p = 0.009); and UCLA (5.6 vs 6.7, p = 0.042) scores. Males showed higher postoperative UCLA scores (7.5 vs 6.7; p = 0.03). Kendall's tau showed significant negative correlation between BMI and UCLA scores in females and males (-0.21 to -0.29; p = 0.002/0.048), while BMI and HOOS sport (-0.16; p = 0.015) and ADL (-0.2; p = 0.003), as well as QoL (-0.14; p = 0.031) and preoperative acetabular inclination (-0.13; p = 0.049) were only significantly negatively correlated in females.

Conclusion

Patient sex affects PROMs before and after PAO. Female patients experience higher improvement in hip function and activity level, due to poorer preoperative PROMs than males. Thus, these data are particularly interesting in providing preoperative guidance regarding postoperative outcome expectations.

Evaluation of Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Across Different Surgeons, Surgical Techniques, and Postoperative Protocols: A Multi-institutional Study

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is frequently treated arthroscopically with osteoplasty and labral repair. Surgical preferences vary in terms of equipment, technique, and postoperative protocol. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools to assess outcomes across different institutions.

Purpose

To compare PROMs after FAIS arthroscopy and evaluate the impact on postoperative outcomes with independent surgeons utilizing different surgical techniques and postoperative protocols.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Prospective data were collected from patients with a 2-year follow-up after arthroscopic FAIS treatment by 2 orthopaedic surgeons from different states, each attending different sports medicine fellowships. Patients were matched according to age, sex, and body mass index. Data included patient characteristics, surgical findings, and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Patients with revision surgery, concomitant procedures, or incomplete pre- and postoperative data were excluded. Surgeon A utilized interportal capsulotomy, capsular repair, all-suture anchors, and a postoperative hip brace. Surgeon B employed periportal capsulotomy without repair, polyether ether ketone suture anchors, and no brace. The 2 high-volume arthroscopists (>100 hips/year) performed osteoplasty and labral repair and used a large perineal post. Cohorts were analyzed with appropriate t tests, with significance set at P < .05. The percentage of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using Pearson chi-square tests.

Results

A total of 176 hips (100 women, 76 men) were included, with 88 matched patients from each institution. The mean age was 33.7 years and the body mass index was 26.3 kg/m2. Both cohorts significantly improved in all 5 HOOS subscales 2 years after surgery. When comparing the mean change in PROMs and the percentage of patients achieving the MCID, differences were only observed in the HOOS-Sports subscale (cohort A: 25.3 ± 29.7 vs cohort B: 34.3 ± 29.7; P = .048; MCID achieved in 57% of patients vs 76%; P = .01).

Conclusion

This prospective cohort study on arthroscopic FAIS treatment indicates that matched patient cohorts from different institutions show similarly improved PROMs at 2 years. This study suggests consistent patient outcomes across sites despite geography, surgeon, training, surgical technique, implants, and postoperative protocol.

PLGA Conical Nail Fixation for Acetabular Chondrolabral Delamination in Femoroacetabular Impingement Promotes Cartilage and Labrum Regeneration in a Porcine Model

BACKGROUND

Acetabular chondrolabral delamination (ACD) is one of the most common hip cartilage injuries. However, there are very limited clinical treatments for this injury.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) conical nail fixation in the treatment of acute and chronic ACD in a porcine model.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

In this study, 24 pigs underwent surgically induced delamination of the chondrolabral junction. Pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group (delaminated chondrolabral junction without treatment), ACD acute refixation (ACDA) group (delaminated chondrolabral junction fixed with a PLGA nail), and ACD chronic refixation (ACDC) group (placement of a nonabsorbable spacer at the stripped chondrolabral junction for 6 weeks before fixation with a PLGA nail). Porcine specimens underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hematoxylin and eosin staining, safranin O/fast green (SO/FG) staining, immunohistochemistry examination (collagen 1, collagen 2, and collagen 10), and immunofluorescence examination (SOX9 and aggrecan) to evaluate the chondrolabral regeneration at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

MRI showed focal discontinuity of cartilage and fluid located between the acetabular cartilage and subchondral bone plate in the control group. The acetabular cartilage stained with SO/FG showed significantly more proteoglycan deposition at 12 weeks in the ACDA group than in the control group (P = .0109) and ACDC group (P = .0484). In accordance with the results of the SO/FG and collagen 10 staining, the aggrecan of the femoral head at 6 and 12 weeks was upregulated in the ACDA group (P < .0001) and downregulated in the ACDC group (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

PLGA conical nail fixation achieved a good treatment outcome on MRI and histological evaluations. Early treatment upregulated the expression levels of SOX9 and aggrecan and promoted proteoglycan deposition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The PLGA conical nail fixation technique may be a viable and effective treatment approach for patients with ACD in clinical practice.

ChatGPT Can Often Respond Adequately to Common Patient Questions Regarding Femoroacetabular Impingement

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the ability of ChatGPT to answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding FAI. We hypothesize that ChatGPT can provide accurate and thorough responses when presented with FAQs regarding FAI.

DESIGN

Ten FAQs regarding FAI were presented to ChatGPT 3.5 and initial responses were recorded and analyzed against evidence-based literature. Responses were rated as "excellent response requiring no further clarification," "satisfactory response requiring minimal clarification," "satisfactory response requiring moderate clarification," or "unsatisfactory response requiring substantial clarification."

SETTING

Institutional.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

Frequently asked questions regarding femoroacetabular impingement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Accuracy and thoroughness of ChatGPT responses to FAQs. Hypothesis was formulated before data collection.

RESULTS

Most responses from ChatGPT were rated as satisfactory and required only minimal clarification. Two responses received an excellent rating and required no further clarification, while only 1 response from ChatGPT was rated unsatisfactory and required substantial clarification.

CONCLUSIONS

ChatGPT provided largely accurate and thorough responses to FAQs regarding FAI while appropriately reiterating the importance of always consulting a medical professional.

Demographic Disparities and Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy: Exploring the Impact of Social Determinants of Health in Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of social deprivation on preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes following hip arthroscopy (HA) for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary HA for FAIS were identified, and their social deprivation index (SDI) score was assigned on the basis of the provided ZIP code. Quartiles (Q1 to Q4) were established using national percentiles, with Q4 representing patients from the areas of greatest deprivation. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Achievement rates for clinically meaningful outcomes, including the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB), were determined. The incidences of revision HA and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were recorded. SDI groups were compared with respect to preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcome measures. Predictors of MCID, PASS, and SCB achievement; revision HA; and conversion to THA were identified with use of multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 2,060 hips were included, which had the following SDI distribution: Q1 = 955, Q2 = 580, Q3 = 281, and Q4 = 244. The composition of the included patients with respect to race and/or ethnicity was 85.3% Caucasian, 3.8% African American, 3.7% Hispanic, 1.7% Asian, and 5.4% "other." Patients with more social deprivation presented at a later age and with a higher body mass index (BMI), a longer duration of preoperative hip pain, and greater joint degeneration (p ≤ 0.035 for all). The most socially deprived groups had higher proportions of African American and Hispanic individuals, less participation in physical activity, and greater prevalences of smoking, lower back pain, and Workers' Compensation (p ≤ 0.018 for all). PRO scores and achievement of the PASS and SCB were worse among patients from areas of greater social deprivation (p ≤ 0.017 for all). Age, BMI, activity status, race and/or ethnicity classified as "other," SDI quartile, Workers' Compensation, preoperative back pain, duration of preoperative hip pain, and Tönnis grade were independent predictors of clinically meaningful outcome achievement, revision arthroscopy, and/or THA conversion (p ≤ 0.049 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with more social deprivation demonstrated inferior postoperative outcome measures. This was driven primarily by preoperative characteristics such as SDI, hip pain duration, joint degeneration, and overall health at presentation. Despite differential outcomes, patients still showed clinical improvement regardless of SDI quartile.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Review of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a common condition of the hip that can cause significant damage to the joint, leading to degeneration and osteoarthritis. FAIS constitutes an abnormal and dynamic contact between the femoral head-neck junction and the acetabular rim, resulting from altered bone morphology at one or both sites. Repetitive trauma at the site of impingement generates progressive damage to the acetabular labrum, chondrolabral junction, and articular cartilage. Proper diagnosis based on patient symptoms, specific clinical signs, and imaging findings will guide treatment and ultimately allow preservation of the native hip joint. Common symptoms in patients with FAIS include pain, clicking, catching, buckling, stiffness, giving way, and a limited range of motion of the hip. Specific clinical maneuvers can aid diagnosis, such as flexion adduction internal rotation and flexion abduction external rotation tests. Imaging diagnosis includes orthogonal hip and pelvis X-ray views, as well as magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance arthrogram imaging. Initial treatment of FAIS can be conservative and include physical therapy, intra-articular injections, and activity modification. Currently, the preferred surgical management consists of hip arthroscopy, which aims to correct bony abnormalities, repair or reconstruct labral lesions and address other intra-articular and extra-articular derangements as needed.

Radiomics features outperform standard radiological measurements in detecting femoroacetabular impingement on three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a cause of hip pain and can lead to hip osteoarthritis. Radiological measurements obtained from radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are normally used for FAI diagnosis, but they require time-consuming manual interaction, which limits accuracy and reproducibility. This study compares standard radiologic measurements against radiomics features automatically extracted from MRI for the identification of FAI patients versus healthy subjects. Three-dimensional Dixon MRI of the pelvis were retrospectively collected for 10 patients with confirmed FAI and acquired for 10 healthy subjects. The femur and acetabulum were segmented bilaterally and associated radiomics features were extracted from the four MRI contrasts of the Dixon sequence (water-only, fat-only, in-phase, and out-of-phase). A radiologist collected 21 radiological measurements typically used in FAI. The Gini importance was used to define 9 subsets with the most predictive radiomics features and one subset for the most diagnostically relevant radiological measurements. For each subset, 100 Random Forest machine learning models were trained with different data splits and fivefold cross-validation to classify healthy subjects versus FAI patients. The average performance among the 100 models was computed for each subset and compared against the performance of the radiological measurements. One model trained using the radiomics features datasets yielded 100% accuracy in the detection of FAI, whereas all other radiomics features exceeded 80% accuracy. Radiological measurements yielded 74% accuracy, consistent with previous work. The results of this preliminary work highlight for the first time the potential of radiomics for fully automated FAI diagnosis.

Outcomes and complications of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: A narrative review

Hip arthroscopy has emerged as the primary surgical intervention for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS), a common cause of hip pain in young adults, particularly athletes. This narrative review examines the long-term outcomes, complications, and debates surrounding arthroscopic management of FAIS. Key findings include sustained improvements in patient-reported outcomes, return to sport, and functional recovery, particularly in younger patients and those with cam-type FAIS. However, some patients may eventually require total hip arthroplasty (THA), highlighting the variability in long-term durability. Complications, though infrequent, remain a significant concern, with the most common being transient neuropathy due to prolonged traction, heterotopic ossification, and iatrogenic cartilage damage. Recent studies emphasize the importance of patient selection, with younger patients, those with capsular closure, and those without pre-existing osteoarthritis showing superior outcomes. Additionally, sex-based differences suggest females may experience higher complication rates, though they often report better functional improvements post-surgery. Areas of ongoing debate include the role of labral debridement versus repair, the optimal management of mixed-type FAIS, and the potential benefits of adjunctive procedures such as ligamentum teres debridement. Future research should focus on refining surgical techniques and identifying patient-specific factors to further optimize outcomes. Despite its complexities, hip arthroscopy remains an effective treatment for FAIS, though individualized treatment plans are crucial to addressing the unique needs of each patient. By synthesizing current evidence, this review aims to guide clinicians in optimizing FAIS management and identifying areas for future research.

Arthroscopic Chondral Nail Fixation for Treating Acetabular Cartilage Delamination Results in Improved Pain Relief at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Propensity-Matched Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic chondral nail fixation for acetabular cartilage delamination (ACD) in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), as well as the presentation of ACD on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed between March 2021 and March 2022 at our institute. Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS in whom ACD was diagnosed intraoperatively were included. The exclusion criteria were incomplete data or loss to minimum 2-year follow-up and concomitant hip conditions including hip osteoarthritis with a Tönnis grade greater than 1, avascular necrosis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, osteoid osteoma, synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. Patients who underwent chondral nail fixation were matched 1:1 to a control cohort of patients who only underwent simple debridement. Preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome scores, including the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), as well as percentage achieving the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), were collected and compared. MRI was performed preoperatively and at final follow-up to assess ACD.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included in the study (29 patients in each group). Both groups showed improved VAS pain scores and mHHS values after surgery (all P < .05). The chondral nail group showed better postoperative VAS pain scores (P = .022) than the control group, whereas the postoperative mHHS values were comparable between the 2 groups (P = .852). No significant differences in achievement of the minimal clinically important difference were found between the 2 groups (all P > .05). More patients in the chondral nail group achieved the PASS for the VAS pain score compared with the control group (75.9% vs 48.3%, P = .030). No patient underwent revision surgery or conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The chondral nail group showed a significantly higher rate of ACD healing on MRI compared with the control group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing arthroscopic chondral nail fixation for the treatment of ACD showed significant pain relief, greater achievement of the PASS for the VAS pain score, and a higher rate of ACD healing on MRI compared with those undergoing simple debridement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

A Multicenter Analysis of 3 Decades of Hip Arthroscopy: Evolving Techniques and Growing Patient Volumes From 1988 to 2022

Background

The number of hip arthroscopies performed in the United States has grown significantly over the past several decades, with evolving indications and emerging techniques.

Purposes

To (1) examine the evolution of hip arthroscopy at 3 tertiary referral centers between 1988 and 2022 and (2) quantify trends in patient demographics and procedures performed.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at 3 academic centers between 1988 and 2022. Demographic data were collected using standardized forms and operative notes, and intraoperative images were manually reviewed for each patient to determine the specific procedures performed at the time of the hip arthroscopy. Surgical procedures were plotted over time to evaluate trends. Patients were divided into 3 time periods for comparison: early hip arthroscopy from 1988 to 2008, 2009 (the time of the first labral repair in our cohort) to 2015, and 2016 to 2022.

Results

A total of 3000 patients (age, 35.7 ± 13.8 years; age range, 10-89 years; female sex, 2109 (70.3%); body mass index, 27.4 ± 6.3 kg/m2) underwent arthroscopic hip procedures between 1988 and 2022. The mean number of cases increased from a mean of 3.2 per year in 1988-2008 to 285.9 per year in 2016-2022 (P < .001). Labral treatment at the time of primary hip arthroscopy evolved from 100% debridement and 0% repair in 1988-2008 to 5.0% debridement, 94.0% repair, and 1.0% labral reconstruction in 2016-2022 (P < .001). Cam resection increased from 4.1% in 1988-2008 to 86.9% in 2016-2022 (P < .001). By 2022, 45 out of 325 cases (13.8%) were revisions. The rate of capsular repair at the time of primary hip arthroscopy increased from 0.0% in 1988-2008 up to 81.0% in 2016-2022.

Conclusion

There has been a significant growth of hip arthroscopy volumes as well as a significant transition from use as a tool for diagnosis and labral debridement to procedures restoring native anatomy including labral repair, cam resection, capsular repair, periacetabular osteotomy, and gluteal repair.

Capsular Repair, Labral Repair, and Femoroplasty With Postless Traction Are Increasingly Performed for the Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

To provide an updated assessment of hip arthroscopy use by using an institutional database that is specific to the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

All patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS were retrospectively identified between the years 2014 and 2022 via Current Procedural Terminology coding in a multi-institutional, single health system database. A longitudinal analysis was performed to identify trends in the use of arthroscopic techniques including capsular and labral treatment, osteoplasty, and traction set-up.

RESULTS

During the study, 789 arthroscopic hip procedures in 733 patients were analyzed (56 staged bilateral). Between 2016 and 2022, the number of hip arthroscopies performed each year increased by 1,490% (R2 = 0.87, P = .001). Capsular repair (R2 = 0.92, P < .001), labral repair (R2 = 0.75, P = .002), and femoroplasty (R2 = 0.70, P = .004) were performed in an increasing proportion of cases over our study period whereas labral debridement (R2 = -0.84, P < .001) became less used. Postless traction systems were employed in 84% (663/789) of hip arthroscopies overall, were used in at least 70% of hip arthroscopies each year, and did not undergo any significant changes in use (R2 = 0.02, P = .73).

CONCLUSIONS

Capsular repair, labral repair, and femoroplasty were increasingly performed for the arthroscopic treatment of FAIS whereas the use of labral debridement decreased significantly over our study period. Postless traction systems were used in the majority of cases each year.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

As comparative literature continues to define the safety and efficacy of hip arthroscopy, understanding how novel techniques or procedures are incorporated in clinical practice is important.

Alpha Angle Values Predict the Severity of Hip Chondral Damage in Patients With Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the role of alpha angle (AA) in predicting the severity of hip chondral damage in patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines, a systematic review was performed to summarize and critically appraise studies analyzing the prognostic capability of AA values in predicting the severity of intraoperatively evaluated hip chondral damage in patients with cam-type FAI syndrome. The risk of bias was assessed through the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Meta-analyses based on groups and individual data from studies with a low risk of bias were conducted. We employed a cumulative link mixed model to analyze the relationship between AA and the ordinal outcome (chondral damage). The model was adjusted for sex, age, and the lateral center-edge angle (LCEA). Interactions between sex and AA were also investigated, and probabilities were calculated.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 4,564 patients were included in a qualitative review (aged 30-39 years, 1,822 women [40%]). Studies with a low risk of bias (n = 4; 2,945 patients) indicated that AA values are significantly smaller (mean difference [95% confidence interval] of 10.5° [6.5°-15°]) in the low-grade chondral damage group (grades 0/I/II) compared with the high-grade chondral damage group (III/IV). The cumulative link mixed model with individual patient data from studies with low risk of bias (n = 3; 1,460 patients) indicated that for each 1° increase in AA, the odds of being in a greater category of chondral damage increased by a factor of 1.04 (odds ratio 1.04, P < .0001). Men were at significantly greater risk (odds ratio 2.11, P < .0001) than women, but no significant interaction between sex and AA was observed (P = .054). We estimate the average probability of having high-grade chondral damage to be greater than 33% when AA values surpass 71° for men and 90° for women, and greater than 50% when 89° for men and 108° for women. However, the heterogeneity observed across studies should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

The AA is a significant predictor of hip chondral damage severity in patients with cam-type FAI syndrome, regardless of sex and independently of age and LCEA. In addition, men are at a greater risk of chondral damage than women, and this risk increases with aging but decreases with the magnitude of the LCEA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Return to Sport Following Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is common. The present systematic review updates the current evidence on return to sport (RTS) in patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery for FAI in any of its variants (CAM, pincer, or both). Methods: The outcomes of interest were sports-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the level and time to RTS. All available clinical studies concerning the RTS following arthroscopic management of FAI were considered. In July 2024, the following databases were accessed following the PRISMA guidelines: Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed. Only studies with a minimum of six months of follow-up were eligible. Results: From 1245 initially identified articles, 43 studies (4103 patients) met the inclusion criteria, in which 32.1% (1317 of 4103 patients) were women. The mean length of follow-up was 33.7 ± 15.8 months. The mean age was 28.1 ± 7.2 years, the mean BMI was 24.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, and 79.6% ± 27.8% of patients returned to sport at the same or higher level at a mean of 14.3 ± 9.6 months. The mean time away from sports was 8.0 ± 3.3 months. Conclusion: Arthroscopic management for FAI leads to a high rate of RTS, with approximately 80% of patients returning to their preinjury level. Future research should focus on standardised definitions of RTS, sport-specific rehabilitation protocols, and the influence of deformity and procedures on RTS.

Lost in research translation: Female athletes are not male athletes, especially at the hip

Altered shape of the proximal femur (cam morphology) or acetabulum (pincer morphology) is indicative of femoroacetabular impingement, which can result in hip pain and osteoarthritis of the hip. As mechanical load during growth affects the resulting bone shape, there is strong evidence in males that cam morphology develops during skeletal growth while physes are open, rather than as an adaptation after growth plates are closed (skeletal maturity). This adaptation is particularly evident in athletes who participate at elite levels prior to skeletal maturity. The research providing this evidence, however, has primarily focused on male athletes. Despite the lack of inclusion in the research, females consistently comprise two thirds of the clinical and surgical populations with structural hip pain or pathology. Knowledge gained from male-dominated cohorts may not appropriately transfer to female athletes, especially at the hip. This perspectives article briefly reviews differences between females and males in femoral and acetabular structure, hormones, timing of puberty/maturation, hypermobility, activity level and movement control-factors which affect hip structure development and loading. Without female-focused research, the application of research findings from male athletes to female athletes may lead to ineffective or even inappropriate recommendations and treatments. Thus, there is a critical need for investment in research to promote life-long hip health for females.

Postoperative Effusion-Synovitis is Associated With Poor Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: a Consecutive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

PURPOSE

(1) to investigate the consecutive changes in effusion-synovitis following primary arthroscopic treatment for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), and (2) to determine the effect of postoperative effusion-synovitis on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Data between March 2021 and January 2022 was reviewed. Patients diagnosed with FAIS and undergoing hip arthroscopic treatment were included. Exclusion criteria were incomplete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, prior history of hip surgery, labral reconstruction, and concomitant hip conditions. MRI (non-contrast 3.0 T) was performed preoperatively and 3, 6, 12-month postoperatively, and the measurement of the largest femoral neck fluid thickness (FTM) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the effusion-synovitis were collected. Preoperative and a minimum of 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores including Visual Analog pain Scale (VAS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and international Hip Outcome Tool, 12-component form (iHOT-12) were collected and compared. Postoperative Tegner activity scale was also collected. The PROs and achievements of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were compared between patients with and without postoperative effusion-synovitis. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of the effusion-synovitis size on PROs.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients (61 hips) were included in the study. The 3-month postoperative FTM, CSA and grade of effusion-synovitis presented a significant increase compared to the preoperative values (all with P < .05). No significant differences were observed in the 6-month postoperative measurements compared to the preoperative values (all with P > .05). At the 12-month follow-up, although there was a significant decrease in all measurements compared to the preoperative values (all with P < .001), 39 patients (63.9%) still presented effusion-synovitis. Compared to the other 22 patients (36.1%) without effusion-synovitis, these patients presented inferior mHHS, iHOT-12 (all with P < .05), as well as lower achievement of PASS of mHHS (82.1% vs 100%, P = .035) and iHOT-12 (38.5% vs 81.8%, P = .001). The achievement of MCID of mHHS (79.5% vs 77.3%, P = .839) and iHOT-12 (89.7% vs 95.5%, P = .839) were comparable between patients with and without effusion-synovitis. The postoperative sagittal CSA (Beta = -.302, P = .039) were negatively related to mHHS in the regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

After arthroscopic treatment for FAIS, the level of effusion-synovitis presented an initial increase, then followed by a subsequent decrease. Effusion-synovitis was significantly alleviated at 12 months compared to the preoperative level. Patients with postoperative effusion-synovitis had inferior clinical outcomes and lower achievement of PASS compared to those without.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV; retrospective case series.

Hip Arthroscopy Improves Sexual Function in Receptive Partners with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Hip pain due to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is thought to adversely impact sexual satisfaction because of exacerbation of symptoms with hip ROM. However, the effect of FAI on sexual satisfaction and improvement after surgery to treat FAI is largely absent from published studies, despite patients' apparent interest in it as registered by the frequent appearance of these topics on online anonymous discussion platforms. In addition, details regarding its impact on the decision to pursue surgery and the success of hip arthroscopy in alleviating FAI-related sexual dysfunction based on the specific role assumed during intercourse (penetrative versus receptive) remains unknown.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Given that sexual intercourse involves different amounts of hip ROM depending on whether patients assume the penetrative or receptive role, this study evaluated the effect of FAI and hip arthroscopy on sexual activity based on role. Compared with patients who participate in the penetrative role during sexual intercourse, do patients who participate in the receptive role (1) experience greater difficulty with sexual function because of FAI symptoms, (2) take longer to return to sexual intercourse after hip arthroscopy, and (3) experience greater improvements in reported sexual function after hip arthroscopy for FAI?

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. Between January 2017 and December 2021, 293 patients were treated with hip arthroscopy for FAI and enrolled in our longitudinally maintained database. Among all patients treated surgically, 184 patients were determined to be potentially eligible for study inclusion based on a minimum follow-up of 6 months postoperatively. The 6-month timepoint was chosen based on published data suggesting that at this timepoint, nearly 100% of patients resumed sexual intercourse with minimal pain after hip arthroscopy. Of the potentially eligible patients, 33% (61 patients) could not be contacted by telephone to obtain verbal consent for participation and 9% (17 patients) declined participation, leaving 106 eligible patients. Electronic questionnaires were sent to all eligible patients and were returned by 58% (61 patients). Forty-two percent of eligible patients (45) did not respond to the questionnaire and were therefore excluded from the analysis. Two percent (2) completed most survey questions but did not specify their role during intercourse and were therefore excluded. The mean age of included patients was 34 ± 9 years, and 56% were women The mean follow-up time was 2 ± 1 years. In total, 63% of included patients reported participating in the receptive role during sexual intercourse (49% receptive only and 14% both receptive and penetrative). Hip symptoms during sexual intercourse preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated using a questionnaire created by our team to answer our study questions, drawing from one of the only published studies on the matter and combining the questionnaire with sexual position-specific questions garnered from arthroplasty research. Patients who reported participating in the receptive role during intercourse (either exclusively or in addition to the penetrative role) were compared with those who participated exclusively in the penetrative role. There were no specific postoperative recommendations in terms of the timing of return to sexual intercourse, other than to resume when comfortable.

RESULTS

Overall, 61% of patients (36 of 59) reported that hip pain somewhat or greatly interfered with sexual intercourse preoperatively. Patients who participated in receptive intercourse were more likely to experience preoperative hip pain that interfered with intercourse than patients who participated exclusively in penetrative intercourse (odds ratio 5 [95% confidence interval 2 to 15]; p < 0.001). Postoperatively, there was no difference in time until return to sexual activity between those in the penetrative group (median 6 weeks [range 2 to 14 weeks]) and those in the receptive group (median 6 weeks [range 4 to 14 weeks]; p = 0.28). Postoperatively, a greater number of patients participating in the penetrative role reported no or very little pain, compared with patients participating in the receptive role (67% [14 of 21] versus 49% [17 of 35]). However, with regard to preoperative to postoperative improvement, patients who participated in the receptive role had greater pain with positions involving more hip flexion and abduction and experienced a greater improvement than their penetrative counterparts in these positions postoperatively. Despite this improvement, however, 33% of patients (7 of 21) participating in the penetrative role and 51% of patients (18 of 35) participating in the receptive role continued to report either some or a great amount of pain at final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Hip pain secondary to FAI interferes with sexual relations, particularly for partners who participate in the receptive role. Postoperatively, both patients participating in receptive and penetrative intercourse resumed sexual intercourse at a median of 6 weeks. After hip arthroscopy, the greatest improvement in pain was seen in receptive partners during sexual positions that involved more hip flexion and abduction. Despite this improvement, most patients, regardless of sexual role assumed, reported some degree of residual pain. Patients planning to undergo arthroscopic surgery for FAI, particularly those who participate in receptive intercourse, should be appropriately counseled about reasonable postoperative expectations based on our findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Female and Male Patients Achieve Similar Improvement, Outcomes, and Survivorship After Hip Arthroscopy With Labral and Capsular Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome at Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of patient sex on 10-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and survivorship after hip arthroscopy (HA) for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary HA for FAIS with minimum 10-year follow-up from January 2012 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Female patients were propensity-matched to male patients in a 1:1 ratio by age and body mass index. PROs and rates of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) achievement were compared between cohorts. Rate of reoperation-free survivorship was compared between sexes.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two female patients (age: 36.2 ± 12.3 years) were matched to 122 male patients (age: 35.7 ± 11.3 years, P = .594) at an average follow-up of 10.4 ± 0.4 years. There were no differences in any preoperative demographic characteristics between the groups (P ≥ .187). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in every PRO measure between the preoperative and 10-year postoperative time points (P < .001). The magnitude of improvement was similar between the groups for all PRO measures (P ≥ .139). At 10 years, female patients trended toward greater MCID achievement for the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscale than male patients (72.7% vs 57.3%, P = .061), with otherwise similar MCID achievement rates. Female patients trended toward significantly lower Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale PASS achievement (65.4% vs 77.1%, P = .121) with otherwise similar PASS achievement rates between the groups (P ≥ .170).

CONCLUSIONS

Female and male patients experienced similar improvement in PROs at 10-year follow-up. MCID and PASS achievement rates were predominantly similar between sexes. Survivorship did not differ between groups. Long-term success can be expected for appropriately indicated patients undergoing HA for FAIS, regardless of sex.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

First-line treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and hip-related quality of life: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing a 6-month supervised strength exercise intervention to usual care (the Better Hip Trial)

INTRODUCTION

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a motion-related and position-related clinical condition of the hip associated with pain, reduced physical function and hip-related quality of life (QoL). Interestingly, higher maximal muscle strength is associated with less pain, better physical function and improved QoL in people with FAIS. Furthermore, preliminary evidence suggests that a proportion of patients with FAIS respond positively to strength exercise as first-line treatment. Nonetheless, there is little evidence supporting a specific exercise intervention offered as a first-line treatment. We will conduct a randomised controlled trial investigating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-month strength exercise intervention compared with usual care as first-line treatment in patients with FAIS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial that will be conducted at hospitals and physiotherapy clinics across Denmark and Australia. A total of 120 patients with FAIS will be randomised (1:1) to 6 months of supervised strength exercise or usual care. The primary outcome is the change in hip-related QoL measured using the International Hip and Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT-33) from baseline to the end of intervention. A health economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal and healthcare perspective based on the data collection over a 12-month period starting at baseline. The analysis will calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios using quality-adjusted life-years and iHOT-33 scores while estimating costs using microcosting and cost questionnaires. Secondary outcomes include objectively measured physical function at baseline and after 6 months and patient-reported outcomes measured at baseline, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has been approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Central Denmark Region (journal no 1-10-72-45-23) and La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee (HEC24042) and is registered at the Central Denmark Region List of Research Projects (journal no 1-16-02-115-23). Informed consent will be obtained from each participant before randomisation. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05927935.

Long-Term Outcomes of Arthroscopic Labral Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents: A Nested Propensity-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy has demonstrated effectiveness as a treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in adult patients, with promising long-term outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the adolescent population. The purposes of our study were to report on survivorship and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at a minimum 10-year follow-up in adolescent patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI and labral tears and to compare the survivorship and outcomes of this population with those of a nested, propensity-matched adult control group.

METHODS

Data regarding adolescent patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between February 2008 and January 2012 were reviewed. Patients with a minimum 10-year follow-up for the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were eligible. The exclusion criteria were previous ipsilateral hip conditions or surgical procedures, a Tönnis grade of >1, or dysplasia. In the subanalysis, adolescent patients were matched to young adult patients with use of a 1:1 ratio on the basis of sex, body mass index, Tönnis grade, lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), labral treatment, capsular treatment, and additional procedures performed during the surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients (61 female and 13 male; 74 hips) with a mean (and standard deviation) age of 16.7 ± 1.4 years and a minimum follow-up of 10 years were included. The latest follow-up occurred at a mean of 125.4 ± 5.3 months (range, 120.0 to 144.1 months). Significant improvement in all PROs from baseline and 100% survivorship were demonstrated at the 10-year follow-up. In the subanalysis, 58 adolescent hips were propensity-matched to 58 young adult hips. The adolescent group had higher postoperative scores for the HOS-SSS (p = 0.021), NAHS (p = 0.021), and iHOT-12 (p = 0.042) than the young adult group. Patient satisfaction at the latest follow-up was also significantly higher in the adolescent group (p = 0.00061). The rate of survivorship free from conversion to THA was similar between the adolescent and control groups (100% versus 96.6%; p = 0.200).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI and labral tears demonstrated excellent outcomes and a high rate of survivorship. These outcomes were superior to those seen in a matched adult group. The results of this study indicate that hip arthroscopy in adolescents is a safe procedure that leads to improvement in outcomes at long-term follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Using Google web search to analyze and evaluate the application of ChatGPT in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

Background

Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a new machine learning tool that allows patients to access health information online, specifically compared to Google, the most commonly used search engine in the United States. Patients can use ChatGPT to better understand medical issues. This study compared the two search engines based on: (i) frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAI), (ii) the corresponding answers to these FAQs, and (iii) the most FAQs yielding a numerical response.

Purpose

To assess the suitability of ChatGPT as an online health information resource for patients by replicating their internet searches.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The same keywords were used to search the 10 most common questions about FAI on both Google and ChatGPT. The responses from both search engines were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Of the 20 questions, 8 (40%) were similar. Among the 10 questions searched on Google, 7 were provided by a medical practice. For numerical questions, there was a notable difference in answers between Google and ChatGPT for 3 out of the top 5 most common questions (60%). Expert evaluation indicated that 67.5% of experts were satisfied or highly satisfied with the accuracy of ChatGPT's descriptions of both conservative and surgical treatment options for FAI. Additionally, 62.5% of experts were satisfied or highly satisfied with the safety of the information provided. Regarding the etiology of FAI, including cam and pincer impingements, 52.5% of experts expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction with ChatGPT's explanations. Overall, 62.5% of experts affirmed that ChatGPT could serve effectively as a reliable medical resource for initial information retrieval.

Conclusion

This study confirms that ChatGPT, despite being a new tool, shows significant potential as a supplementary resource for health information on FAI. Expert evaluations commend its capacity to provide accurate and comprehensive responses, valued by medical professionals for relevance and safety. Nonetheless, continuous improvements in its medical content's depth and precision are recommended for ongoing reliability. While ChatGPT offers a promising alternative to traditional search engines, meticulous validation is imperative before it can be fully embraced as a trusted medical resource.

Variation in the Cost of Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Pathological Conditions: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite growing interest in delivering high-value orthopaedic care, the costs associated with hip arthroscopy remain poorly understood. By employing time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC), we aimed to characterize the cost composition of hip arthroscopy for labral pathological conditions and to identify factors that drive variation in cost.

METHODS

Using TDABC, we measured the costs of 890 outpatient hip arthroscopy procedures for labral pathological conditions across 5 surgeons at 4 surgery centers from 2015 to 2022. All patients were ≥18 years old and were treated by surgeons who each performed ≥20 surgeries during the study period. Costs were normalized to protect the confidentiality of internal hospital cost data. Descriptive analyses and multivariable linear regression were performed to identify factors underlying cost variation.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 515 women (57.9%) and 375 men (42.1%), with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 37.1 ± 12.7 years. Most of the procedures were performed in patients who were White (90.6%) or not Hispanic (93.4%). The normalized total cost of hip arthroscopy per procedure ranged from 43.4 to 203.7 (mean, 100 ± 24.2). Of the 3 phases of the care cycle, the intraoperative phase was identified as the largest generator of cost (>90%). On average, supply costs accounted for 48.8% of total costs, whereas labor costs accounted for 51.2%. A 2.5-fold variation between the 10th and 90th percentiles for total cost was attributed to supplies, which was greater than the 1.8-fold variation attributed to labor. Variation in total costs was most effectively explained by the labral management method (partial R2 = 0.332), operating surgeon (partial R2 = 0.326), osteoplasty type (partial R2 = 0.087), and surgery center (partial R2 = 0.086). Male gender (p < 0.001) and younger age (p = 0.032) were also associated with significantly increased costs. Finally, data trends revealed a shift toward labral preservation techniques over debridement during the study period (with the rate of such techniques increasing from 77.8% to 93.2%; Ptrend = 0.0039) and a strong correlation between later operative year and increased supply costs, labor costs, and operative time (p < 0.001 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

By applying TDABC to outpatient hip arthroscopy, we identified wide patient-to-patient cost variation that was most effectively explained by the method of labral management, the operating surgeon, the osteoplasty type, and the surgery center. Given current procedural coding trends, declining reimbursements, and rising health-care costs, these insights may enable stakeholders to design bundled payment structures that better align reimbursements with costs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Analysis of Hip Preservation Questions on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination Over the Past 20 Years

Background

The orthopaedic in-training examination (OITE) is a 275-question test for orthopaedic residents administered annually. As the field of orthopaedics changes, the OITE evolves its content. The incidence of hip preservation-related procedures has increased substantially over the past decade; nonetheless, an analysis of the trends of hip preservation questions on the OITE has not yet been performed.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the number and type of questions on the OITE related to hip preservation to determine whether trends over time paralleled the increases in hip-related care in clinical practice. It was hypothesized that the frequency of hip preservation questions on the OITE would increase with time.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Each OITE between 2002 and 2021 was reviewed for questions related to hip preservation. The types of questions included under "hip preservation" were those related to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), athletic soft tissue injuries of the hip, acetabular labral tears, hip arthroscopy, and surgical management of adult hip dysplasia-excluding arthroplasty. Questions were quantified and categorized by topic, taxonomy level, associated imaging, and cited sources.

Results

There were 30 hip preservation-related questions between 2002 and 2021. Of these, 77% occurred within the past 10 years. Also, 14 questions (47%) had associated images in the question stem-the most common being radiographs (n = 8 questions). The most commonly tested subcategories were FAI (n = 11 questions [37%]), athletic injuries (n = 7 questions [23%]), and anatomy (n = 7 questions [23%]). Over the last 10 years, 97.9% of citations were from journal articles-the most common being the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, and the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Conclusion

The frequency of hip preservation-related questions on the OITE has increased with time, reflecting trends in clinical practice.

Editorial Commentary: Iliotibial Band Autograft Is a Safe and Effective Technique for Hip Labral Reconstruction

Hip labral reconstruction is indicated for hypoplastic, ossified, or irreparable labral tears in the primary and revision settings. Arthroscopic reconstruction for insufficient labral tissue requires advanced surgical techniques to restore hip biomechanics and re-establish the suction seal. With the growing number of arthroscopic hip procedures being performed, this is an increasingly familiar scenario. In our experience, the iliotibial band (ITB) autograft provides a safe and effective technique for labral reconstruction at 10-year clinical follow-up. Although the harvest requires an additional incision, the graft is incredibly versatile and can be harvested at any size to address the labral deficiency. Despite the concerns for donor-site morbidity, our extensive experience shows this is incredibly rare. In addition, concomitant pathology, such as greater trochanteric bursitis, can be addressed through this incision. Other grafts can be used for labral reconstruction, such as the indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon, but this is often limited to smaller labral defects less than 1 cm. ITB autograft shows excellent mid- to long-term outcomes, and second-look surgeries show excellent incorporation of the ITB autograft. And, in contrast to allograft, autograft tissue has demonstrated lower revision rates. The type of autograft used is per surgeon discretion based on experience and preference. In our hands, ITB is optimal due to proven effectiveness, durability, versatility, and limited donor-site morbidity.

Editorial Commentary: Patients With Lumbar Pathology or Ipsilateral Knee Pathology Improve After Hip Arthroscopy, but Outcomes Are Not as Good as in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Without Concomitant Pathology

From the lumbar spine to foot, the joints of the lower extremity are all intimately connected. Their movements are synchronized in a complex biomechanical dance. Pain in one joint tends to affect the joint above and joint below. Understanding the influence of adjacent-joint disease on the hip can help us better counsel patients undergoing hip surgery. Low-back pathology has been shown to negatively influence outcomes after hip arthroscopy. Ipsilateral knee pain appears to do the same. Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with ipsilateral knee pain should be counseled that their outcomes may not be quite as good as those without knee pain, but they should be able to expect meaningful improvement of their symptoms, both at the hip and at the knee after hip arthroscopy.

Concomitant Ipsilateral Knee Pain Is Associated With Worse Preoperative Functional Status and Short-Term Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE

(1) To determine the effect of concomitant ipsilateral knee pain (IKP) on short-term outcomes after hip arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and (2) to determine whether IKP would improve with surgery.

METHODS

Data between September 2021 and May 2022 were reviewed. Patients with a diagnosis of FAIS who underwent hip arthroscopy with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The exclusion criteria were prior ipsilateral hip or knee surgery, hip Tönnis grade greater than 1, knee Kellgren-Lawrence grade greater than 2, hip conditions (avascular necrosis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, pigmented villonodular synovitis, osteoid osteoma, synovial chondromatosis, and developmental dysplasia of the hip), and spine diseases. All patients underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively. Preoperative and short-term (1-year) patient-reported outcomes were collected, consisting of the Hip Sports Activity Scale score, weekly sports participation, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-component International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) score, and visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores for the hip and the ipsilateral knee. The percentages of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the mHHS and iHOT-12 score were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of IKP severity on postoperative outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed between patients with IKP alleviation and those without IKP alleviation.

RESULTS

Among the 107 patients included, 47 presented with preoperative IKP. Compared with patients without IKP, the IKP cohort had comparable knee structural abnormalities (all with P > .05). Still, the IKP cohort showed inferior preoperative values for the mHHS (P = .003), iHOT-12 score (P = .016), hip VAS score (P = .001), and weekly sports participation (P = .039). Postoperatively, the IKP cohort had a lower mHHS (P = .046), lower iHOT-12 score (P = .037), and lower hip VAS score (P = .003) and were less likely to achieve the PASS for the mHHS (P = .021) and iHOT-12 score (P = .049). Patients with higher knee VAS scores were less likely to achieve the PASS for the mHHS (odds ratio, 0.61; P = .023). Within the IKP group, the knee VAS score improved from 2.3 to 1.0 (P < .001). Patients with alleviated IKP showed superior postoperative iHOT-12 scores (P = .038) compared with patients with persistent IKP.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant IKP at baseline negatively affected preoperative status and short-term clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of FAIS. Patients with IKP were less likely to meet clinical thresholds. Most patients achieved IKP alleviation postoperatively, which was associated with superior clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Development of Machine-Learning Algorithms to Predict Attainment of Minimal Clinically Important Difference After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Yield Fair Performance and Limited Clinical Utility

PURPOSE

To determine whether machine learning (ML) techniques developed using registry data could predict which patients will achieve minimum clinically important difference (MCID) on the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). And secondly to determine which preoperative factors contribute to the predictive power of these models.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of patients was selected from the UK's Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of FAIS, management via an arthroscopic procedure, and a minimum follow-up of 6 months after index surgery from August 2012 to June 2021. Exclusion criteria were for non-arthroscopic procedures and patients without FAIS. ML models were developed to predict MCID attainment. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

In total, 1,917 patients were included. The random forest, logistic regression, neural network, support vector machine, and gradient boosting models had AUROC 0.75 (0.68-0.81), 0.69 (0.63-0.76), 0.69 (0.63-0.76), 0.70 (0.64-0.77), and 0.70 (0.64-0.77), respectively. Demographic factors and disease features did not confer a high predictive performance. Baseline PROM scores alone provided comparable predictive performance to the whole dataset models. Both EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level and iHOT-12 baseline scores and iHOT-12 baseline scores alone provided AUROC of 0.74 (0.68-0.80) and 0.72 (0.65-0.78), respectively, with random forest models.

CONCLUSIONS

ML models were able to predict with fair accuracy attainment of MCID on the iHOT-12 at 6-month postoperative assessment. The most successful models used all patient variables, all baseline PROMs, and baseline iHOT-12 responses. These models are not sufficiently accurate to warrant routine use in the clinic currently.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort design; prognostic study.

Basics of hip arthroscopy: Step-by-step technique

Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that has a technically challenging nature, requiring advanced spatial skills and specialised instrumentation. The most common indication for hip arthroscopy is femoroacetabular impingement, which is increasing due to improved awareness and knowledge of the condition among healthcare professionals. Hip arthroscopy requires many different checkpoints from patient positioning to capsule closure to be successfully completed. Patient positioning is one of the keystones of hip arthroscopy and the probability of a surgeon achieving successful outcomes is significantly influenced by the establishment of optimal access points. The importance of the acetabular labrum and capsule has been better understood in recent years. There has been a noticeable preference towards prioritising acetabular labral repair over debridement or excision. Similarly, consistent with the literature, capsule closure restores naive hip biomechanics more successfully and improves functional outcomes following hip arthroscopy. Osteochondroplasty is a frequently employed therapeutic intervention; yet, attaining optimal osteochondroplasty outcomes might present challenges. The aim is, to restore the full perfect sphericity of the femoral head without attenuation of the head. The aim of this article is to highlight the knowledge accumulated from experiences based on previous hip arthroscopy surgeries as a solution for future troubleshooting steps. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Femoroacetabular impingement - What the rheumatologist needs to know

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a common cause of hip and groin pain in young individuals. FAI syndrome is a triad of signs, symptoms, and imaging findings. Necessary but not sufficient for the diagnosis of FAI syndrome is the presence of cam and/or pincer morphology of the hip. However, pathological thresholds for cam and pincer morphologies are not well-established. Management of FAI syndrome is typically through either physiotherapist-led therapy or surgical intervention. Physiotherapist-led management involves exercises aimed to optimise movement patterns of the hip and pelvis to prevent impingement from occurring, activity modification and analgesia, whereas surgical management involves arthroscopic resection of the cam/pincer morphology and treatment of concomitant soft tissue pathologies such as labral tears, cartilage lesions or ligamentum teres tears. Careful consideration of intervention is required given that FAI syndrome may predispose those affected to developing future osteoarthritis of the hip. In most clinical trials, hip arthroscopy has been found to provide greater improvement in patient-reported outcomes in the short-term compared to physiotherapy, however it is unknown whether this is sustained in the long-term or affects the future development of hip osteoarthritis.

Five-Year Outcomes of Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Among Female Patients: Higher Body Mass Index Is Associated With Reduced Clinically Significant Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of age, body mass index (BMI), and symptom duration on 5-year clinical outcomes among females following primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of hip arthroscopy patients with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Patients were stratified by age (<30, 30-45, ≥45 years), BMI (<25.0, 25.0-29.9, ≥30.0), and preoperative symptom duration (<1 vs ≥1 year). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Pre- to postoperative improvement in mHHS and NAHS was compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Hip survivorship rates and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rates were compared with Fisher exact test. Predictors of outcomes were identified using multivariable linear and logistic regression. P values <.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

In total, 103 patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 42.0 ± 12.6 years (range, 16-75) and mean BMI of 24.9 ± 4.8 (range, 17.2-38.9). Most patients had symptoms of duration ≥1 year (60.2%). Six patients (5.8%) had arthroscopic revisions, and 2 patients (1.9%) converted to total hip arthroplasty by 5-year follow-up. Patients with BMI ≥30.0 had significantly lower postoperative mHHS (P = .03) and NAHS (P = .04) than those with BMI <25.0. Higher BMI was associated with reduced improvement in mHHS (β = -1.14, P = .02) and NAHS (β = -1.34, P < .001) and lower odds of achieving the mHHS MCID (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, P = .02) and NAHS MCID (OR = 0.88, P = .04). Older age was predictive of reduced improvement in NAHS (β = -0.31, P = .046). Symptom duration ≥1 year was predictive of higher odds of achieving the NAHS MCID (OR = 3.98, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients across a wide range of ages, BMIs, and symptom durations experience satisfactory 5-year outcomes following primary hip arthroscopy, but higher BMI is associated with reduced improvement in patient-reported outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Predicting Outcomes in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) continues to rise in incidence, and thus there is an increased focus on factors that predict patient outcomes. The factors that impact the outcomes of arthroscopic FAIS treatment are complex. The purpose of this review is to outline the current literature concerning predictors of patient outcomes for arthroscopic treatment of FAIS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple studies have shown that various patient demographics, joint parameters, and surgical techniques are all correlated with postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic FAIS surgery, as measured by both validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores and rates of revision surgery including hip arthroplasty. To accurately predict patient outcomes for arthroscopic FAIS surgery, consideration should be directed toward preoperative patient-specific factors and intraoperative technical factors. The future of accurately selecting patient predictors for outcomes will only improve with increased data, improved techniques, and technological advancement.

The evolution of surgical hip dislocation utilization and indications over the past two decades: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To assess the evolution of surgical hip dislocation (SHD) utilization over the past 20 years, concentrating mainly on the patients' population (adults vs. paediatric), the hip conditions treated using this approach, and reporting on complications of this procedure.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A PubMed database search was performed using specific search terms for articles related to SHD published between January 2001 and November 2022.

RESULTS

Initial search revealed 321 articles, of which 160 published in 66 journals from 28 countries were eligible for final analysis. The number of publications increased by 10.2 folds comparing the period from 2001 to 2005 with 2018 to 2022. USA and Switzerland contributed to more than 50% of the publications. Case series studies represented the majority of publications (65.6%). Articles including adult patients represented 73.1% of the publications while 10% were on paediatric patients; however, there was 14 folds increase in publications on paediatric patients comparing the first with the last five years. Managing non-traumatic conditions was reported in 77.5% of the articles, while traumatic conditions in 21.9%. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) was the most treated non-traumatic condition reported in 53 (33.1%) articles. In contrast, femoral head fractures (FHF) were the most treated traumatic condition, which was reported in 13 articles.

CONCLUSION

The publications on SHD and its usage for managing traumatic and non-traumatic hip conditions showed an increasing trend over the past two decades from worldwide countries. Its use in adult patients is well established, and its utilization in treating paediatric hip conditions is becoming more popular.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validation and psychometric evaluation of the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12) to Hebrew

BACKGROUND

The "International Hip Outcome Tool 12" (iHOT12) is a self-administered patient-reported outcome tool for measuring health-related quality of life and physical functioning in young and active patients with hip pathology. Since the iHOT12 has become widely used, we sought to translate and validate it for Hebrew-speaking populations. The aims of this study were: (1) To translate and culturally adapt the iHOT12 into Hebrew using established guidelines. (2) To test the new Hebrew version for validity, and (3) reliability.

METHODS

The iHOT12 was translated and culturally adapted from English to Hebrew (iHOT12-H) according to the COSAMIN guidelines. For validity, the iHOT12-H and Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) were completed by 200 patients with hip pathology. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess structural validity. Subsequently, 51 patients repeated the iHOT12-H within a 2-week interval. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Cronbach alpha, and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) were calculated to assess reliability.

RESULTS

Construct validity: iHOT12-H correlated strongly to the WOMAC scores (r = -0.82, P < 0.001, Spearman). Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha was 0.953 confirming internal consistency to be highly satisfactory. Test-retest correlation of the iHOT12-H was excellent with an ICC = 0.956 (95% CI 0.924-0.974). There was no floor or ceiling effect.

CONCLUSION

The iHOT12 Hebrew version has excellent reliability, good construct validity and can be used as a measurement tool for physical functioning and quality of life in young, physically active patients with hip pathology. This study will serve Israeli researchers in evaluating treatment effectiveness for these patients. Moreover, it will also enable multinational cooperation in the study of hip pathology.

Association of Postless Distraction in Hip Arthroscopy With Decreased Postoperative Groin Numbness

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy performed with perineal post distraction may experience postoperative nerve and soft tissue complications related to the perineal post.

PURPOSE

To compare rates of postoperative numbness in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) with postless distraction and perineal post distraction methods.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with postless distraction and perineal post distraction methods. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, radiographic data, and operative data. Traction force data were collected on all patients prospectively using a previously validated method. Data on postoperative numbness (presence/absence and regionality) were collected prospectively at routine postoperative follow-ups (6-week and 3-month postoperative clinic visits).

RESULTS

Overall, 195 patients were included, with 94 patients (mean age, 30.4 years) in the postless distraction cohort and 101 patients (mean age, 31.9 years) in the post distraction cohort. The overall numbness rates were 29 of 94 (30.9%) in the postless distraction group and 45 of 101 (44.6%) in the post distraction group (P = .068). Rates of postoperative groin numbness were 1 of 94 (1.1%) in the postless distraction group and 19 of 101 (18.8%) in the post distraction group (P < .001). Multivariate analysis for postoperative groin numbness demonstrated post distraction (odds ratio [OR], 16.5; P = .022) and traction time (OR, 1.7; P = .020) to be statistically significant variables. In subgroup analysis of the post distraction group, traction time (P = .015), but not holding (P = .508) or maximum traction force (P = .665), reached statistical significance in patients who developed postoperative groin numbness.

CONCLUSION

Postless distraction hip arthroscopy demonstrated a statistically significantly lower rate of groin numbness rates in comparison with a traditional perineal post distraction method. In the post distraction group, traction time was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative groin numbness than in those who did not.

Association of Chondrolabral Lesions with Ultrasound-Guided Detection of Pathological Head-Neck Contour

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether the asphericity of the neck-head junction of the femur confirmed via ultrasound is associated with further pathology due to femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI).

METHODOLOGY

After a clinical examination with positive FAI tests, an ultrasound examination of the hip was performed. In the case of asphericity, a quantitative ultrasound-assisted assessment of the hip was performed, followed by contrast-enhanced arthro-MRI with the question of cartilage or labral damage.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We included 51 patients with a mean age of 35.25. According to the examination algorithm, asphericity was present in all patients via ultrasonography. The average anterior alpha angle (AAA) determined in ultrasonography was 43.49°. The average AAA on the arthro-MRI was 44.19°. The mean anterior head neck offset (AHNO) in ultrasound was 5.27 mm, and in arthro-MRI, it was 5.36 mm. Arthro-MRI confirmed a bump in 47 patients and a talization disorder in 4 patients. In 49 patients, a labral lesion was found, with one being a re-rupture. Furthermore, in one patient, labral degeneration was identified. Cartilage damage to the hip joint was found in 25 patients. Two patients had neither labral nor cartilage damage in the arthro-MRI. In our study, sonographically confirmed asphericity of the head-neck junction was found in 49 cases, which was associated with further pathology and, according to the current doctrine, was attributable to the FAI and required surgical intervention. This study shows that the detection of a pathologic head and neck contour via ultrasound in combination with positive clinical signs, as present in FAI, is associated with chondrolabral lesions detected via arthro-MRI in 96.1% of cases.

Inequalities in the Evaluation of Male Versus Female Athletes in Sports Medicine Research: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Female sports participation continues to rise; however, inequalities between male and female athletes still exist in many areas and may extend into medical research.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to (1) compare the number of published studies evaluating male versus female athletes in various sports and (2) identify which co-ed sports currently underrepresent female athletes in the sports medicine literature.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

All nonreview research studies published from 2017 to 2021 in 6 top sports medicine journals were considered for inclusion. Sports medicine studies were included that isolated athletes, reported study outcomes specific to male and/or female patients, provided study outcomes for specific sports, and evaluated ≤3 different sports. The total number of studies reporting on male and/or female athletes were compared for all sports, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Comparisons of study design, level of sports participation, outcomes assessed, and study quality were also made according to participant sex.

RESULTS

Overall, 669 studies were included the systematic review. Most studies isolated male athletes (70.7%), while 8.8% isolated female athletes and 20.5% included male and female athletes. Female athletes were more frequently studied in softball and volleyball, while male athletes were more commonly researched in baseball, soccer, American football, basketball, rugby, hockey, and Australian football. Notably, male athletes were largely favored in baseball/softball (91% vs 5%; OR = 18.2), rugby (72% vs 5%; OR = 14.4), soccer (65% vs 15%; OR = 4.3), and basketball (58% vs 18%; OR = 3.2).

CONCLUSION

Sports medicine research has favored the evaluation of male athletes in most sports, including the majority of co-ed sports. Potential reasons for this inequality of research evaluation include availability of public data and database data, financial and promotional incentives, a high percentage of male sports medicine clinicians and researchers, and sex biases in sport. While the causes of these differences are multifaceted, researchers should consider both sexes for study inclusion whenever possible, and journals should support a more balanced representation of research publications regarding male and female athletes.

Progression of Osteoarthritis at Long-term Follow-up in Patients Treated for Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement With Hip Arthroscopy Compared With Nonsurgically Treated Patients

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain, especially in young patients. When left untreated, it has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for the onset or progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and has been identified as one of the main contributors leading to the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a young age. While the short-term therapeutic potential of hip arthroscopy is widely recognized, little is known regarding its potential mid- to long-term preventive effect on the progression of hip OA.

PURPOSE

To (1) report clinical outcomes of arthroscopically treated FAI syndrome with a minimum 5-year follow-up and compare the results to a cohort with FAI treated nonsurgically and (2) determine the influence of hip arthroscopy on the onset and progression of hip OA in patients diagnosed with FAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients who had hip pain and were diagnosed with FAI were included. Exclusion criteria were (1) previous or concomitant hip surgery, (2) <5 years of follow-up, and (3) insufficient radiographs. Patients treated with hip arthroscopy were compared with a cohort of patients with FAI who were treated nonsurgically. Kaplan-Meier estimates of failure (defined as conversion to THA) were performed. Bivariate analysis and Cox regression were used to identify factors associated with inferior clinical and radiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 957 patients (650 female, 307 male; 1114 hips) (mean age, 28.03 ± 8.9 years [range, 6.5-41.0 years]) with FAI were included. A total of 132 hips underwent hip arthroscopy and 982 hips were nonoperatively treated. The mean follow-up was 12.5 ± 4.7 years (range, 5.0-23.4 years). At the final follow-up, the rate of OA progression was 26.5% in the operative group and 35.2% in the nonoperative cohort (P < .01). Conversion to THA was performed in 6.8% of the surgical patients and 10.5% of the initially nonsurgical patients (P = .19). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the risk of failure between the operatively and nonoperatively treated patients. Male sex, increased age at initial diagnosis, presence of cam morphology, and increased initial Tönnis grade were risk factors for failure (male sex: hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; P < .01; per year of increased age: HR, 1.1; P < .01; presence of cam: HR, 3.5; P < .01; per Tönnis grade: HR, 4.0; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

At a mean follow-up of nearly 13 years, 7% of patients of the surgical group experienced progression to THA, compared with 11% of the nonoperative control group. While most of the operative group showed little to no OA at final follow-up, moderate OA (Tönnis grade 2) was present in 12% of the cohort compared with 22% of nonsurgical patients. Increased age at diagnosis, male sex, presence of a cam morphology, and presence of initial arthritic joint changes were found to be risk factors for failure. The results of this study demonstrated evidence for a preventive effect of hip arthroscopy on the development and progression of OA in young patients with FAI at mid- to long-term follow-up.

Relationships between self-perceived and clinical expression of pain and function differ based on the underlying pathology of the human hip

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes are commonly used to assess patient symptoms. The effect of specific hip pathology on relationships between perceived and objectively measured symptoms remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences of function and pain in patients with FAIS and DDH, to assess the correlation between perceived and objective function, and to determine the influence of pain on measures of function.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study included 35 pre-operative patients (60% female) with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and 37 pre-operative patients (92% female) with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Objectively measured function (6-min walk [6MWT], single leg hop [SLHT], Biodex sway [BST], hip abduction strength [HABST], and STAR excursion balance reach [STAR] tests), patient-reported function (UCLA Activity, Hip Outcome Score [HOS], Short Form 12 [SF-12], and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS]), and patient-reported pain (HOOS Pain, visual analogue scale (VAS), and a pain location scale) were collected during a pre-surgical clinic visit. Between-group comparisons of patient scores were performed using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. Within-group correlations were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Statistical correlation strength was defined as low (r =  ± 0.1-0.3), moderate (r =  ± 0.3-0.5) and strong (r >  ± 0.5).

RESULTS

Patients with DDH reported greater pain and lower function compared to patients with FAIS. 6MWT distance was moderately-to-strongly correlated with a number of patient-reported measures of function (FAIS: r = 0.37 to 0.62, DDH: r = 0.36 to 0.55). Additionally, in patients with DDH, SLHT distance was well correlated with patient reported function (r = 0.37 to 0.60). Correlations between patient-reported pain and objectively measured function were sparse in both patient groups. In patients with FAIS, only 6MWT distance and HOOS Pain (r = -0.53) were significantly correlated. In patients with DDH, 6MWT distance was significantly correlated with VAS Average (r = -0.52) and Best (r = -0.53) pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain is greater and function is lower in patients with DDH compared to patients with FAIS. Moreover, the relationship between pain and function differs between patient groups. Understanding these differences is valuable for informing treatment decisions. We recommend these insights be incorporated within the clinical continuum of care, particularly during evaluation and selection of surgical and therapeutic interventions.

Stratified care in hip arthroscopy: can we predict successful and unsuccessful outcomes? Development and external temporal validation of multivariable prediction models

OBJECTIVE

Although hip arthroscopy is a widely adopted treatment option for hip-related pain, it is unknown whether preoperative clinical information can be used to assist surgical decision-making to avoid offering surgery to patients with limited potential for a successful outcome. We aimed to develop and validate clinical prediction models to identify patients more likely to have an unsuccessful or successful outcome 1 year post hip arthroscopy based on the patient acceptable symptom state.

METHODS

Patient records were extracted from the Danish Hip Arthroscopy Registry (DHAR). A priori, 26 common clinical variables from DHAR were selected as prognostic factors, including demographics, radiographic parameters of hip morphology and self-reported measures. We used 1082 hip arthroscopy patients (surgery performed 25 April 2012 to 4 October 2017) to develop the clinical prediction models based on logistic regression analyses. The development models were internally validated using bootstrapping and shrinkage before temporal external validation was performed using 464 hip arthroscopy patients (surgery performed 5 October 2017 to 13 May 2019).

RESULTS

The prediction model for unsuccessful outcomes showed best and acceptable predictive performance on the external validation dataset for all multiple imputations (Nagelkerke R2 range: 0.25-0.26) and calibration (intercept range: -0.10 to -0.11; slope range: 1.06-1.09), and acceptable discrimination (area under the curve range: 0.76-0.77). The prediction model for successful outcomes did not calibrate well, while also showing poor discrimination.

CONCLUSION

Common clinical variables including demographics, radiographic parameters of hip morphology and self-reported measures were able to predict the probability of having an unsuccessful outcome 1 year after hip arthroscopy, while the model for successful outcome showed unacceptable accuracy. The externally validated prediction model can be used to support clinical evaluation and shared decision making by informing the orthopaedic surgeon and patient about the risk of an unsuccessful outcome, and thus when surgery may not be appropriate.

Postoperative weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation protocols after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement: a systematic review

Despite recent increased interest in hip arthroscopy for the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), there is little evidence to guide weight-bearing recommendations and rehabilitation postoperatively. The primary objective of this study was to determine if sufficient evidence exists to recommend specific weight-bearing restrictions postoperatively. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021247741). PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase were searched on 3 March 2023 for Level I-IV studies including patients over the age of 18 years, with a minimum 1-year follow-up and reporting of a weight-bearing status, a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) and a clinical outcome. Meta-analysis was precluded due to heterogeneity in the included studies, and a descriptive analysis was undertaken. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Twenty-four studies including 2231 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI were included (follow-up interval 33.2 ± 24.7 months). Most articles (62.5%) were case series. There were seven terms describing weight-bearing recommendations, with 83% being some variation of 'partial weight-bearing'. Eight PROMs were reported, with 83% using the modified Harris Hip Score and 87.5% of studies reporting reoperation rates. Only 75% of studies reported rehabilitation protocols. The average MINORS score was 11.07 ± 1.10 out of 16 for non-comparative studies and 18.22 ± 1.48 out of 24 for comparative studies. The reporting of weight-bearing status, clinical outcomes, PROMs and rehabilitation parameters remains poor. At present, sufficient comparative evidence does not exist to make specific weight-bearing recommendation postoperatively.

The revision hip arthroscopy complex: capsular deficiency, labral deficiency, femoral over-resection and adhesions can result in good survivorship with revision hip arthroscopy

To evaluate the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and survivorship of combined arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction/augmentation, capsular reconstruction, femoral neck remplissage and lysis of adhesions. Patients ≥18 years old who underwent this combination of procedures during revision hip arthroscopy and were eligible for minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. PRO scores including Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living scale, HOS-Sports scale, modified Harris Hip Score, Short Form 12, and Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, patient satisfaction and failure rates were analyzed. Seven patients (5 females and 2 males) with average age of 45.0 ± 5.2 (range: 40-54 years) met inclusion criteria. Patients had a median of 1 (range: 1-3) prior hip surgery at an outside institution. All patients had previously undergone femoral osteoplasty, and 85% (6/7) of patients had a labral repair performed. Four patients had no capsule closure performed in their prior procedures. Six patients were available for minimum 2-year follow-up. Two patients converted to total hip arthroplasty: one patient with four prior hip arthroscopies and the other had advanced osteoarthritis with outerbridge grade 3/4 defects requiring microfracture. Mean patient satisfaction was 7 (range: 2-9). At mean follow-up of 3 years, most patients who underwent the combination of labral reconstruction, capsular reconstruction, femoral neck remplissage and lysis of adhesions during revision hip arthroscopy demonstrated improved PROs. This salvage procedure has the potential to restore hip function in patients who have failed an initial hip arthroscopy procedure. In patients with these pathologies present and concomitant joint space narrowing, a total hip arthroplasty may be a more appropriate salvage option.