How Many Patients Achieve an Acceptable Symptom State After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome? A Cross-sectional Study Including PASS Cutoff Values for the HAGOS and iHOT-33

Arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement yields favourable patient-reported outcomes and method survivorship at 10-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) preoperatively and at minimum 10-year follow-up using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHODS

A total of 128 patients with FAIS were prospectively included. The patients underwent arthroscopic surgery for FAIS between 2011 and 2013 and had a minimum of 10-year follow-up. The International Hip Outcome Tool short version (iHOT-12) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), the European Quality visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), the Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) for physical activity level, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for overall hip function and a single question regarding overall satisfaction with the surgery. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre- and postoperative PROMs.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement (p < 0.001) of iHOT-12, HAGOS subscales, EQ-5D, EQ VAS and VAS for overall hip function. A total of 83% of the patients were satisfied with their surgery. The survivorship of hip arthroscopy, defined as nonconversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), at the end of the follow-up period was 77%.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for FAIS reported statistically significant and clinically relevant improved outcomes at 10-year follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Patients with associated spine or other major joint pain have equivalent outcomes to patients with isolated hip pain after hip arthroscopy

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of patients following surgery diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) who also experience low back and other joint pain compared to those with isolated hip pain.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with FAIS, with or without other joint pain, treated with hip arthroscopy from 2016 to 2020. Excluded cases were patients who had significant arthritis, irreparable labral tear requiring reconstruction, or were lost follow-up. Analysis was carried out in two ways, the first was according to the musculoskeletal morbidity (MSKM) scheme where patients were stratified into four different groups, and the second was according to the presence of any other joint or back pain (MSKM 2-4) compared to hip pain only (MSKM 1). Demographic data was analyzed between the groups. International Hip Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT-33) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS) were used as the primary and secondary outcome measures pre-operatively and a minimum of two years postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were included in the study with 37 ​% males and 63 ​% females. Age (years) and body mass index (kg/m2) were similar between groups, whereas a statistically greater number of male participants were seen in the hip pain only group (MSKM 1). Pre-operatively, patients with isolated hip pain (MSKM 1), had a higher iHOT-33 scores (p ​< ​0.05), but no statistically significant differences were observed postoperatively between the groups. All groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in iHOT-33 and HOS scores postoperatively compared to pre-operatively (p ​< ​0.05), with 76 ​% meeting the threshold for minimum clinically important difference.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported outcomes following hip arthroscopy for FAIS were significantly greater postoperatively for all patients, despite the presence of other joint or back pain. This study can assist in driving patient expectations following hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Associated With "Completely Better" Status at 2 Years After Hip Arthroscopy

Background

Measures such as the Patient Acceptable Symptom State and minimum clinically important difference have been used to contextualize patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Assessment of patients' perception of being "completely better" (CB) after hip arthroscopy has not been studied.

Purposes

To (1) determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients who report being CB at 2 years after hip arthroscopy; (2) determine whether PROs measuring function, pain, and mental health are associated with CB status; and (3) determine threshold values for PROs predictive of achieving CB status.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy at a single institution from October 2015 to January 2020 were administered electronic surveys assessing sociodemographic variables and PROs at baseline and 2 years postoperatively. The CB anchor question was "Is the condition for which you underwent surgery completely better now?" Threshold values for PROs associated with achieving CB status at 2 years postoperatively were identified with 90% specificity. Variables with an area under the curve of >0.80 on a receiver operating characteristic curve were selected for multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 29 of 62 patients (47%) achieved CB status. There were no differences in age, sex, body mass index, race, prior hip surgery, preoperative opioid use, smoking status, or preoperative expectations between the CB and no-CB groups. The CB group had better 2-year postoperative and pre- to postoperative change values on all PROs (P < .05 for all) except for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Depression and the Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) for whole-body pain. Two-year postoperative PRO thresholds for achieving CB status were determined as PROMIS-Physical Function (PF) ≥51.3 or increase in PROMIS-PF ≥12 points, PROMIS-Pain Interference ≤46.6 or decrease in PROMIS-Pain Interference ≥12.2 points, NPS for operative hip pain of ≤1.0, Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System-expectations met ≥95.0, and Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ-8) ≥87.5. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher SSQ-8 score and greater improvement on the PROMIS-PF were independent predictors of achieving CB status.

Conclusion

Almost half of the study patients perceived being CB at 2 years after hip arthroscopy. Multiple postoperative PROs scores were associated with achieving CB status.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in High-Level Athletes: A 10-Year Follow-up

Background

Arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has previously been reported to have favorable short-term results in high-level athletes. Less is known about long-term outcomes.

Purpose

To report outcomes 10 years after hip arthroscopy for FAIS in high-level athletes using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between November 2011 and January 2013 were included in a local hip arthroscopy registry and completed preoperative PROMs. At 10-year follow-up, the same PROMs were completed. Inclusion criteria were age <40 years at time of surgery, no prior hip surgeries, and a pre-symptomatic Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) level of 7 or 8. The exclusion criterion was total hip arthroplasty at follow-up. The PROMs included the international Hip Outcome Tool-12 items (iHOT-12), the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for overall hip function, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and European Quality of Life-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), HSAS, and a single question on patient satisfaction. The rates of patients achieving minimal important change and reporting Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were reported for HAGOS and iHOT-12. For iHOT-12, preoperative results were compared with 1, 5, and 10-year follow-ups.

Results

A total of 45 patients (34 men, 11 women; 70 hips; mean age 24.4 years at time of surgery) were included, with 77 patients eligible for inclusion. Significant improvements (P < .001) were seen at 10-year follow-up in all HAGOS subscales: Symptoms, Pain, Daily Activity, Sports, Physical Activity, Quality of Life (50.3 vs 78.6, 59.2 vs 86.8, 65.9 vs 88.8, 37.1 vs 81.1, 24.4 vs 81.1, 32.1 vs 79.3), iHOT-12 (40.1 vs 81.6), EQ-5D (0.59 vs 0.89), EQ-VAS (65.6 vs 80.4), and VAS for overall hip function (48 vs 79). For iHOT-12, the largest change was seen between preoperative and 1-year follow-up values, with consistent results over time. There was no statistically significant difference between HSAS levels preoperatively and at 10-year follow-up (HSAS level 4), with 24% of patients reporting a HSAS level 7 or 8 at the follow-up. Of the patients, 93% reported satisfaction with the surgery. PASS was achieved in 82% for iHOT-12, with a range of 76% to 91% for HAGOS subscales. Furthermore, 93% exceeded the minimal important change for iHOT-12, and a range of 67% to 84% for HAGOS.

Conclusion

In a high-level athletic population, significant improvements in long-term outcomes are reported after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with patients reporting a high satisfaction rate. The results also show that the largest improvement occurs within the first postoperative year, with results being maintained for 10 years.

Medium-long-term follow-up of slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated with in situ fixation and patient-acceptable symptom state evaluation

This study evaluates the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treated with in situ fixation, focusing on medium to long-term outcomes and quality of life. Its primary goal is to establish a subjective well-being cutoff, using subjective methods and the iHOT33 scale, for assessing patients in future studies. Additionally, it explores functionality differences between mild and moderate-severe SCFE, case series epidemiology and potential complications. A retrospective analysis of 63 patients (73 hips), treated for SCFE between 2000 and 2017 at our facility using in situ fixation, was conducted. These patients underwent clinical, anamnestic, and radiological assessments, with PASS determined based on iHOT33 questionnaire results and statistical analysis. The mean age at surgery was 12.95 years (±1.64, range 9-17), with an average follow-up of 11 years (±4.60, range 5-20). At follow-up, 87% of patients reported achieving PASS, with higher iHOT33 scores correlating to PASS. A cutoff of >68 on the iHOT33 scale showed strong predictive ability for assessing PASS (area under the curve 0.857, 88.89% sensitivity, 79.69% specificity). The findings indicate that 87% of patients achieved PASS at medium to long-term follow-up, with better clinical function than those who did not report PASS. The iHOT33 scale's effectiveness in predicting PASS, especially with a cutoff of >68, suggests this method's efficacy. Given these positive outcomes, including in moderate-severe cases treated with in situ fixation, this approach is considered a viable therapeutic option.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference, Substantial Clinical Benefit, and Patient Acceptable Symptom State Values After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Are Highly Dependent on Their Study Population and Calculation Methods: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To provide a summary of available literature on the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted via the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase to identify studies that calculated MCID, SCB, or PASS for patient-reported outcome measures after hip arthroscopy for FAI. The electronic search strategy used was as follows: hip AND arthroscopy AND (MCID OR "minimal clinically important difference" OR SCB OR "substantial clinical benefit" OR PASS OR "patient acceptable symptom state"). Inclusion criteria were English-language studies published from 1980 to 2023 reporting clinical outcome scores and calculated values of MCID, PASS, or SCB for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies (5 Level II, 19 Level III, and 18 Level IV) met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most commonly used outcome measures across MCID, SCB, and PASS were the Hip Outcome Score sports-specific subscale and the activities of daily living subscale, the modified Harris Hip Score, and the 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool. The range of MCID values for Hip Outcome Score sports-specific subscale, Hip Outcome Score activities of daily living subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, and 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool were 7.2-15.7, 7.3-15.4, 7.2-16.8, and 8.8-16.2 respectively. Similarly, for SCB the values ranged from 77.9-96.9, 90.4-98.5, 20.0-98.4, and 66.7-87.5, respectively. Lastly, the PASS values ranged from 63.9-80.9, 85.9-99.2, 74.0-97.0, and 59.5-86.0, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MCID, SCB, and PASS values for patient-reported outcome measures after hip arthroscopy for the management of FAI are highly dependent on their associated study including study population and calculation methods.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

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

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

Can a clinical assessment predict the functional status progression in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a hip joint motion-related clinical disorder with a triad of symptoms, clinical signs, and imaging findings. However, scientific evidence is still unclear regarding the best treatment for FAIS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of a physical therapy evaluation in predicting the progression of functional status over the subsequent years in patients with FAIS who are candidates for hip arthroscopy surgery.

METHODS

In this case-series study, patients with FAIS, candidates for hip arthroscopy surgery, underwent a standard physical therapy evaluation. Baseline data were collected between 2013 and 2019. In 2020/2021, the patients' functional status was assessed through the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Functional status progression was calculated as the difference between the follow-up and baseline iHOT-33 scores. A multivariate forward stepwise regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between baseline characteristics and the functional status progression.

RESULTS

From 353 patients who completed the baseline assessment, 145 completed the iHOT-33 follow-up. The mean (±SD) follow-up time was 58.7 (27.2) months (minimum 12 and maximum 103 months). The iHOT-33 scores increased 20.7 (21.8) points on average, ranging from -39.8 to 76.9 points. Among the 15 potential predictive factors assessed in this study, only baseline iHOT-33 score (β -0.44; -0.061, -0.27), femoral version (β 9.03; 1.36, 16.71), and body mass index (β -0.99; -1.98, -0.01) had the ability to predict the functional status progression.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a lower baseline iHOT-33 score, lower body mass index, and normal femoral version were more likely to increase their functional status after a minimum of one year of follow-up.

Physical Therapy May Not Be Successful for Patients With Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and May Result in Insufficient Hip Range of Motion When Femoral Anteversion Is Less Than 16° and α-Angle Is Greater Than 65°

PURPOSE

To identify factors associated with insufficient range of motion (ROM) improvement after the posterior pelvic tilt change in cam-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

METHODS

Preoperative computed tomography images from 71 consecutive patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome treated with arthroscopic cam resection were evaluated. Using a dynamic computer simulation program, 3-dimensional models with a 10° posterior pelvic tilt from the supine functional pelvic plane (baseline) were created by computed tomography models. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who experienced >10° (effective group) and ≤10° (ineffective group) improvements in internal rotation at 90° flexion after a 10° posterior pelvic tilt. Demographic characteristics; preoperative range of internal rotation at 90° flexion; and radiographic parameters, including Tönnis grade, lateral center-edge angle, acetabular roof obliquity angle, central acetabular anteversion, cranial acetabular anteversion, femoral anteversion, and α angle, were compared in the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with insufficient ROM improvement following a 10° posterior pelvic tilt.

RESULTS

The 71 patients included 58 men and 13 women, of mean age 41.4 ± 14.6 years. Posterior pelvic tilt was effective in 13 hips and ineffective in 58. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative range of internal rotation at 90°flexion, femoral anteversion, and α angle differed significantly in the 2 groups. Multivariable analysis showed that femoral anteversion <16° (odds ratio 7.4; 95% confidence interval 1.6-35; P = .012) and α angle >65° (odds ratio 6.7; 95% confidence interval 1.2-37; P = .027) were significant factors associated with insufficient ROM improvement after posterior pelvic tilt.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical therapy may not be successful for patients with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and may result in insufficient hip ROM when femoral anteversion is less than 16° and α-angle is greater than 65°.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Patients with a prominent cam-type deformity and lower anterior femoral anteversion are at high risk of clinical failure following improvement in pelvic mobility by conservative treatment alone and are likely to benefit from surgery for cam deformity.

Defining Thresholds and Predictors for Achieving the Patient Acceptable Symptom State for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Revision Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) after primary hip arthroscopy has been determined; nonetheless, the PASS still needs to be defined for revision hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To define minimum 2-year follow-up PASS thresholds for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12) after revision hip arthroscopy, and to identify predictors of achieving the PASS.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy between April 2017 and July 2020. Patients were included if they had baseline and minimum 2-year follow-up scores for the mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, VAS for pain, and iHOT-12. PASS was calculated using the anchor-based method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the thresholds for the PASS. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors for achieving the PASS.

RESULTS

A total of 318 patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy met the inclusion criteria. Of those patients, 292 (91.8%) had baseline and minimum 2-year follow-up. Of this group, 68 patients (72.1% female and 27.9% male; mean age, 32.9 years) answered the PASS anchor question. Achievement PASS rates were 58.8%, 41.2%, 52.9%, 60.3%, and 52.9% for the mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, VAS, and iHOT-12, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) values for the PASS for mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, VAS, and iHOT-12 were 0.912, 0.888, 0.857, 0.903, and 0.871, respectively, indicating excellent discrimination. The PASS for the mHHS was 76 (sensitivity, 0.809; specificity, 0.905), for the NAHS was 86.3 (sensitivity, 0.660; specificity, 1), for the HOS-SSS was 64.3 (sensitivity, 0.745; specificity, 0.905), for the VAS was 3 (sensitivity, 0.830; specificity, 0.905), and for the iHOT-12 was 64.3 (sensitivity, 0.745; specificity, 0.905). Body mass index (BMI) was identified as a significant predictor of achieving PASS for the NAHS (OR, 0.967; 95% CI, 0.940-0.996; P = .027), as patients with a BMI ≤25.4 had 1.03 times higher odds ratio of achieving PASS for the NAHS.

CONCLUSION

After revision hip arthroscopy, the minimum 2-year follow-up PASS thresholds for the mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, VAS for pain, and iHOT-12 were 76, 86.3, 64.3, 3, and 64.3, respectively. The odds ratio of achieving PASS for the NAHS was 1.03 times higher for patients with a BMI ≤25.4.

Does response to preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections predict outcomes of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

Some patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) who undergo surgery do not show satisfactory outcomes. Reliable tests that can inform prognosis of FAIS surgery are needed for optimized indications and contraindications to surgery. We aimed to review and critically appraise available literature on the capability of patient response to preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections (PIAI) to predict post-surgical outcomes in patients with FAIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that assessed the patient pain response to PIAI and post-surgical outcomes in patients with FAIS were considered eligible. Study selection and data collection were performed by three independent reviewers. Main outcomes evaluated were those measured by hip outcome scales often used in assessing postoperative pain and functional recovery, such as the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT). The likelihood ratio of achieving satisfactory postoperative outcomes at the mHHS (LHR) was extracted or calculated-for patients with significant response to PIAI and for those without a significant response to PIAI. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.

RESULTS

Six studies were considered eligible for analysis. Five studies indicated that patient response to PIAI are associated to surgical outcomes for patients with FAIS, with a greater reduction in pain typically indicating a better surgical outcome. Additionally, the LHR ranged from 1.15 to 1.92 for patients with significant response to PIAI (I2 = 90.6%). For patients without a significant response, the LHR ranged from 0.18 to 0.65 (I2 = 87.5). An overall high risk of bias was observed for all studies included in the analysis. Study attrition, the prognostic factor measurement and the presence of confounding factors were the main sources of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater reductions in pain with preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections were found to be associated to better outcomes after FAIS surgery, but all available studies contain a high risk of bias.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

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.

Acetabular retroversion does not affect outcome in primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement

PURPOSE

The surgical treatment of femoral-acetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) in patients with acetabular retroversion (AR) is arthroscopical or by a reverse periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the results after arthroscopic treatment of FAIS in patients with and without radiographic signs of AR in a large, prospective cohort from the Danish Hip Arthroscopy Registry (DHAR). The hypothesis was there is no difference in clinical outcome between the two groups.

METHODS

Data on 4914 hip arthroscopies performed during 2012-2019 were obtained from DHAR. Patients with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (Tönnis > 1), hip dysplasia (CEA < 25°), other hip pathologies or previous hip surgery were excluded. The clinical outcomes for patients with AR [defined by a positive posterior wall sign (PWS) in combination with a positive Ischial Spine Sign (ISS)] and patients without AR (no PWS, no ISS) were analyzed 1 and 2 years after surgery. The primary outcomes were the six domains of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome score (HAGOS), while secondary outcomes were the Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS), a visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and a numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain.

RESULTS

A total of 3135 hip arthroscopies were included, of which 339 had AR, 1876 did not, and 920 presented one of the two signs (PWS and ISS). There were no statistically significant differences 1 and 2 years after surgery (n.s.) between patients with and without AR in HAGOS domain scores, HSAS, VAS, or NRS. Both groups showed improvement at both follow-ups. The two groups did not differ in relation to intraoperative findings and the procedures they have had.

CONCLUSION

The outcome 1 and 2 years after arthroscopic treatment of FAIS is not different for patients with and without AR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Characteristics of Biomechanical and Physical Function According to Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Acetabular Impingement Syndrome in Young Adults

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is caused by hip joint anomalies. Although asymptomatic and symptomatic FAI have been reported in young adults, information on biomechanical and functional characteristics of FAI is rare. We compared the subjective hip score, range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, and hip strength between symptomatic FAI (FAIsym) and asymptomatic FAI (FAIasym) groups and healthy controls. Participants (n = 307; men: 155, women: 152) were classified according to morphological abnormalities and hip joint symptoms, comprising symptomatic FAI, asymptomatic FAI, and healthy controls. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), hip ROM, Y-balance test (YBT), and isokinetic hip strength were measured. The types of FAI were not significantly differenent in both men and women. FAIsym exhibited significantly reduced HAGOS, whereas FAIasym showed no significant difference compared to the healthy group (men: healthy 91.7 vs. FAIasym 87.2 vs. FAIsym 49.9, women: healthy 91.7 vs. FAIasym 86.2 vs. FAIsym 53.9). Hip flexion, adduction, and internal and external rotation ROMs were only significantly reduced in symptomatic FAI. Asymptomatic and symptomatic FAI groups displayed significantly lower YBT scores than healthy controls (men healthy: 84.9 vs. FAIasym: 69.0 vs. FAIsym 58.7, women healthy 79.2 vs. FAIasym 64.0 vs. FAIsym 55.5). Isokinetic hip flexion, adduction, and abduction strengths were significantly lower in FAIsym. In conclusion, FAIasym showed no decrease in muscle strength but displayed reduced dynamic balance. Subjective satisfaction, ROM, muscle strength, and dynamic balance were lower in FAIsym compared to FAIasym and healthy groups.

Five-Year Follow-up After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in the Horsens-Aarhus Femoroacetabular Impingement (HAFAI) Cohort

Background:

Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are offered hip arthroscopic surgery to decrease hip pain, improve their function, and decrease development of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Nonetheless, long-term follow-up data are few.

Purpose:

To investigate patient-reported outcomes, clinical tests, reoperations, and radiographic status 5 years after primary hip arthroscopy in patients with FAIS.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 60 patients (age, 36 ± 9 years; 63% female) diagnosed with FAIS were included in the study and followed for 5 years after hip arthroscopy. Follow-up included Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS); Hip Sports Activity Scale; and clinical tests (flexion, adduction, internal rotation [FADIR]; flexion, abduction, external rotation [FABER]; and psoas muscle/tendon major pain provocation). Radiographic evaluation included lateral joint-space width (LJSW) and Tönnis classification for hip OA. Reoperations and conversion to total hip replacement (THR) were recorded. We calculated the proportion of patients who exceeded the minimal important change (MIC), achieved the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and were within the 95% reference interval of age- and sex-matched persons with no hip problems. Changes were investigated using paired t tests.

Results:

Compared with preoperatively, all HAGOS subscales were improved substantially 5 years after surgery (mean, ≥21 points; P < .001), and 67% to 89% of patients reported improvements exceeding MIC. Between 56% and 80% achieved PASS, but only 7% to 24% reached the 95% reference interval for the HAGOS subscales. A total of 36% had a positive FADIR test and 25% had a positive FABER test, which were improvements compared with preoperatively (P < .001 for both). Patients with a positive FADIR test had significantly worse HAGOS subscales. Six patients (10%) had a THR since their primary hip arthroscopy. In the remaining patients, the mean LJSW was decreased (-0.4 mm; P = .043), and hip OA had worsened in 9 patients (23%; P = .003).

Conclusion:

Five years after surgery, the majority of patients experienced HAGOS improvements exceeding MIC while also showing an acceptable PASS. However, clinical tests, participation in physical activities, and quality of life indicated that many patients still experience hip problems.

Registration:

NCT04590924 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Hip joint motion does not change one year after arthroscopic osteochondroplasty in patients with femoroacetabular impingement evaluated with dynamic radiostereometry

Purpose

Dynamic radiostereometric analysis (dRSA) enables precise non-invasive three-dimensional motion-tracking of bones for assessment of joint kinematics. Hereby, the biomechanical effects of arthroscopic osteochondroplasty of the hip (ACH) can be evaluated in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

The aim was to investigate the pre- and postoperative range of motion (ROM) and the CT bone volume removed (BV) after ACH. We hypothesize increase in ROM 1 year after surgery.

Methods

Thirteen patients (6 female) with symptomatic FAI were included prospectively. The patient’s hips were CT-scanned and CT-bone models were created. Preoperative dRSA recordings were acquired during passive flexion to 90°, adduction, and internal rotation (FADIR). ACH was performed, CT and dRSA were repeated 3 months and 1 year postoperatively. Hip joint kinematics before, and 3 months and 1 year after ACH were compared pairwise. The bone volume removal was quantified and compared to change in ROM.

Results

Mean hip internal rotation, adduction and flexion were all unchanged after ACH at 1-year follow-up (p > 0.84). HAGOS scores revealed improvement of quality of life (QOL) from 32 to 60 (p = 0.02). The BV was between 406 and 1783 mm³ and did not correlate to post-operative ROM.

Conclusions

ACH surgery in FAI patients had no impact of ROM at 1-year follow-up. QOL improved significantly. This indicates that the positive clinical effects reported after ACH might be a result of reduced labral stress and cartilage pressure during end-range motion rather than increased ROM.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic prospective cohort study, level II.

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and labral injuries: grading the evidence on diagnosis and non-operative treatment-a statement paper commissioned by the Danish Society of Sports Physical Therapy (DSSF)

This statement summarises and appraises the evidence on diagnostic tests and clinical information, and non-operative treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and labral injuries. We included studies based on the highest available level of evidence as judged by study design. We evaluated the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation framework. We found 29 studies reporting 23 clinical tests and 14 different forms of clinical information, respectively. Restricted internal hip rotation in 0° hip flexion with or without pain was best to rule in FAI syndrome (low diagnostic effectiveness; low quality of evidence; interpretation of evidence: may increase post-test probability slightly), whereas no pain in Flexion Adduction Internal Rotation test or no restricted range of motion in Flexion Abduction External Rotation test compared with the unaffected side were best to rule out (very low to high diagnostic effectiveness; very low to moderate quality of evidence; interpretation of evidence: very uncertain, but may reduce post-test probability slightly). No forms of clinical information were found useful for diagnosis. For treatment of FAI syndrome, 14 randomised controlled trials were found. Prescribed physiotherapy, consisting of hip strengthening, hip joint manual therapy techniques, functional activity-specific retraining and education showed a small to medium effect size compared with a combination of passive modalities, stretching and advice (very low to low quality of evidence; interpretation of evidence: very uncertain, but may slightly improve outcomes). Prescribed physiotherapy was, however, inferior to hip arthroscopy (small effect size; moderate quality of evidence; interpretation of evidence: hip arthroscopy probably increases outcome slightly). For both domains, the overall quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate indicating that future research on diagnosis and treatment may alter the conclusions from this review.

Maximal hip muscle strength and rate of torque development 6-30 months after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Reduced sports function is often observed after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Impaired muscle strength could be reasons for this. We aimed to investigate hip muscle strength after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and its association with sports function and participation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We included 45 patients (34 males; mean age: 30.6 ± 5.9 years) after unilateral hip arthroscopy for FAIS (mean follow-up [range]: 19.3 [9.8-28.4] months). Maximal isometric hip muscle strength (Nm/kg) including early- (0-100 ms) and late-phase (0-200 ms) rate of torque development (Nm∗kg^-1∗s^-1) for adduction, abduction, flexion, and extension was measured with an externally fixated handheld dynamometer and compared between operated and non-operated hip. Associations between muscle strength and self-reported sports function and return to sport were investigated.

RESULTS

For maximal hip muscle strength, no between-hip differences were observed for adduction, abduction, flexion, and extension (p ≥ 0.102). For rate of torque development, significantly lower values were observed for the operated hip in flexion at both 0-100 ms (mean difference: 1.58 Nm∗kg^-1∗s^-1, 95% CI [0.39; 2.77], p = 0.01) and 0-200 ms (mean difference: 0.72 Nm∗kg^-1∗s^-1, 95% CI [0.09; 1.35], p = 0.027). Higher maximal hip extension strength was significantly associated with greater ability to participate fully in preinjury sport at preinjury level (odds ratio: 17.71 95% CI [1.77; 177.60]).

CONCLUSIONS

After hip arthroscopy for FAIS subjects show limited impairments in maximal and explosive hip muscle strength between operated and non-operated hip. Higher muscle strength was positively associated with higher sports function and ability to participate in sport.

Less hip range of motion is associated with a greater alpha angle in people with longstanding hip and groin pain

PURPOSE

A higher alpha angle has been proposed to correlate with lower hip range of motion, but the association in people with longstanding hip and groin pain is currently unclear. The aims were to: (1) assess the association between range of motion and alpha angle in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain; (2) examine if a cut-off value in range of motion variables could identify patients with an alpha angle above or below 60°.

METHODS

Seventy-two participants were consecutively recruited from an orthopaedic department after referral for hip- and groin-related pain. Passive hip range of motion was measured in flexion, internal rotation with 90° hip flexion, internal rotation in neutral hip position, external rotation with 90° hip flexion, and abduction. The alpha angle was calculated from a frog-leg lateral radiograph. Linear regression examined the association between range of motion and alpha angle, and an ROC-curve analysis was performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity of range of motion cut-offs.

RESULTS

Lower range of motion in internal rotation in flexion, external rotation, and abduction were associated with higher alpha angle. Internal rotation of 27° or less displayed good sensitivity (81%) and specificity (85%) to detect an alpha angle above 60°, while a cut-off of 41° in external rotation and 27° in abduction showed a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 50% and 60%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Less internal rotation in flexion, external rotation, and abduction are associated with a greater alpha angle in a cohort of people with longstanding hip and groin pain. A cut-off of 27° in internal rotation has good sensitivity and specificity to identify people with an alpha angle above or below 60° and have the potential to be used in the clinical setting to identify patients that require further imaging, or that are unlikely to have cam morphology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.