ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of arthroscopic surgery treating global pincer femoroacetabular impingement. Methods Global (center-edge angle ≥ 40°) and Focal (center-edge angle 25° ~ 39°) cohorts were based on pre-operative radiographs. Pre-operative and intra-operative findings, surgical procedures, postoperative nonarthritic hip score (NAHS) and satisfaction (5-point Likert scale), complications and conversion arthroplasties were compared. A nested case-control study was also performed. Results The Global cohort consisted of 15 patients of mean age (37.2 ± 11.3) years. Pre-operative NAHS was (51.5 ± 22.7) and (74.1 ± 16.6) at 24 months after operation. The change in NAHS was significant (P = 0.001). Mean satisfaction was (4.2 ± 1.2). There was one total hip arthroplasty (THA) conversion (6.7%), no revision surgeries or complications. The Focal cohort consisted of 125 patients of mean age (39.8 ± 13.5) years. Pre-operative NAHS was (55.5 ± 17.1) and (77.3 ± 18.5) at 24 months after operation. The change in NAHS was significant (P = 0.015). Mean satisfaction was (4.2 ± 1.3). There were eight THA conversions (6.4%), three complications (2.4%) and two revision surgeries (1.6%). Cohort comparisons revealed no statistically significant difference in NAHS (P = 0.301), satisfaction (P = 0.926) and THA conversion rate (P = 0.912). The nested case-control study found mean post-operative change in NAHS was (22.2 ± 6.9) and (21.5 ± 8.8), respectively, at 24 months (P = 0.955). Conclusion The global pincer FAI was safe and effective with arthroscopic surgery, and the effect was similar to that of the local pincer FAI .