Complications of Hip Arthroscopy: Patient Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, hip arthroscopy has rapidly evolved, offering patients evidence-based interventions with the merits of minimally invasive surgery and a relatively short rehabilitation period. Although considered a safe procedure, hip arthroscopy has associated complications that may be underreported depending on how patients are asked about their complications. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate hip arthroscopy complications from the patient's perspective. METHODS: Between February 2006 and April 2010, a total of 78 consecutive patients underwent arthroscopy of the hip by a single surgeon. A questionnaire was created that included questions regarding demographic data, functional data, and the patient's opinion as to the operation's indications, subjective evaluation of the success of the procedure, and the presence of specific complications. Patients were asked about the presence of specific complications rather than being asked about the presence of any complication in general. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients participated. The mean time postsurgery was 27.9 months (range = 5-55 months). Main indications for surgery were correction of femoroacetabular impingement in 31 (50%) patients. Mean surgery time was 1.2 hours (range = 0.5-2.43 hours), mean postoperative modified Harris hip score (MHHS) was 76.2 (range = 15-100), and mean postoperative pain score was 4 (range = 2-10). Fifteen (24%) patients reported complications after surgery, with 20 complications reported overall (32%). Eight (12.9%) patients reported transient neuropraxias. No significant differences were found between patients reporting complications and patients not reporting complications in terms of age, gender distribution, surgery time, visual analog scale score, MHHS, and time from surgery. CONCLUSIONS: When patients are asked a general question, whether they suffer from any complications, they tend to underreport the presence of such complications. Complete and comprehensive interviews of the patient may give us a better understanding of the true incidence of complications.

Minimally displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity: outcome of non-operative treatment.

BACKGROUND: Minimally displaced (<3 mm) and non-displaced fractures of the proximal humerus are a common source of disability; nevertheless, there is no agreement on the recommended rehabilitation program in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of this group of patients and describe the rehabilitation protocol we have used for the treatment of this injury. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients diagnosed with minimally displaced (<3 mm) fractures of the greater tuberosity who were admitted to our institute between June 2007 and May 2008. Patients were treated with a three-phase protocol. In the first phase, patients were immobilized in a sling for 3 weeks. In the second phase, pendular and active assisted exercises were begun 3 to 6 weeks after the injury. In the third phase, active exercises were commenced starting 6 weeks after injury. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients matched our inclusion and exclusion criteria. At an average follow-up of 31 months (range, 26-41 months), the average Constant score improved from 40 points (range, 33-58 points) to 95 points (range, 75-100 points). Average satisfaction score improved from 4.2 of 10 (range, 2-6) to 9.5 of 10 (range, 7-10). The reported average duration of pain and decreased range of motion from the time of injury was 8.1 months (range, 1-24 months). CONCLUSIONS: When the diagnosis of a minimally displaced fracture of the proximal humerus is made, the patient can be reassured that a favorable outcome is anticipated with a staged rehabilitation protocol. Nevertheless, clinicians and patients should be aware that full recovery from the injury may take an average of 8 months.