Groin pain of neurological origin as a differential diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement.

BACKGROUND: To describe the experience in the diagnostic process and treatment of patients with groin pain (GP) of neurological origin due to entrapment of the iliohypogastric (IH), ilioinguinal (IL) and genitofemoral (GF) nerves in a hip preservation clinic. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with GP of neurological origin confirmed with ultrasound-guided nerve block. Clinical outcomes were reported in 21 cases (age, 53.3 ± 15.9 years) treated with conservative treatment from January to December 2019, and in 9 patients (age 43.7 ± 14.6 years) who underwent neurectomy from January 2015 to December 2019. Pain intensity was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS) before starting the diagnostic process (Day 0) and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: All cases reported pain on groin palpation. Half of these cases also reported a positive FADIR test (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) (15/30). On day 0, the intensity of pain in cases treated with conservative treatment was severe in 19 patients (NRS 7-10) and moderate in 2 (NRS 4-6), with a median improvement of 7 points (interquartile range [IQR] 5.5-8.0) at the end of follow-up (p < 0.001). In neurectomy group, a similar improvement in pain severity was (Day 0: 9 points [IQR 8.0-9.0]; end of follow-up: 0 points [IQR: 0-2.0]; p = 0.002). At the end of the study, 17/21 patients with conservative treatment and 7/9 with neurectomy were pain free or with mild pain (NRS < 3). CONCLUSIONS: In cases with PG of neurological origin, there is a high frequency of false positives in the FADIR test. Our findings suggest that neurectomy is a treatment option for patients in whom conservative treatment fails, providing significant pain relief.

Complications of Hip Endoscopy in the Treatment of Subgluteal Space Pathologies.

PURPOSE: To assess complications of hip endoscopy in patients with subgluteal space pathologies. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with sciatic nerve entrapment (SNE), ischiofemoral impingement (IFI), and rupture of the proximal origin of the hamstring muscles (RHM) who underwent a hip endoscopy from January 2012 to December 2018, after a minimum of 3 months of conservative management without satisfactory results. Complications were documented and graded using the adapted system of Clavien-Dindo. Revision surgeries were classified as treatment failures. Function was evaluated by the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index before and 12 months after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: A total of 97 hips with subgluteal space pathologies were treated with hip endoscopy. This total consisted of 77 hips with SNE, 5 with IFI, 12 with SNE + IFI, and 3 hips with RHM. Minor (Clavien-Dindo I-II) and major (Clavien-Dindo III-V) complications occurred in 7.22% (7) (95% confidence interval 3.54%-14.15%) and 12.37% (12) (95% confidence interval 7.22%-20.39%). Grade II, III, and IV complications were reported in 7.22% (7), 7.22%, and 5.15% (5) hips, respectively. Temporary nerve injury of the sciatic nerve, hematoma, and permanent nerve injury of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were the most common grade II, grade III, and grade IV complications, respectively. The revision rate was 6.19% (6) and entrapment of the sciatic nerve was the main cause of reoperation. No statistically significant differences were found between cases with and without complications in the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores evaluated before and after surgery (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of complications associated with hip endoscopy were observed in patients with SNE, IFI, and RHM. Sciatic nerve and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury were the most frequent events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series type.

Pain relief and good functional outcomes after hip endoscopy via posterior approach in patients with ischiofemoral impingement.

PURPOSE: Ischiofemoral impingement is considered to be an uncommon and difficult pathology to diagnose with respect to hip pain etiology. The objective was to describe the clinical results of endoscopic lesser trochanter resection via a posterior approach in patients with Ischiofemoral impingement. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with Ischiofemoral impingement, who underwent endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter via a posterior approach, between 2015 and 2018. Clinical results were evaluated using the ischiofemoral impingement test, long-stride walking test, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Oxford scale to assess the strength of the iliopsoas muscle as well as the presence of complications. Preoperative and postoperative ischiofemoral space was measured to assess whether the resection of the lesser trochanter was adequate. RESULTS: 16 hips in 13 patients (mean age: 34.4 ± 12.1 years, 11 women) with a follow-up period between 24 and 59 months were included. Preoperative ischiofemoral space ranged from 6.4 to 22.4 mm, a measure > 17.0 mm was achieved in 15 hips without the presence of pain in IFI test and long-strides walking test. Function improved postoperatively, as reflected by a higher mean mHHS (preoperative: 44.6 ± 21.5, postoperative: 81.2 ± 15.1, p < 0.05). After surgery, the strength of the iliopsoas muscle was not decreased compared to the preoperative measure. Three complications were reported, including two cases that required revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection of the lesser trochanter via posterior approach provides satisfactory outcomes with symptom relief and good functional results in patients with Ischiofemoral impingement. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks when offering this treatment choice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.