Editorial Commentary: Suboptimal Early Postsurgical Outcomes May Indicate Poor Long-Term Outcomes as a Result.

Recent research has shown that hip arthroscopy outcomes at 6 months correlate with long-term outcomes. In theory, a score below a certain "threshold" at 6 months might predict poor long-term outcomes and thus allow intervention to improve the future prognosis of recovery and success. Yet, the trajectory toward a positive-or less than positive-outcome is dependent on multiple factors, and evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures in the early postoperative period may not reliably predict the long-term result.

Accelerated Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy (1 Week Apart): Outcomes Compared With Delayed Bilateral Procedure (4-12 Weeks) and Case-Control Matched Unilateral Arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Staged bilateral hip arthroscopy is an option for athletes who have symptomatic bilateral femoroacetabular impingement; however, the optimal timing of the second procedure is unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate minimum 2-year outcomes for patients undergoing accelerated bilateral arthroscopy against those undergoing (1) delayed bilateral and (2) unilateral arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing bilateral primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement between 2009 and 2022. Inclusion criteria entailed competitive athletes with concurrent bilateral symptoms at initial presentation. Exclusion criteria (either hip) were Tönnis grade >1, dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <25°), Perthes disease, protrusio acetabuli, and avascular necrosis. Two groups were established based on the duration between procedures: within 7 days (accelerated group) and within 4 to 12 weeks (delayed group). Patients from the accelerated group were matched in a 1:2 ratio with patients undergoing unilateral surgery based on age ±2 years, sex, and athletic status. Minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (including modified Harris Hip Score, University of California Los Angeles activity scale, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference, rates of continuing to play main sport, and satisfaction were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 131 athletes (262 hips) with bilateral femoroacetabular impingement were included: 91 in the accelerated group and 40 in the delayed group. Duration between surgeries was 0.99 ± 0.02 and 6.35 ± 2.18 weeks, respectively. All accelerated athletes were each successfully matched to 2 athletes with unilateral procedures (N = 182). All 3 groups demonstrated significant improvement from baseline across all PROs (P < .001 for all). Acquired change in PROs was similar and not significantly different between groups (P > .05). Satisfaction with relief from pain was achieved by 85.9% of patients in the accelerated group compared with 83.1% in the delayed group (P = .053) and 87.3% in the unilateral group (P = .933). The minimal clinically important difference for the modified Harris Hip Score was achieved by 84.9% of patients in the accelerated group compared with 91.5% in the delayed group (P = .212) and 87.6% in the unilateral group (P = .456). At 2 years postoperatively, the continue-to-play rate was 73.6% for the accelerated group compared with 77.1% for the delayed group (P = .577) and 73.0% for the unilateral group (P = .903). There were no increased complications associated with the accelerated group. CONCLUSION: Accelerated bilateral hip arthroscopy 1 week apart was a safe and effective treatment option for athletes with bilateral symptoms. Improvement in PROs and continue-to-play rates were comparable with those after a delayed duration between procedures and with those case-control matched athletes undergoing unilateral arthroscopy.

High survivorship and excellent 5-year outcomes in patients older than 40 years undergoing arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

PURPOSE: To assess 5-year clinical outcome, in adults > 40 years of age, following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement compared to a younger, matched, control group. METHODS: All primary arthroscopies for FAI between 2009 and 2016 were considered (n = 1762). Hips presenting with Tönnis > 1, lateral centre edge angle < 25°, or prior hip surgery were excluded. Younger (< 40 years) and older hips (> 40 years) were matched for gender, Tönnis grade, capsular repair and radiological parameters. Survival (avoidance of total hip replacement {THR}) was compared between the groups. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were also completed at baseline and 5 years to assess changes in functional capacity. Additionally, hip range of motion (ROM) was assessed at baseline and review. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined and compared between groups. RESULTS: Ninety-seven older hips were matched to 97 younger controls (78% male in both groups). The average age of the older group at the time of surgery was 48.0 ± 5.7 years, compared to 26.7 ± 6.0. Six (6.2%) of the older hips and 1 (1%) of younger hips converted to THR (p = 0.043, effect size = 0.74, large). There were statistically significant improvements in all PROMs. At follow-up, there were no differences in PROMs between groups; significant improvements in hip ROM were also observed with no difference in ROM between groups at either time point. Similar achievement of MCIDs was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients experience a high survivorship rate at 5 years, although this may be lower than younger patients. Where THR is avoided, large clinically significant improvements in pain and function are observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

High Survivorship and Comparable Patient-Reported Outcomes at a Minimum 5 Years After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement, With and Without Lateral Rim Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in patients with dysplasia presents a unique challenge to surgeons. Short-term outcomes are conflicting, while longer term follow-up data are only emerging. PURPOSE: To quantify midterm (minimum 5-year follow-up) outcomes after the arthroscopic correction of FAI in the presence of lateral rim dysplasia compared with a matched control group with FAI with normal acetabular coverage. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Prospective outcome data, collected in a consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic FAI correction with lateral rim dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] of 13°-25°), were reviewed (N = 75 cases). An age- and sex-matched control group of 120 cases was also formed (LCEA >25°). Survivorship was defined as the avoidance of total hip replacement and assessed using a Kaplan-Meier curve with the log-rank test. Survival rates and patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36], and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] preoperatively and at 5 years postoperatively) were compared between the groups. The proportion of patients across groups achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was compared for each PROM. The dysplasia group was also analyzed independently to identify any factors that may indicate a less favorable outcome using regression analysis. The group was divided into 2 subgroups: borderline dysplasia (LCEA of 20°-25°) and severe dysplasia (LCEA <20°). RESULTS: The survival rate in the dysplasia group was 97%. There was no statistical difference with respect to survival rates or any PROM scores (P > .05 for all) between the groups. There were similar rates of achieving the MCID between the groups for the mHHS, UCLA, and WOMAC. The FAI control group had a higher rate of achieving the MCID for the SF-36 (P = .012; effect size = 0.274 [small]). Subgroup analysis indicated a lower survival rate (78% vs 100%, respectively; P < .001) in female cases in the dysplasia group (n = 9) compared with male cases in the dysplasia group (n = 66). The UCLA score in female cases in the dysplasia group at 5 years was statistically lower compared with that in male cases in the dysplasia group (6 vs 10, respectively; P = .003; effect size = 0.378 [medium]), but no other outcome revealed any differences between the sexes. There were also no variables identified on regression analysis that accurately predicted a poorer outcome in the dysplasia group. When stratified by severity, there was no difference in survivorship or outcomes between those with severe dysplasia (LCEA <20°; n = 11) and those with borderline dysplasia (LCEA of 20°-25°; n = 64). CONCLUSION: An arthroscopic intervention was a successful treatment option for FAI in the presence of lateral rim dysplasia at midterm follow-up. Irrespective of the severity of dysplasia, patients can expect similar improvements to those in patients with normal femoral head coverage.

Hip Arthroscopy in the Presence of Advanced Osteoarthritis Results in 57% Survivorship, With 78% Survivor Satisfaction, at 10 Years. A Matched-Control Study.

PURPOSE: To (1) determine the 10-year survivorship (avoidance of total hip arthroplasty, THA) for patients with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, and (2) compare survivorship and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a matched-control group without OA. METHODS: Advanced OA hips (Tönnis ≥2) were matched in a 1:1 ratio (age ± 5 years, sex) to hips with preoperative Tönnis grade ≤1. Exclusion criteria was dysplasia, age <18 years, previous hip conditions/surgeries, and bilaterally operated patients with OA on one side only. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis for levels of sex, age groups and Tönnis. Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios (HR) of undergoing THA conversion. Where THA was avoided, outcomes and proportion of cases achieving patient acceptable symptomatic state was determined RESULTS: 53 OA hips were matched with 53 control hips. Survival distributions were significantly different for: (1) Group: OA 57.1%, control 87.0% (P = .001); (2) Tönnis grade: Tönnis 0, 89.2%; Tönnis 1, 77.8%; Tönnis 2, 67.6%; Tönnis 3, 25.0% (P < .001); and (3) age: (OA: 75.0% vs 44.8%, control: 100%, vs 75.0%, for <35 and >35 years respectively) (P = .002). Conversion to THA was greater for increasing Tönnis: HR 1.9 (P = .450), 3.5 (P = .032), and 11.0 (P < .001) for Tönnis 1, 2, and 3 respectively, relative to no OA (Tönnis 0) and >35 years: HR 4.3 (95% confidence interval 1.6-11.3, P = .003). Patient acceptable symptomatic state achievement was similar for both groups (78% OA vs 91% control, P = .167). modified Harris Hip Score and Short Form-36 significantly improved within both groups from baseline to 10 years CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement, in the presence of advanced OA results in 57% survivorship at 10 years (68% Tönnis 2, 25% Tönnis 3). Where THA was avoided, 78% considered their 10-year post-HA state to be satisfactory, with patient-reported outcomes similar to a matched non-OA cohort. Tönnis 2 in particular should be considered for arthroscopic hip preservation to avoid the need to prematurely replace the hip joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

PRP Is Not Associated With Improved Outcomes Following Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery: Very Low-Quality Evidence Suggests Hyaluronic Acid and Cell-Based Therapies May Be Beneficial-A Systematic Review of Biological Treatments.

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of biologic agents in the treatment of cartilage defects associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Methods: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers for eligible studies. We included randomized and nonrandomized control trials as well as uncontrolled case series and retrospective studies. Studies were excluded if they included injections of corticosteroids, papers that described technique only, review papers, and those not in the English language. Demographics, treatment type, outcome of treatment, and complications were extracted, whereas risk of bias and study quality were assessed independently using the risk of bias tool (ROB2) and effective public health practice project tool. A narrative synthesis was performed, and standardized mean differences were reported. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Eighteen studies consisting of 1,024 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three studies involved the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to surgery and were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies administered hyaluronic acid (HA) as a primary treatment. Twelve involved various cell-based methods of chondrocyte stimulation for cartilage defects associated with FAI, but heterogeneity did not allow for pooling. Low-quality evidence indicates PRP is not associated with improved outcomes following surgery (mean difference -1.42, 95% confidence interval -3.95 to 1.11, P = .27). Very-low-quality evidence suggests HA (standardized mean difference 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.64-1.66, P < .001, Z = 4.39) and cell-based therapies may improve function and pain in patients with FAI. Conclusions: Low-quality evidence indicates PRP is not associated with improved outcomes following hip FAI surgery, and very-low-quality evidence suggests HA and cell-based therapies may improve outcomes. Level of Evidence: systematic review of Level I-V studies.

Hip Range of Motion Is Increased After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of arthroscopic correction of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement on postoperative hip range of motion (ROM), as an objectively measured postoperative clinically reported outcome. Methods: A systematic review of the current literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, OVID/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried in November 2020. Studies not reporting pre- to postoperative ROM measurements were excluded. Methodologic quality was assessed using the MINORS assessment, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Effect size using standardized mean differences assessed magnitude of change between pre- and postoperative ROM. Results: In total, 23 studies were included evaluating 2,332 patients. Mean age ranged from 18 to 44.2 years. Flexion, internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER) were the predominantly measured ROMs reported in 91%, 100% and 65% of studies, respectively. Observed change following hip arthroscopy was considered significant in 57.1% (flexion), 74% (IR), and 20% (ER). Effect size of change in significantly improved ROMs were weak (16.7% flexion, 33.3% ER), moderate (58.3% flexion, 29.4% IR), and large (25% flexion, 64.7% IR, 66.7% ER). For goniometric assessment mean observed changes ranged as follows: flexion: 0.1° to 12.2°; IR: 3.6° to 21.9°; ER: -2.6° to 12.8°. For computed tomography-simulated assessment, the mean observed change ranged as follows: flexion: 3.0° to 8.0°; IR 9.3° to 14.0°. Conclusions: Outcome studies demonstrate overall increased range of flexion and IR post-hip arthroscopy, with a moderate and large effect respectively. Change in ER is less impacted following hip arthroscopy. Certainty of evidence to support this observation is low. Current research evaluating changes in this functional ability is limited by a lack of prospective studies and non-standardized measurement evaluation techniques. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Survivorship Rate and Clinical Outcomes 10 Years After Arthroscopic Correction of Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common mechanical hip condition, prevalent in both the athletic and the general population. Surgical intervention is an effective treatment option that improves both symptoms and function in short- to medium-term follow-up. Few studies within the literature have reported the longer-term success of arthroscopic surgery. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to quantify the 10-year survivorship and clinical outcome for patients treated arthroscopically for symptomatic FAI. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients from our hip registry (n = 119) completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at a minimum of 10 years after arthroscopy (range, 10-12 years). Results were compared with baseline scores using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The associations among several prognostic factors, which included age, sex, Tönnis grade, and labral treatment, and subsequent conversion to total hip replacement (THR) or repeat hip arthroscopy (RHA) were analyzed using the chi-square analysis. Relationships between range of motion and radiological findings with clinical outcome were also examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using a distribution method (0.5 standard deviation of the change score), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) was determined using an anchor method. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curves with subsequent Youden index were used to determine cutoffs for PROMs, which equated to a Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). RESULTS: A total of 8.4% of cases required conversion to THR, and 5.9% required RHA. Statistically significant improvements in mHHS, SF-36, and WOMAC scores, with high satisfaction (90%), were observed 10 years after surgery. No significant change was seen in activity level (UCLA score) despite patients being 10 years older. A high percentage of patients achieved MCID for mHHS (88%), SF-36 (84%), and WOMAC (60%). The majority of patients also achieved PASS (62% for mHHS, 85% for UCLA, 78% for SF-36, and 84% for WOMAC) and SCB (74% for mHHS, 58% for UCLA, 52% for SF-36, and 56% for WOMAC). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic intervention is a safe and viable treatment option for patients with symptomatic FAI, and patients can expect long-term improvements and high satisfaction. Results indicated a high satisfaction (90%) and survivorship rate (91.6%), with excellent clinical outcome, 10 years after the initial procedure.

Arthroscopic Correction of Femoroacetabular Impingement for Concomitant Inguinal Disruption in Athletes With Dual Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal disruption and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are well-recognized sources of groin pain in athletes; however, the relationship between inguinal disruption and FAI remains unclear. In cases of dual pathology, where both entities coexist, there is no definitive consensus regarding which pathology should be prioritized for treatment in the first instance. PURPOSE: (1) To examine the 2-year effectiveness and clinical outcome in athletes presenting with dual pathology in which the FAI component alone was treated with arthroscopic deformity correction. (2) To compare 2-year patient-reported outcome measures between athletes undergoing only hip arthroscopy (HA) and athletes undergoing groin repair and HA. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All patients undergoing HA for the treatment of FAI with concomitant clinical signs of inguinal disruption at initial consultation were between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were male sex, age <40 years, and involvement in competitive sporting activity. Athletes with previous HA on the symptomatic side, Tönnis grade >1, or lateral center-edge angle <25° were excluded. Revision HA or subsequent groin surgery was documented. Outcome evaluation consisted of validated patient-reported outcome measures (modified Harris Hip Score; University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale; 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) completed preoperatively and a minimum 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinically important difference was assessed by using a distribution-based technique (SD, 0.5) and an anchor-based technique (percentage of possible improvement). Level of satisfaction and return to play were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 113 cases of dual pathology were included in 91 patients with a mean ± SD age of 26.3 ± 5.1 years. The index surgical procedure was HA for 104 cases (92%) and groin repair for 9 (8%). For patients undergoing HA as the index procedure, 98.1% (102/104 cases) were successfully followed up to establish survivorship. In 89.2% (91/102 cases), no additional groin surgery was required. In 11 cases (10.8%), additional groin surgery was required for persisting inguinal-related groin pain. At 2 years after the operation, there was no difference for any patient-reported outcome measure (P > .099), improvement from baseline (P > .070), or proportion of cases achieving the minimal clinically important difference (P > .120) between the HA-only group and the group undergoing HA and groin repair at any stage. There was also no difference between groups in terms of return-to-play rate (P = .509) or levels of satisfaction (pain, P = .204; performance, P = .345). CONCLUSION: In patients with dual pathology, treatment of the FAI component alone using arthroscopic hip surgery results in a successful outcome without need for groin repair in 89.2% of cases. No statistical difference in clinical outcome 2 years after surgery was observed between athletes undergoing 1 procedure (HA alone) and those undergoing 2 procedures (HA and groin repair at any stage).

Arthroscopic Correction of Sports-Related Femoroacetabular Impingement in Competitive Athletes: 2-Year Clinical Outcome and Predictors for Achieving Minimal Clinically Important Difference.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature supports surgical intervention for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in young, active athletes. However, factors likely to influence results in this cohort are less clearly defined. PURPOSE: To quantify changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and determine whether differences in baseline athlete demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, and surgical techniques are associated with achieving improved outcomes and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after arthroscopic management of sports-related FAI. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from competitive athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2009 and February 2017. Athletes who underwent primary arthroscopic correction of sports-related FAI with labral repair were included providing they had a Tönnis grade ≤1 and a lateral center-edge angle ≥20°, excluding significant articular cartilage injury and lateral rim dysplasia. The modified Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, University of California Los Angeles activity scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were used to measure outcomes at the 2-year follow-up. MCID was measured using 3 methods: a mean change method, a distribution-based method, and the percentage of possible improvement (POPI) method. Multivariate regression models were used to assess a number of diagnostic and surgical variables associated with good outcome and achieving MCID at follow-up. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, statistically significant improvements were observed for all PROMs (P < .001 for all), and 84% of athletes continued to play sport. Higher preoperative PROM scores reduced the likelihood of achieving MCID; however, returning to play was the strongest predictor of reaching MCID in this athletic cohort. Using absolute score change (mean change or distribution method) to calculate MCID was less accurate owing to ceiling effects and dependence on preoperative PROM scores. CONCLUSION: Athletes undergoing arthroscopy for sports-related FAI can expect a successful outcome and continued sports participation at 2 years postoperatively. The majority of athletes will achieve MCID. The POPI method of MCID calculation was more applicable to higher functioning athletic cohorts. Reduced preoperative PROM scores and the ability to return to sport increased the likelihood of achieving MCID in this population.

Chronic Hip Injury Has a Negative Emotional Impact on the Male Athlete With Femoroacetabular Impingement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) on both the physical and mental components of the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) and assess how changes in health status compare with improvements in physical function and ability to continue to play (CTP) 2 years after surgery. METHOD: Data collected prospectively from male athletes undergoing primary arthroscopic correction of FAI between November 2008 and October 2016 were analyzed. Physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores of the SF-36 were assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. The minimal clinical important difference (MCID) was calculated using an anchor-based percentage of possible improvement technique, and the proportion of athletes achieving MCID was established. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of achieving MCID. CTP was assessed at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: 486 cases were included, age 25.9 ± 5.6 years. Median PCS improved from baseline 69.4 (51.9 to 85.0) to 91.9 (81.9 to 97.5) at 2 years (P < .001). Median MCS remained unchanged-preoperative, 88 (76 to 92); postoperative, 88 (80 to 96)-although the difference in the distribution of scores was statistically significant (P < .001). Calculated MCID was 60.1% (PCS) and 58.1% (MCS). Mean improvement was significantly higher for PCS compared with MCS (17.4 versus 3.7, P < .001) The proportion of cases achieving MCID was 56.9% and 28.7% for PCS and MCS, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .001). Lower Tonnis grade (odds ratio [OR] 0.601, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.377 to 0.958; P = .032) and symptom duration <2 years (OR 0.624, 95% CI 0.406 to 0.960; P = .032) were predictive of achieving PCS MCID. Higher preoperative scores decreased the odds of achieving MCID (OR 0.965, 95% CI 0.955 to 0.975; P < .001; OR 0.972, 95% CI 0.958 to 0.986; P < .001 for PCS and MCS, respectively). 77.3% continued to play their main preinjury sport. Where CTP was not achieved, a significantly higher proportion of cases failed to meet MCID for the MCS compared with PCS (85% versus 60%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic management of sports-related FAI results in excellent overall clinical outcome and high levels of satisfaction and CTP at 2 years. Chronic hip injury has a significant negative effect on the physical and mental well-being of athletes; corrective surgery may restore physical function but is more limited in its ability to improve mental health status in this athletic cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic case series.

Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Athletes Undergoing Arthroscopic Correction of Sports-Related Femoroacetabular Impingement: The Percentage of Possible Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Measures of clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes within orthopaedics are becoming a minimum requirement to establish the success of an intervention. PURPOSE: To (1) define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at 2 years postoperatively in competitive athletes undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic, sports-related femoroacetabular impingement utilizing existing anchor- and distribution-based methods and (2) derive a measure of the MCID using the percentage of possible improvement (POPI) method and compare against existing techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: There were 2 objective outcome measures-the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)-administered at baseline and 2 years postoperatively. External anchor questions were used to determine the MCID through mean change, mean difference, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) techniques. Distribution-based calculations consisted of 0.5 SD, effect size, and standard error of measurement techniques. The POPI was calculated alongside each technique as an achieved percentage change of maximum available improvement for each athlete relative to the individual baseline score. The impact of the preoperative baseline score on the MCID was assessed by assigning athletes to groups determined by baseline percentiles. Statistical analysis was performed, with P < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: There were 576 athletes (96% male; mean age, 25.9 ± 5.7 years). The MCID score change (and POPI) for the mHHS and SF-36 ranged from 2.4 to 16.7 (21.6%-63.6%) and from 3.3 to 24.9 (22.1%-57.4%), respectively. The preoperative threshold value for achieving the ROC-determined MCID was 80.5 and 86.5 for the mHHS and 70.1 and 72.4 for the SF-36 for the patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) score- and POPI-calculated MCID, respectively. Through the commonly used mean change method, 40.0% (mHHS) and 42.4% (SF-36) of athletes were unable to achieve the MCID because of high baseline scores and PROM ceiling effects compared with 0% when the POPI technique was used. A highly significant difference for the overall MCID was observed between preoperative baseline percentile groups for the mHHS (P = .014) and SF-36 (P = .004) (improvement in points), while there was no significant difference between groups for either the mHHS (P = .487) or SF-36 (P = .417) using the POPI technique. CONCLUSION: The MCID defined by an absolute value of improvement was unable to account for postoperative progress in a large proportion of higher functioning athletes. The POPI technique negated associated ceiling effects, was unrestricted by the baseline score, and may be more appropriate in quantifying clinically important improvement.

Routine Interportal Capsular Repair Does Not Lead to Superior Clinical Outcome Following Arthroscopic Femoroacetabular Impingement Correction With Labral Repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of routine capsular repair on clinical outcome in a consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic correction of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2015, patients were assigned to 1 of 2 groups based on whether a capsular repair was performed as part of their index hip arthroscopic procedure. Exclusion criteria included previous underlying hip conditions, Tönnis >1, age >45 years, and labrum not repaired. Patients were assessed preoperatively and 2-years postoperatively using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), UCLA activity scale, short form-36, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and measures of range of hip movements. The incidence of any subsequent revision surgery within 2 years was recorded. Sex and age groups were specifically analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 966 consecutive cases were included (96.4% follow-up rate): 508 in group A (no repair) and 458 in group B (repair). Average age for all cases was 28.1 ± 7.0 years (14.6-44.9). There were significant improvements in all PROMs following surgery for both groups (P < .001). Statistical significance between groups at 2 years was observed for Short Form-36 (P = .001) and WOMAC (P = .041), greater in group A. Both groups similarly met the minimal clinically important difference (mHHS P = .414 and .605; UCLA, P = .549 and .614; Short Form-36, P = .455 and .079; WOMAC, P = .425 and .750 for distribution and anchor-based methods, respectively). In total, 38 (7.8%) cases group A and 24 (5.4%) cases group B required repeat hip arthroscopy (HA) (P = .148); No (0%) cases in group A and 2 (0.45%) cases in group B required total hip replacement (P = .226). There was significantly lower rate of repeat HA among 25- to 34-year age group (8.6% vs 3.9%, P = .047) where capsular repair was performed. No significant difference in the rate of repeat HA between groups for male (P = .203) or female (P = .603) subjects. Adhesions were more common in the repair group (79.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 57.8-92.9 vs 55.3%, CI 38.3-71.4; P = .055), with further capsular repair/plication required more frequently in the unrepaired group (50%, CI 33.4-66.6 vs 25%, CI 10.8-44.3); however, differences between groups were not significant (P = .051). Internal rotation was larger in group A compared with group B at 2 years (36.2 vs 28.1, P = .000). Female patients with capsular repair had reduced PROM scores at 2 years compared with female patients without repair (WOMAC, P = .004, and mHHS, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement with labral repair results in significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 2-years postsurgery, irrespective of whether the capsule is repaired. Routine capsular repair in a consecutive series of patients did not lead to superior outcomes compared with a nonrepaired group; similar proportions of cases in both groups were able to achieve minimal clinically important difference. In female patients, routinely repairing the capsule may lead to statistically inferior clinical outcome at 2-years postsurgery, although this may not be clinically significant. Routine capsular repair, however, may be beneficial in the younger, active patient, where a significant reduction in repeat arthroscopy was observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The clinical presentation, diagnosis and pathogenesis of symptomatic sports-related femoroacetabular impingement (SRFAI) in a consecutive series of 1021 athletic hips.

AIM: To examine the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of sports-related femoroacetabular impingement (SRFAI) in a large consecutive series of symptomatic athletes. METHODS: Between January 2009 and February 2017 prospectively collected data from competitive athletes within the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), and who subsequently underwent arthroscopic treatment for symptomatic FAI, were analysed. Data was collected using internationally validated health questionnaires (Harris Hip Score, UCLA, SF-36, WOMAC) and recognised clinical (ROM, symptom presentation, provocation tests) and radiological (AP pelvis, Dunn, False profile) indicators/measures of FAI. RESULTS: A total of 1021 consecutive cases (mean 26.6 ± 6.2 years) were included. In every case, conservative treatment failed to resolve symptoms with athletes attending an average of 2.4 ± 1.1 health care professionals prior to referral. Symptoms developed gradually (78%) and consisted primarily of groin pain (76.1%) and hip stiffness (76.5%) following activity. An acetabular rim deformity (pincer) was present in all cases; a cam deformity in 72.1%. The prevalence and degree of cam deformity increased with progressing age groups (p < 0.001); mean lateral centre-edge angle remained static (p = 0.456). Increasing CEA, alpha angle and presence of rim fracture was associated with a reduction in all ranges of hip movement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic SRFAI presented in this large series of GAA athletes failed to resolve with non-operative treatment. Increasing hip deformity resulted in poorer ROM. Abnormal acetabular morphology remains static with increasing athletic age while cam deformity is progressive and most likely a secondary pathology.

Labral cuff refixation in the hip: rationale and operative technique for preserving the chondrolabral interface for labral repair: a case series.

Arthroscopic labral 'takedown' and refixation is utilized to permit adequate visualization and resection of the acetabular rim deformity, in patients with pincer or mixed femoroacetabular impingement. Deficiencies exist in present techniques, which include disruption of vital anatomical support and vascular structures to the labrum and chondrolabral junction, drill or anchor articular penetration risk, bunching, elevation and instability of the labrum. A new operative technique is described which preserves the important chondrolabral interface, accurately restoring the 'flap seal' of the acetabular labrum while minimizing vascular disruption and reducing the risk of drill and anchor penetration. A prospective series of 123 consecutive cases of pincer or mixed femoroacetabular impingement, treated with arthroscopic labral cuff refixation and preservation of the chondrolabral interface, is reported; operative technique and 2-year outcomes are presented.

Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS) and Subspine Hip Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal morphology of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and the subspine region of the acetabular rim are increasingly being recognised as a source of symptomatic extra-articular hip impingement. This review article aims to highlight important differences in the pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management of extra-articular hip impingement from both the AIIS and subspine bony regions, and the outcome following surgical intervention. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken to examine the supporting evidence for AIIS and subspine hip impingement. A narrative account of the Author's professional experience in this area, including operative technique for arthroscopic correction, is also presented. RESULTS: Abnormal morphology of the AIIS and subspine region has been classified using cadaveric, radiological and arthroscopic means; the clinical presentation and operative treatment has been documented in several case series studies. Dual pathology is often present - recognition and treatment of both intra- and extra-articular components are necessary for good postoperative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: AIIS and sub-spine hip impingement should be considered as distinct pathological entities, which may also co-exist. Symptom relief can be expected following arthroscopic deformity correction with the treatment of concomitant intra-articular pathology. Failure to recognise and treat the extra-articular component may affect postoperative outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Arthroscopic Resection of a Large Bony Exostosis Arising from the Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Causing Extra-articular Hip Impingement: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal morphology of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) is a rarely recognized but important source of extra-articular hip impingement. Chronic progressive symptoms of stiffness and limitation of hip motion with persistent groin pain may place significant restriction on activity. Concomitant femoroacetabular impingement is often present but recognition and effective treatment of the uncommon extra-articular component is important for successful outcome. CASE REPORT: Three cases of symptomatic extra-articular hip impingement secondary to AIIS deformity and in conjunction with mild underlying femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are presented. They include two athletic Caucasian males aged 27 and 35-years old with a history of prior rectus tendon injury and secondary bony exostosis formation and a 53-year-old Caucasian male with a nontraumatic, developmental AIIS deformity. In all cases, an excellent clinical outcome with a full return to pain free activity was achieved postoperation. Their clinical presentation, diagnosis and post-operative outcome at 1.5-2 years (mean 1.7 years) following arthroscopic AIIS resection are discussed. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic management of AIIS extra-articular hip impingement has been rarely reported and the longer-term outcome is unknown. We report the successful clinical outcome in a case series of three patients up to 2 years following arthroscopic AIIS resection. This case series demonstrates the sustainable benefits of arthroscopic correction of AIIS bony exostosis as a cause of extra-articular FAI.