Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement and Concomitant Labral Tears: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Purpose: The present study investigated the minimum 2-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and concomitant labral tears in Asian patients.

Methods: Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for both FAI and concomitant labral tears between January 2012 and December 2017 were included. Patients with hip osteoarthritis of Tönnis grade ≥2, previous hip surgery, or followed for less than 2 years were excluded. Clinical assessments were performed using the modified Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the rates of achieving threshold values of the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state at the latest follow-up. Plain radiographs were acquired pre- and postoperatively for radiologic assessments.

Results: A total of 73 patients (90 hips, 58 male, 15 female; mean age 34.4 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI and concomitant labral tears were enrolled. Forty-three hips (47.8%) had cam-type, 7 (7.8%) had pincer-type, and 40 (44.4%) had mixed-type FAI. The mean follow-up duration was 5.2 years. In cam- and mixed-type FAI hips, the mean α angle significantly decreased from 66.7 ± 8.28° preoperatively to 44.9 ± 3.78° postoperatively (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.6°-22.8°; P < .001). The mean modified Harris Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index increased from 74.8 ± 13.2 and 75 ± 12.7 preoperatively to 93 ± 8.1 (95% CI 15.4-20.9; P = .001) and 89.4 ± 8.4 postoperatively (95% CI 11.8-17; P = .001), respectively. Seventy-four hips (82.2%) crossed the minimal clinically important difference, and 85 hips (94.4%) had achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state. There were 2 cases of pudendal nerve palsy and 1 case of sciatic nerve palsy. No additional surgeries were required.

Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy can be an effective treatment for FAI and concomitant labral tears in Asian patients as demonstrated in this study, with improved PRO scores and reoperation rates. Longer-term studies with larger cohorts are necessary.

Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.