Hip arthroscopy outcomes, complications, and traction safety in patients with prior lower-extremity arthroplasty.

Abstract

Given the potential for injury due to joint-distraction techniques during hip arthroscopy, this study investigated the outcomes and safety of traction during hip arthroscopy in a series of patients with a prior lower-extremity arthroplasty. Nine patients with a prior hip or knee arthroplasty (Group 1) and a matched cohort of nine additional patients with no prior hip surgery (Group 2) who underwent hip arthroscopy with traction between 2011 and 2013 were evaluated. Collected data included traction and operative times, Modified Harris Hip Scores (MHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Scores (NAHS), and postoperative complications. Both operative (p = 1) and traction (p = 0.11) times were similar in each group. Each group had a significant improvement in MHHS from baseline to final follow-up: from 39 to 73 (p < 0.001) in Group 1 and from 49 to 75 (p = 0.03) in Group 2. Similarly, the NAHS showed significant improvement in each group from baseline to final follow-up: from 41 to 71 (p < 0.001) in Group 1 and from 48 to 74 (p = 0.02) in Group 2. There was no difference between groups in MHHS or NAHS. There was one postoperative complication in Group 1 (a recurrent labral tear) and no complications from an existing arthroplasty or in Group 2. Hip arthroscopy in patients with a lower-extremity arthroplasty yields improved short-term clinical outcomes without increased complications. The use of traction during hip arthroscopy is safe in this population.