Paper # 62: Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) in Athletes

Abstract

Arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement in athletes results in high success rates with return to sports and few complications. Hip pathology is a significant source of pain and dysfunction among athletic individuals and FAI is often a causative factor. Arthroscopic intervention has been proposed to address the joint damage and underlying impingement. The purpose of this study is to report our prospectively collected data on arthroscopic management of FAI in an athletic population. All patients undergoing hip arthroscopy are prospectively assessed with a modified Harris hip score obtained preop and postop at 3, 12, 24, 60 and 120 months. This report consists of a cohort of 200 patients identified who underwent arthroscopic management of FAI, participated in athletic activities, and had achieved minimum one-year followup. There was 100% followup at an average of 19 months (range 12-60 months). The average age was 28.6 years (range 11-60 years) with 148 males and 52 females. There were 159 cam, 31 combined, and 10 pincer lesions. There were 23 professional, 56 intercollegiate, 24 high school and 97 recreational athletes. The male/female ratio was 2.8:1 among cam lesions and 1:1 among pincer lesions. The median improvement was 24 points (preop 72; postop 96) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). 95% of professional athletes and 85% of intercollegiate athletes were able to return to their previous level of competition. There were five transient neuropraxias (all resolved) and one minor heterotopic ossification. One athlete (0.5%) underwent conversion to total hip arthroplasty and 4 (2%) underwent repeat arthroscopy. Arthroscopic management of FAI results in successful outcomes with modest complications and most athletes are able to resume activities.