Undergoing Hip Arthroscopic Surgery Research Articles

Improved Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Patients Undergoing T-Capsulotomy With Complete Repair Versus Partial Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background: Hip capsular management after hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is controversial. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI with T-capsulotomy with partial capsular repair (PR; closed vertical incision, open interportal incision) versus complete capsular repair (CR; full closure of both incisions). The hypothesis was that there would be improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing CR compared with those undergoing PR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI by a single fellowship-trained surgeon from January 2011 to January 2012 were prospectively collected and analyzed. Inclusion criteria included all patients between ages 16 and 65 years with physical examination and radiographic findings consistent with symptomatic FAI, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. For analysis, patients were matched according to sex and age ±2 years. Primary clinical outcomes were measured via the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), patient satisfaction (measured on a visual analog scale), and clinical improvement at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing Student paired and unpaired t tests, with P < .05 considered significant. Results: A total of 64 patients were included in the study, with 32 patients (12 male, 20 female) in each group. The average follow-up was 29.9 ± 2.6 months. There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. The CR group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in the HOS-SS at 6 months (PR: 63.8 ± 31.1 vs CR: 72.2 ± 16.1; P = .039), 1 year (PR: 72.7 ± 14.7 vs CR: 82.5 ± 10.7; P = .006), and 2.5 years (PR: 83.6 ± 9.6 vs CR: 87.3 ± 8.3; P < .0001) after surgery. Patient satisfaction at final follow-up was significantly better in the CR group (PR: 8.4 ± 1.0 vs CR: 8.6 ± 1.1; P = .025). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in the HOS-ADL (PR: 64.6 ± 17.0 to 90.7 ± 8.4 [P < .0001]; CR: 66.1 ± 15.7 to 92.1 ± 7.9 [P < .0001]) and HOS-SS (PR: 39.4 ± 23.9 to 83.6 ± 9.6 [P < .0001]; CR: 39.1 ± 24.2 to 87.3 ± 8.3 [P < .0001]) at final follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups in the HOS-ADL at any time point. There were no significant differences in the mHHS between the groups at final follow-up (PR: 82.5 ± 5.0 vs CR: 83.0 ± 4.4; P = .364). The overall revision rate was 6.25%; all patients (n = 4) who required revision arthroscopic surgery were in the PR group (13% of 32 patients), while no patients in the CR group required revision surgery. Conclusion: While significant improvements were seen at 6 months, 1 year, and 2.5 years of follow-up regardless of the closure technique, patients who underwent CR of the hip capsule demonstrated superior sport-specific outcomes compared with those undergoing PR. There was a 13% revision rate in the PR group, but no patients in the CR group required revision surgery. While longer term outcome studies are needed to determine if these results are maintained over time, these data suggest improved outcomes after CR compared with PR at 2.5 years after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI.

Does the Femoral Cam Lesion Regrow After Osteoplasty for Femoroacetabular Impingement?

Background: There are currently no studies that have examined the recurrence of the cam lesion after femoral neck osteoplasty for femoroacetabular impingement. Although patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores at midterm follow-up have shown continued success, the maintenance of a normalized alpha angle has not been shown radiographically. Purpose: To assess the radiographic recurrence of cam deformity at 2-year follow-up after adequate decompression during the index hip arthroscopic procedure and correlate the findings with PRO scores. The hypothesis was that there would be no recurrence or regrowth of the cam deformity at the 2-year postoperative time point after adequate cam decompression during hip arthroscopic surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between March 2009 and January 2011, data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery with femoral neck osteoplasty. Minimum follow-up was 2 years, with radiographic images for review. Results: A total of 47 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the participants at the start of the study was 37.18 years (range, 31.70-47.43 years). There were 28 men (59.57%) and 19 women (40.43%). The mean follow-up duration was 28.32 months (range, 24-41 months). The mean preoperative alpha angle (Dunn view) was 70° (range, 60°-97°), compared with 42.79° (range, 32°-50°) at 2 weeks postoperatively (P < .0001). The mean 2-year alpha angle was 42.72° (range, 32°-54°), which was not significantly different compared with the mean 2-week alpha angle (P = .93). Additionally, the mean femoral offset measurement was 3.7 mm (range, 0-9.9 mm) preoperatively and 7.8 mm (range, 0.3-13.9 mm) 2 weeks postoperatively (P < .0001). The mean 2-year postoperative femoral offset measurement was 8.0 mm (range, 2.4-12.8 mm), which was not significantly different compared with the mean 2-week femoral offset measurement (P = .63). All PRO scores were significantly improved at 3 months compared with preoperative scores and, except for visual analog scale score, continued to show improvement at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: There was no recurrence of cam deformity at 2 years after femoral neck osteoplasty for femoroacetabular impingement. PRO scores were improved at the 3-month and 2-year postoperative time points.

Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening for Internal Snapping of the Hip

Background: Internal snapping of the hip is caused by the iliopsoas (IP) tendon sliding over the iliopectineal eminence or the femoral head. In many cases that require hip arthroscopic surgery, there is coexistent painful internal snapping. In such cases, fractional lengthening of the IP tendon has been suggested as an adjunctive procedure. Purpose: To examine the outcomes and effectiveness of arthroscopic IP tendon fractional lengthening as a solution to coexistent internal hip snapping in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for a labral tear and/or femoroacetabular impingement. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between June 2010 and June 2011, data were prospectively collected for all patients with internal snapping of the hip who underwent primary arthroscopic IP tendon fractional lengthening, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. All patients were interviewed by telephone with specific questions regarding the resolution or persistence of snapping. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures: Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score–Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Pain was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS), and satisfaction was measured on a scale from 0 to 10. Results: A total of 55 patients were included, with all PROs showing statistically significant improvement postoperatively (NAHS: 57.6 ± 20.6 preoperatively vs 80.2 ± 19.2 at 2 years; HOS-ADL: 60.9 ± 21.4 preoperatively vs 81.8 ± 20.6 at 2 years; HOS-SSS: 43.4 ± 24.6 preoperatively vs 70.0 ± 26.7 at 2 years; and mHHS: 62.3 ± 16.4 preoperatively vs 80.5 ± 18.3 at 2 years) (P < .001 for all). Forty-five patients (81.8%) reported good/excellent satisfaction (≥7). Overall, 45 patients (81.8%) reported resolution of painful snapping. Patients who had resolution of snapping had statistically significant superior outcomes compared with those with persistent snapping using the change in the NAHS value (25.8 ± 16.1 vs 8.0 ± 22.5, respectively; P = .005), change in the HOS-ADL value (23.6 ± 18.0 vs 8.5 ± 15.2, respectively; P = .017), change in the HOS-SSS value (30.7 ± 26.9 vs 8.7 ± 23.6, respectively; P = .021), and change in the mHHS value (23.3 ± 20.1 vs 4.4 ± 9.9, respectively; P = .005). Conclusion: A majority of patients reported resolution of painful snapping and improvement in symptoms. Nonetheless, the rate of persistence of internal snapping at a minimum 2 years postoperatively was higher than that reported in previous studies.

The Effect of Joint Space on Midterm Outcomes After Arthroscopic Hip Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background: Excellent short-term results have been reported after hip arthroscopic surgery to address femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with narrow joint spaces had inferior outcomes at a postoperative minimum of 5 years and if they had a higher conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The hypothesis was that patients with ≤2-mm joint spaces would report inferior outcomes and that patients with >2-mm joint spaces would have improved survivorship (no conversion to THA). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between March 2005 and January 2008, prospectively collected data were analyzed for patients older than 18 years of age undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI. Radiographic measurements of joint space were collected, and hips were grouped as having preserved (>2 mm) or limited (≤2 mm) joint space. Outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS) for activities of daily living and sports, and Short Form–12 (SF-12). Results: There were 559 patients included, 466 (83%) of whom were contacted. Fifty-four patients with limited joint spaces (86%) converted to THA, while only 63 patients with preserved joint spaces (16%) converted to THA. The mean survival time for patients with preserved joint spaces was 88 months (95% CI, 85-91 months), and the mean survival time for patients with limited joint spaces was 40.0 months (95% CI, 33.7-46.3 months) (P = .0001). Complete follow-up outcome data were available on 323 patients, none of whom had THA, with a mean follow-up of 73 months. The mean postoperative HOS for activities of daily living and sports were significantly better in patients with preserved joint spaces (82 vs 62 [P = .012] and 77 vs 47 [P = .003], respectively) compared with those with limited joint spaces at a mean of 73 months postoperatively (range, 60-97 months). Conclusion: Hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI resulted in significantly better outcomes and activity levels at minimum 5-year follow-up in patients with preserved joint spaces. Hips with limited joint spaces converted to THA earlier than did those with preserved joint spaces.

Preoperative Femoral Nerve Block in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

Background: The utility of a femoral nerve block as an adjunct for pain management has been recognized for various surgical techniques but has yet to be examined in the preoperative setting as an adjunct to general anesthesia for improved postoperative pain control in hip arthroscopic surgery. Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a preoperative femoral nerve block for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 108 consecutive hip arthroscopic surgery cases (in 103 patients) was carried out. All patients underwent arthroscopic surgery under a general anesthetic with or without a preoperative femoral nerve block. Groups were compared with respect to patient sex, age, and body mass index (BMI); physical status classification according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA); procedure performed; operative time; total intraoperative morphine-equivalent dose; pain scores (0-10 scale) recorded at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes postoperatively in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU); total morphine-equivalent dose in the PACU; presence of nausea or vomiting in the PACU; time to discharge from the PACU; oxycodone consumption in the surgical day care unit (SDCU); and maximal patient-reported pain score in the SDCU. Results: Twelve cases were excluded from the analysis for a total of 96 cases (in 92 patients). Forty patients had general anesthesia alone (group A), and 56 patients had a preoperative femoral nerve block before the induction of general anesthesia (group B). There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to sex, age, weight, height, BMI, ASA classification, or type of procedure performed. Patients who received a femoral nerve block also received a significantly lower total intraoperative morphine-equivalent dose than did those patients who did not receive a block. Postoperative patient-reported pain scores were lower at all time points for the femoral nerve block group; however, a statistical significance was seen only at the 60-minute postoperative time point. Patients who did not receive a block had significantly higher morphine-equivalent doses in the PACU. There was no difference in the rates of nausea and vomiting and time to discharge from the PACU between the 2 groups. Oxycodone consumption in the SDCU was similar between the groups, but the femoral nerve block group had significantly lower maximal patient-reported pain scores in the SDCU. Two patients in the general anesthesia group were admitted to the hospital postoperatively because of inadequate postoperative pain control. No complications were noted in any patient with regard to the femoral nerve block. Conclusion: A preoperative femoral nerve block is a relatively safe procedure that may decrease the requirement for intraoperative morphine while providing effective postoperative pain control in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery.

The Ligamentum Teres Test

Background: A ligamentum teres (LT) injury is a common finding at the time of hip arthroscopic surgery in patients with chronic groin and hip pain; however, LT tears have been difficult to identify before surgery. There have been no unique features identified on history assessment, physical examination, or imaging that reliably identify injuries of the LT preoperatively. Purpose: To report a new clinical examination to assess the presence of an LT tear: the LT test. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study consisted of 75 patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for multiple lesions. Each patient was evaluated by 2 independent examiners using the LT test, leading to a total of 150 tests being performed. The LT test is conducted with the hip flexed at 70° and 30° short of full abduction; the hip is then internally and externally rotated to its limits of motion. Pain on either internal or external rotation is consistent with a positive LT test result. Hip arthroscopic surgery was then performed and all intra-articular abnormalities noted. Arthroscopic images were taken of each LT and examined by a third independent examiner who determined the presence or absence of a tear. Clinical examination findings were compared with the arthroscopic findings to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. In addition, the presence of intra-articular pathological lesions was compared with the test results to determine if there was a correlation between the presence of an intra-articular pathological abnormality and a positive LT test result. Results: Of the 150 examinations performed, the test result was positive 55% of the time (77 examinations). The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 90% and 85%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 84%, and the negative predictive value was 91%. The presence of an LT tear, pincer lesion, and labral tear that required repair was associated with a positive LT test result. The κ coefficient for interobserver reliability was .80. Conclusion: The LT test is an effective way of assessing the presence of LT tears with moderate to high interobserver reliability. In addition to an LT tear, the presence of a pincer lesion or labral tear requiring repair are also associated with a positive LT test result.

Psychometric Properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are considered the gold standard when evaluating outcomes in a surgical population. While the psychometric properties of some PROs have been tested, the properties of newer PROs in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery remain somewhat unknown. Purpose: To evaluate the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of 5 PROs (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS], Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS], Hip Outcome Score [HOS], International Hip Outcome Tool [iHOT-33], and Modified Harris Hip Score [MHHS]) in a population undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery and also to provide a recommendation of the best PROs in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Study participants were adults (mean age, 37 ± 11 years) who had undergone hip arthroscopic surgery 12 to 24 months previously and pain-free, healthy age-matched controls (mean age, 35 ± 11 years). Baseline characteristics including age, height, weight, waist girth, physical activity, and occupation were collected for both groups. The hip arthroscopic surgery group completed the 5 PRO questionnaires on 3 occasions, while the healthy control group completed the PRO questionnaires on 1 occasion. The reliability (test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient, or ICC] and minimal detectable change [MDC]), validity (construct validity, ability to detect a difference between groups, acceptability including floor and ceiling effects), responsiveness, and interpretability (minimal important change [MIC]) of each measure were calculated. Results: The test-retest reliability of PROs was excellent (ICC, 0.91-0.97), with an MDC of <20%. The HOOS, HAGOS, and iHOT-33 had acceptable content validity. All PROs demonstrated construct validity and were able to detect a difference between the hip arthroscopic surgery and control groups. No measures demonstrated a floor effect; however, the MHHS and subscales relating to activities of daily living of the HOOS, HOS, and HAGOS demonstrated a ceiling effect. The HOOS, iHOT-33, and MHHS demonstrated adequate responsiveness, and the MIC for all measures was <11 points of a possible 100 points. Conclusion: The PROs of the HOOS and iHOT-33 demonstrate psychometric properties that may enable researchers and clinicians to use them with confidence in a population undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. The psychometric properties of the MHHS, HOS, and some subscales of the HAGOS are reduced, and these PROs may be less valuable in this group.

Labral Penetration Rate in a Consecutive Series of 300 Hip Arthroscopies

Background: Intraoperative labral injury during the establishment of the first portal in hip arthroscopy has been reported to be as high as 20%. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to prospectively identify the incidence of acetabular labral injuries that occurred while using a current technique for the establishment of portals during hip arthroscopy. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between the years 2008 and 2010, data were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. Patients with previous labral resection or Tonnis grade greater than 1 were excluded. Patients were positioned supine, traction was applied, and portals were established. The anterolateral portal was created first by venting the joint with a spinal needle and then re-entering the joint with the same needle with the bevel side facing the labrum. Next, the midanterior portal was created under vision. A thorough examination of the acetabular labrum was conducted arthroscopically through multiple viewing portals, and labral injuries related to the establishment of portals were identified and noted. Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study; only 2 patients (0.67%) suffered intraoperative labral injuries at the study period. One injury occurred during revision arthroscopy, while the second involved a hyperplastic labrum in a dysplastic hip. No patient with normal hip morphological characteristics undergoing a hip arthroscopy suffered a labral tear as a result of portal placement. Conclusion: The incidence of iatrogenic labral injury during hip arthroscopy can be as low as 0.67% when using the described technique.

The Area of Pain of Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopic Surgery

The Area of Pain of Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopic Surgery