As athletes, our bodies are our greatest assets. We push ourselves to the limit, striving for peak performance and excellence in our chosen sports. But what happens when hip pain threatens to derail our athletic aspirations? For many young athletes, hip arthroscopy offers hope for a return to pain-free competition and continued athletic pursuits.
A recent study published in the Journal of Arthroscopy and Related Surgery sheds light on the long-term outcomes of hip arthroscopy in young athletes with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) undergoing labral repair. The study led my Mayo clinic colleagues and Dr. Kelechi Okoroha, aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes, achievement rates of patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), sports continuance, and reoperation rates in this population.
Study Highlights:
Patient Demographics: The study included 42 hips in 37 patients, with an average age of 17.7 years. All participants underwent primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair and had the intention to return to sport after surgery.
Long-Term Follow-Up: Patients were followed for an average of 10.0 years postoperatively, with outcomes assessed using various measures, including Modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and HOS Sport (HOS-Sport).
Positive Outcomes: Significant improvements were observed in patient-reported outcomes postoperatively, with 83% meeting PASS for mHHS, 75% for HOS-ADL, and 67% for HOS-Sport. These findings highlight the efficacy of hip arthroscopic labral repair in improving symptoms and functional outcomes in young athletes.
Sports Continuance: Despite hip-related challenges, only 24% of patients cited their hip as the reason for discontinuing their sport at long-term follow-up. Remarkably, 61% of patients continued playing their initial sport, underscoring the potential for successful sports continuance following hip arthroscopy.
Reoperation Rates: At final follow-up, 10% of hips had undergone subsequent surgical intervention, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management in this patient population.
Conclusions:
The study's findings suggest that hip arthroscopic labral repair yields durable mid-term outcomes and satisfactory PASS achievement rates in young amateur athletes with FAI. While some athletes may face challenges that necessitate sports discontinuance or additional interventions, the majority experience significant improvements in symptoms and are able to continue pursuing their athletic passions.
For athletes grappling with hip pain and limitations in their performance, hip arthroscopy offers a promising solution. Under the care of experienced orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Kelechi Okoroha, athletes can regain mobility, function, and confidence, allowing them to thrive both on and off the field.
At Mayo Clinic, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help athletes reach their full potential. To learn more about hip arthroscopy and our comprehensive orthopedic services, schedule a consultation with Dr. Okoroha today.
