Hip arthroscopy for FAI shows slightly varied outcomes based on patient's age and sex

A new study by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) surgeons found both male and female patients did well after having arthroscopic surgery for painful hip impingement, but outcomes varied slightly depending on a patient's age and sex. This research, published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, revealed that while all groups fared better following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), patients under age 45 had better overall results and fewer complications than those over 45. The new study also found female patients older than 45 had lower outcome scores than their male counterparts.

The study, co-authored by Drs. Shane Nho and Charles Bush-Joseph, hip, shoulder and knee physicians at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, examined 150 male and female patients of varying ages who underwent hip arthroscopy to treat FAI, a condition in which the ball and socket of the hips are misshapen.

People with FAI are either born with it or their hip joint may develop abnormally over time. Repetitive activity involving the legs and hips may also cause FAI, which is often found in football, baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey, lacrosse players, dancers, and golfers. When diagnosed properly, FAI can be corrected through arthroscopic surgery.

The study reviewed patients treated for FAI by a fellowship-trained surgeon. Patients were divided into groups depending on age and sex and evaluated by results on these tests: Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-Sport), modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and clinical improvement at follow-up.

"The research showed arthroscopy to be extremely effective in treating FAI in both male and female patients of all ages," says Dr. Shane Nho, a hip arthroscopy specialist. "Findings also showed some of these patients older than 45 may have very early arthritis barely detectable on X-ray. Since patients over 45, especially females, didn't fare quite as well, we may need to consider additional treatment modalities for that age group. It is apparent that an individualized approach to treatment is best to optimize outcomes for all FAI patients."