Five-Year Outcomes and Return to Sport of Runners Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears With or Without Femoroacetabular Impingement

Abstract

Background:

Recent evidence has demonstrated a high rate of return to running after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement at short-term follow-up. The midterm outcomes and rates of continued running of these patients are unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate midterm rates of return to running and outcomes after hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Data were prospectively collected for patients who underwent hip preservation surgery between July 2008 and November 2011. Patients were excluded for preoperative Tönnis osteoarthritis grade ≥2, previous ipsilateral hip conditions or hip surgery, or workers’ compensation status. All patients who participated in mid- to long-distance running before their surgery and intended on returning after their operation were considered for inclusion. Preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative measures for the following patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) were necessary for inclusion in the final cohort: the modified Harris Hip Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. All patients were counseled about the risks of continued running after hip arthroscopy.

Results:

Sixty patients (62 hips) were eligible for inclusion, of which 50 (83.3%; 52 hips) had minimum 5-year follow-up. There were 10 male hips and 42 female hips. Mean ± SD age at surgery was 32.4 ± 12.4 years (range, 14.9-62.4), and mean body mass index was 22.9 ± 3.2 (range, 17.7-30.1). Latest follow-up was recorded at a mean 69.3 ± 8.5 months (range, 60.0-92.1 months). Level of competition included 39 recreational, 7 high school, 4 collegiate, and 2 professional athletes. There were significant improvements in all PROs and VAS scores preoperatively to latest follow-up. Mean modified Harris Hip Score improved from 67.5 to 88.2; mean Non-arthritic Hip Score, from 65.9 to 88.3; mean Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, from 49.5 to 81.0; and mean VAS, from 5.2 to 1.5. At latest follow-up, patient satisfaction was 8.4. Thirty-nine patients (78.0%, 41 hips) had returned to running postoperatively. When stratified by level of competition, 79% (31 of 39) of recreational, 100% (7 of 7) of high school, 50% (2 of 4) of collegiate, and 50% (1 of 2) of professional athletes returned to running.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroscopy for all levels of runners is associated with a significant increase in PROs and a low risk of complications. The rate of return to running is moderately high after hip arthroscopy at midterm follow-up. Hip arthroscopy may be considered for runners presenting with symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement that fail nonoperative treatments. Patients should be educated on the rate of return to running over time and the risks of continued running after hip arthroscopy.