Author Reply to Regarding Does Femoral Retroversion Adversely Affect Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for FAI Syndrome? A Midterm Analysis
Authors: Lall AC, Battaglia MR, Maldonado DR, Perets I, Laseter JR, Go CC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.02.021
Background
This author response addresses questions regarding the impact of femoral retroversion on clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Concerns about complications and revision risk prompted clarification.
Methods
The original study analyzed outcomes in patients with FAI and femoral retroversion treated with hip arthroscopy. In the reply, the authors discuss the influence of retroversion on labral repair outcomes and note the relevance of coexisting pathologies such as subspine impingement (SSI).
Key Findings
- Femoral retroversion did not adversely impact outcomes or complication rates following hip arthroscopy.
- Recognition of coexisting factors like SSI is important, as they may confound clinical outcomes if not appropriately addressed.
Conclusions
Femoral retroversion alone does not predict poor outcomes after hip arthroscopy when the pathology is properly treated. However, attention to other morphologic abnormalities—such as SSI—is critical in comprehensive surgical planning.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
When managing patients with femoral retroversion and FAI, hip arthroscopy remains a viable treatment with favorable outcomes. However, thorough preoperative assessment for concurrent deformities such as subspine impingement is essential to optimize surgical results and reduce the risk of persistent symptoms or revision.