Clinical Outcomes and Reoperation Rates After Hip Arthroscopy in Female Athletes With Low Versus Normal Body Mass Index: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Jimenez AE, Monahan PF, Owens JS, Maldonado DR, Saks BR, Ankem HK, Sabetian PW, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211055175
Background
The impact of low body mass index (BMI) on hip arthroscopy outcomes in female athletes has been insufficiently studied. Understanding how BMI influences recovery, reoperation, and return-to-sport (RTS) can guide perioperative counseling and management.
Methods
This study compared female athletes with low BMI to a propensity-matched cohort with normal BMI undergoing hip arthroscopy. Outcomes assessed included patient-reported outcomes (PROs), reoperation rates, and RTS over a minimum two-year follow-up.
Key Findings
- Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in PROs postoperatively.
- Low BMI athletes had lower rates of achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS).
- The low BMI group experienced higher reoperation rates (27.2%) compared to normal BMI controls (10.6%).
Conclusions
While low BMI female athletes benefit from hip arthroscopy, they appear to have a more challenging recovery course, including a higher likelihood of revision surgery and reduced rates of reaching optimal symptom relief.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Anticipate potentially increased reoperation risk and counsel low BMI female athletes accordingly regarding realistic outcomes.
- Consider closer postoperative monitoring and individualized rehabilitation protocols for this population.
- Recognize that despite overall improvements, attaining full symptom resolution may require more attention in low BMI athletes.