Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport in Competitive Athletes Undergoing Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening Compared With a Matched Control Group Without Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening
Authors: Perets I, Hartigan DE, Chaharbakhshi EO, Ashberg L, Mu B, Domb BG
Journal: Arthroscopy. 2018 Feb;34(2):456–463
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.08.292
Background:
Iliopsoas snapping and tightness may cause hip pain in athletes; arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening (IFL) is one treatment option.
Methods:
This case-control study compared 75 competitive athletes undergoing IFL with 41 matched athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy without IFL. Minimum 2-year follow-up was analyzed.
Key Findings:
Significant improvements in PROs occurred in both groups; no difference in satisfaction or return-to-sport rates. Painful snapping resolved in 92% of IFL patients without reported hip flexor weakness.
Conclusions:
Arthroscopic IFL is safe and effective for treating iliopsoas pathology in athletes, without compromising function or return to sport.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Providers can confidently offer arthroscopic IFL to competitive athletes with iliopsoas-related symptoms, expecting symptom resolution and preserved athletic performance.