Spine Pathology May Compromise the Results of Hip Arthroscopy: Will Hip Arthroscopy Improve Low Back Pain?
Authors: Jimenez AE, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.03.037
Background
Hip and lumbar spine pathologies often coexist and may influence each other. While the impact of spine disease on total hip arthroplasty outcomes is well-studied, less is known about its effect on hip arthroscopy results.
Methods
Editorial review discussing how lumbar spine pathology can affect hip arthroscopy outcomes and considering whether treating hip pathology arthroscopically can alleviate low back pain.
Key Findings
- Patients with prior lumbar spine surgery generally experience worse outcomes after hip arthroscopy.
- It remains unclear if hip arthroscopy can improve concomitant low back pain.
Conclusions
Lumbar spine pathology may adversely impact hip arthroscopy outcomes; further research is needed to clarify the relationship and whether hip surgery benefits low back symptoms.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Screen patients for lumbar spine pathology before hip arthroscopy and consider multidisciplinary evaluation.
- Counsel patients with spine disease regarding potentially limited hip arthroscopy outcomes.
- Coordinate care with spine specialists when coexisting pathologies are present.
- Consider that unresolved spine pathology may contribute to persistent symptoms after hip surgery.