Elite Female Athletes Demonstrate a Comparable Improvement in Midterm Patient-Reported Outcome Scores and Rate of Return to Sport Compared With Elite Male Athletes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Owens JS, Lee MS, Jimenez AE, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG
Journal: American Journal of Sports Medicine, November 2022
DOI: 10.1177/03635465221123060
Background
This study compares midterm outcomes and return to sport (RTS) rates between elite female and male athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).
Methods
- 81 elite female athletes with minimum 5-year follow-up after primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS.
- Propensity-matched comparison to elite male athletes assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs), RTS, and continuation of sport (CTS).
Key Findings
- Female athletes demonstrated significant improvements in PROs.
- RTS rate was 80.4% for females; 97.1% continued their sport at 5 years.
- No significant difference in PROs, RTS, or CTS rates between female and male athletes.
Conclusions
Elite female athletes experience similar functional improvements and return-to-sport rates after hip arthroscopy for FAIS compared to elite male athletes.
What Does This Mean for Providers
- Expect comparable midterm outcomes and RTS between female and male elite athletes post-hip arthroscopy.
- Counseling for female athletes regarding prognosis can be aligned with male athlete data.
- Surgical and rehabilitation protocols can be similarly applied across sexes in elite athlete populations.