High Body Mass Index Does Not Adversely Affect Outcomes in High-Level Athletes Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Jimenez AE, Fox JD, Monahan PF, Lee MS, George T, Maldonado DR, Saks BR, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211062910
Background
The impact of elevated BMI on outcomes following hip arthroscopy in athletes with FAIS is unclear.
Methods
Comparison of outcomes and return-to-sport rates between high-level athletes with BMI >30 and those with normal BMI undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS.
Key Findings
- Both groups experienced significant improvements in PROs.
- High-BMI athletes had worse cartilage damage and required more additional procedures.
- Despite this, outcomes and rates of clinically meaningful improvement were similar between groups.
Conclusions
High BMI does not negatively affect short-term functional outcomes or return to sport after hip arthroscopy in athletes.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Providers can counsel high-level athletes with elevated BMI that hip arthroscopy for FAIS can lead to comparable functional recovery and return to sport as in athletes with normal BMI. Surgeons should be mindful of potential cartilage pathology and plan accordingly but need not exclude high-BMI patients from surgical consideration based solely on weight.