Intra-articular Damage and Patient Outcome Comparison Between Athletes and Nonathletes After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Shapira J, Glein RM, Yelton MJ, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG
Journal: Am J Sports Med, July 2022
DOI: 10.1177/03635465221098046
Background
This study compares intra-articular damage severity and postoperative outcomes between athletes and nonathletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).
Methods
- 234 patients (both athletes and nonathletes) undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were analyzed.
- Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were measured pre- and postoperatively.
Key Findings
- No significant difference in the extent of intra-articular damage between athletes and nonathletes.
- Athletes had higher baseline function but demonstrated greater postoperative improvements, particularly in physical and mental health domains.
Conclusions
Despite similar intra-articular pathology, athletes tend to achieve superior postoperative gains, likely due to their higher baseline functional status.
What Does This Mean for Providers
- Recognize that baseline functional status (e.g., athlete vs nonathlete) may influence postoperative recovery trajectories after hip arthroscopy.
- Use preoperative functional assessments to help set realistic expectations with patients.
- Tailor rehabilitation programs to maximize outcomes, considering that athletes may achieve greater improvements but also may have higher demands postoperatively.
- Be aware that intra-articular damage severity alone does not predict outcome differences between athletes and nonathletes.