Low Body Mass Index in Females May Portend Inferior Outcomes After Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Jimenez AE, Glein RM, Owens JS, George T, Maldonado DR, Saks BR, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211063189
Background
Low BMI females undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS have been understudied. This study compares outcomes in low BMI (<18.5) females to normal BMI controls.
Methods
Females with low BMI who had primary hip arthroscopy were propensity matched to normal BMI females. PROs were analyzed at minimum 2-year follow-up.
Key Findings
- Both groups improved significantly in PROs (mHHS, NAHS).
- Low BMI females had lower rates of achieving patient-acceptable symptom states (PASS).
- Revision surgery rates were higher in the low BMI group but not statistically significant.
Conclusions
Low BMI in females may be associated with less optimal outcomes and lower patient satisfaction after hip arthroscopy.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Providers should counsel low BMI female patients about the potential for less favorable symptomatic improvement and a possibly higher revision risk after hip arthroscopy. Consideration of additional factors such as nutritional status, muscle mass, and bone quality may be important in preoperative planning and postoperative rehabilitation.