Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Adolescents With a Subanalysis on Return to Sport: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen SL, Maldonado DR, Go CC, Kyin C, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/0363546519875131
Background
- Hip arthroscopy is increasingly utilized for adolescents with symptomatic hip pathology such as labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
- However, data on functional outcomes and return-to-sport (RTS) rates in this population remain limited.
Methods
- Systematic review of 10 studies including 618 adolescent hips, assessing PROs such as the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and RTS rates.
Key Findings
- Adolescents demonstrated significant functional improvement post-arthroscopy.
- The overall RTS rate was 84.9%, with the majority returning to high-level sport.
Conclusions
- Hip arthroscopy is effective in improving function and enabling high rates of RTS in adolescent athletes with FAI or labral pathology.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Providers can counsel adolescent patients and families on expected favorable functional outcomes and high likelihood of RTS after hip arthroscopy.
- Preoperative evaluation should emphasize realistic expectations regarding sport type and level, with emphasis on tailored rehabilitation to optimize RTS.
- Further research is warranted on long-term outcomes and management of growth-related hip morphology in this group.