Patient-Reported Outcomes in Athletes Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement With Subanalysis on Return to Sport and Performance Level: A Systematic Review
Authors: Annin S, Lall AC, Yelton MJ, Shapira J, Rosinsky PJ, Meghpara MB, Maldonado DR, Ankem H, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.03.064
Background
Athletes with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) often seek hip arthroscopy to alleviate symptoms and return to competitive sport. Understanding outcomes and return-to-sport rates is important for clinical decision-making.
Methods
A systematic review of 18 studies involving 904 athlete hips was performed. Outcomes assessed included patient-reported outcomes (PROs), return-to-sport rates, and performance levels at follow-up ranging from 2 to 20 years.
Key Findings
- Significant improvements in PROs were consistently observed following hip arthroscopy.
- Return-to-sport rates ranged between 72.7% and 100%.
- Many athletes returned to their preinjury performance level or exceeded it.
Conclusions
Hip arthroscopy for FAI in athletes results in meaningful clinical improvements and enables a high proportion to return to their previous sport performance level.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Expect high rates of return to sport following hip arthroscopy in athletes with FAI, supporting surgery as an effective intervention.
- Use these outcome data to set realistic expectations and inform preoperative counseling.
- Monitor long-term function and performance, recognizing that some athletes may exceed prior levels of competition.
- Tailor rehabilitation protocols to optimize return-to-sport outcomes in this population.