Relationship Between Age at Onset of Symptoms and Intraoperative Findings in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Suarez-Ahedo C, Gui C, Rabe SM, Walsh JP, Chandrasekaran S, Domb BG
Journal: Orthop J Sports Med. 2017 Nov;5(11):2325967117737480
DOI: 10.1177/2325967117737480
Background
Age at symptom onset may correlate with the severity of intra-articular pathology and postoperative outcomes in hip arthroscopy.
Methods
Cohort study of 1,697 patients comparing intraoperative findings and PROs between patients with symptom onset below versus above the mean age of 34.6 years.
Key Findings
- Younger patients exhibited less severe cartilage and labral damage intraoperatively.
- Younger cohort demonstrated superior improvements in outcome scores at 2 years.
- Both age groups experienced significant clinical improvements.
Conclusions
Earlier symptom onset is associated with less advanced joint damage and better postoperative outcomes.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Early evaluation and intervention may improve prognosis by treating pathology before it advances. Providers should consider age and symptom duration in clinical decision-making and patient counseling.