Editorial Commentary: Returning to High-Impact Sports After Hip Arthroscopy: Are We Shooting Ourselves in the Hip?
Authors: Rosinsky PJ, Chen SL, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.01.007
Background
- Athletes, particularly those in high-impact sports (e.g., basketball, football, soccer), often aim to return to full activity after hip arthroscopy.
- This commentary explores the long-term implications of returning to such activity.
Key Points
- There’s increasing concern that return to high-impact sports post-arthroscopy may lead to accelerated joint degeneration or hip osteoarthritis.
- While return to play is often achievable, long-term durability of outcomes may be compromised.
- Shared decision-making is critical; athletes must be counseled on the trade-offs between short-term goals and long-term joint health.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Be proactive in counseling athletic patients about long-term risks associated with returning to high-impact activities after hip arthroscopy.
- Balance surgical success with realistic outcome expectations.
- Encourage individualized plans that weigh athletic goals against joint preservation, especially in younger patients.