Our Summary

This research paper reviews recent studies on how patients recover after hip arthroscopy surgery for a condition called femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). The researchers looked at larger studies that tracked patients for at least two years after their surgery. Articles were excluded if they didn’t report patient feedback, didn’t have pre-surgery imaging results, or were about surgeries for other conditions.

The researchers found nine suitable studies. The average age of patients in these studies was between 32.3 and 41 years old, and about half of the patients in four of the studies were women. Most patients had repairs to the labrum (a type of cartilage in the hip joint), rather than removal of damaged tissue.

The good news is that all nine studies showed that patients reported improvements in their condition after surgery. However, some patients needed further surgery. The rate of patients needing further arthroscopy ranged from 0.8% to 11.6%, and the rate of patients needing a total hip replacement ranged from 0% to 34%. The latter was more common in older patients who were tracked for at least ten years after their initial surgery.

FAQs

  1. What criteria were used to select the studies reviewed in this research on hip arthroscopy for FAIS?
  2. What were the common outcomes for patients after undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS according to the studies?
  3. What was the range of patients who needed further surgery or a total hip replacement after their initial hip arthroscopy?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip a doctor might give a patient about arthroscopy is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan closely. This may include physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the hip joint and improve range of motion. It is essential to follow the instructions of the medical team to ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of needing further surgery in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy for conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) include:

  1. Patients with hip pain and limited range of motion that has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and activity modification.
  2. Patients with a diagnosis of FAIS confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI.
  3. Patients who are relatively young (average age between 32.3 and 41 years old in the studies reviewed) and active, as they are more likely to benefit from hip arthroscopy.
  4. Patients with damage to the labrum in the hip joint, as this is a common reason for arthroscopic surgery in FAIS patients.
  5. Patients who have realistic expectations about the outcomes of arthroscopy and are willing to commit to post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy.
  6. Patients who have discussed the risks and benefits of arthroscopy with their orthopedic surgeon and have made an informed decision to proceed with surgery.

Overall, arthroscopy is typically recommended for patients with FAIS who have not responded to conservative treatments and are experiencing significant hip pain and functional limitations. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine if arthroscopy is the right treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

  • Before arthroscopy: Patients may experience hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. They may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to diagnose the condition. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections may be tried before surgery is considered.

  • After arthroscopy: Patients typically undergo a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy to strengthen the hip muscles and improve range of motion. Most patients experience improvements in their symptoms and function within the first few months after surgery. However, some patients may require additional surgeries in the future, particularly older patients or those with more severe hip damage. Long-term studies show that the majority of patients report successful outcomes after hip arthroscopy, but a small percentage may still require further intervention.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about arthroscopy for FAIS include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of arthroscopy for FAIS?
  2. How long is the recovery period after arthroscopy for FAIS?
  3. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. What are the chances that I may need further surgery in the future?
  5. How long do the effects of arthroscopy typically last for patients with FAIS?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies I should consider before opting for arthroscopy?
  7. What are the success rates of arthroscopy for FAIS in terms of pain relief and improved function?
  8. How experienced are you in performing arthroscopy for FAIS, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or success stories from previous arthroscopy patients with FAIS?

Reference

Authors: Curley AJ, Nerys-Figueroa J, George T, Carbone AD, Parsa A, Domb BG. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2023 Feb;39(2):476-487. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2022.10.038. Epub 2022 Nov 5. PMID: 36343765