Our Summary

This study looks at how often a type of hip surgery called arthroscopy is being done on patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Syndrome within the Military Health System (MHS). This is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and stiffness. The researchers looked at data from 1870 patients between 18 and 50 years old who had this surgery between 2003 and 2015.

They found that the number of these surgeries has been increasing each year, from 66 cases in 2004 to 422 cases in 2013. About half of these surgeries were done in military hospitals and half in civilian hospitals. The average cost of healthcare related to the hip in the two years after surgery was $15,434 per patient.

The study also found that most patients (72%) had another health condition after surgery. On average, patients were prescribed three rounds of opioid pain medication. Interestingly, more patients had physical therapy after surgery than before it. Half of the patients had been prescribed opioids in the year before surgery, and 39% had three or more opioid prescriptions in the two years after surgery, beyond the initial prescription right after the operation.

Overall, the study found that the number of these surgeries is increasing, and that the rate of complications is similar to what’s been reported in other studies. Many patients continue to use opioid pain medication after surgery, and more patients have physical therapy after surgery than before it.

FAQs

  1. Has the number of arthroscopy surgeries for Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Syndrome been increasing within the Military Health System (MHS)?
  2. What is the average cost of healthcare related to the hip in the two years following a hip arthroscopy surgery?
  3. What is the rate of complications and post-surgery treatment like for patients who undergo arthroscopy for FAI Syndrome?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about arthroscopy is to follow the prescribed post-operative physical therapy program diligently to help improve outcomes and reduce the need for long-term opioid pain medication use. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure proper recovery and management of your condition.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy are those with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Syndrome, a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and stiffness. In the study mentioned above, patients between 18 and 50 years old who had this surgery were analyzed. These patients may have tried other conservative treatments first but still experience persistent symptoms that impact their quality of life. Arthroscopy may be recommended to address the underlying hip joint issue and improve symptoms.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  • Patient experiences hip pain and stiffness
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI or x-rays to diagnose the issue
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication to manage symptoms
  • Patient may be prescribed opioid pain medication if conservative treatments are not effective

After arthroscopy:

  • Patient undergoes minimally invasive surgery to address the hip issue
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort immediately after surgery
  • Patient is prescribed opioid pain medication for post-operative pain
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to help with rehabilitation and recovery
  • Patient may continue to experience pain and stiffness in the hip, leading to further healthcare costs and potentially additional surgeries
  • Patient may continue to use opioid pain medication for an extended period of time

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after arthroscopy involves initial symptoms, diagnostic testing, surgery, post-operative pain management, rehabilitation, and potential long-term use of medication and healthcare services.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of arthroscopy in treating my condition (Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome)?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with arthroscopy?
  3. What is the success rate of arthroscopy in relieving pain and improving hip function?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to arthroscopy that I should consider?
  5. What is the recovery process like after arthroscopy and how long does it typically take?
  6. Will I need physical therapy after arthroscopy and if so, how long will I need to participate in it?
  7. What pain management options will be available to me after surgery?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after arthroscopy?
  9. Are there any restrictions or limitations on my activities after arthroscopy?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Rhon D, Schmitz M, Mayhew R, Dry K, Greenlee T. Journal: Mil Med. 2019 Dec 1;184(11-12):788-796. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usz057. PMID: 30941406