Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy: Can Results From Initial Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Predict Future Contralateral Results?
Authors
Hassebrock JD, Krych AJ, Domb BG, Levy BA, Neville MR, Hartigan DE
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.12.033
Background
Some patients who undergo hip arthroscopy on one side later require the same procedure on the opposite hip. Understanding if the results of the first surgery predict the outcomes of the second could help in managing patient expectations.
Methods
The study reviewed 133 patients who had bilateral hip arthroscopies. It compared their radiographic and intraoperative findings, as well as the outcomes, between the first and second surgeries.
Key Findings
The study found that preoperative radiographic and intraoperative findings were similar between the two sides. Both hips showed similar improvement after surgery, with no significant difference in patient-reported outcomes.
Conclusions
Results from the first hip arthroscopy are generally predictive of the second hip’s outcome. Patients undergoing bilateral hip arthroscopy can expect similar improvements in both hips.
What Does This Mean for Patients
If you're facing surgery on both hips for FAI, the outcomes from your first surgery should provide a good indication of how well the second hip will respond. Your surgeon will consider these results when planning your treatment.