Clinical Outcomes and Reoperation Rates After Hip Arthroscopy in Female Athletes With Low Versus Normal Body Mass Index: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors
Jimenez AE, Monahan PF, Owens JS, Maldonado DR, Saks BR, Ankem HK, Sabetian PW, Lall AC, Domb BG
Background
- The effect of low body mass index (BMI) on hip arthroscopy outcomes in female athletes is not well understood.
- This study examines how low BMI affects recovery, reoperation rates, and return-to-sport outcomes in high-level female athletes after hip arthroscopy.
Methods
- Female athletes with low BMI who underwent hip arthroscopy were compared with athletes of normal BMI using a propensity-matched control group.
- Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), reoperation rates, and return-to-sport (RTS) rates were evaluated over a minimum 2-year follow-up.
Key Findings
- Athletes with low BMI showed significant improvement in PROs but had lower rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS).
- Low BMI athletes had higher reoperation rates (27.2% vs. 10.6%).
Conclusions
- Female athletes with low BMI demonstrate good recovery, but they may face more challenges, including higher reoperation rates and lower achievement of desired outcomes compared to those with normal BMI.
What Does This Mean for Patients
- If you're a female athlete with low BMI, you can expect improvement after hip arthroscopy, but there may be a higher likelihood of needing revision surgery. Keep in mind that achieving full symptom relief might take longer.