Determining Clinically Meaningful Thresholds for the Nonarthritic Hip Score in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Determining Clinically Meaningful Thresholds for the Nonarthritic Hip Score in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Authors

Rosinsky PJ, Kyin C, Maldonado DR, Shapira J, Meghpara MB, Ankem HK, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.03.059

Background

The Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) is used to assess hip function in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study aimed to determine the clinically meaningful thresholds for the NAHS after hip arthroscopy.

Methods

A total of 343 hips were included in this study, and NAHS scores were measured before and after surgery. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were calculated at 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery.

Key Findings

The MCID was found to be 8.7, with PASS thresholds ranging between 81.9 and 85.6. The SCB thresholds ranged from 91.9 to 94.4, indicating the minimal improvements that could be considered meaningful for patients. Preoperative NAHS scores were linked to better post-surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

This study provides important benchmarks for interpreting NAHS scores after hip arthroscopy. These thresholds help determine whether a patient's recovery is clinically significant.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If you're undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI, understanding your NAHS score can help track your recovery. These new thresholds give you and your doctor a better sense of how much improvement is clinically meaningful.

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