Elite Female Athletes Demonstrate a Comparable Improvement in Midterm Patient-Reported Outcome Scores and Rate of Return to Sport Compared With Elite Male Athletes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery: A Sex-Based Comparison in Professional and Collegiate Athletes

Elite Female Athletes Demonstrate a Comparable Improvement in Midterm Patient-Reported Outcome Scores and Rate of Return to Sport Compared With Elite Male Athletes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery: A Sex-Based Comparison in Professional and Collegiate Athletes

Authors

Owens JS, Lee MS, Jimenez AE, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG

Journal

Am J Sports Med, November 2022

Background

This study compares outcomes and rates of return to sport (RTS) between elite female and male athletes undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

Methods

• 81 elite female athletes underwent primary hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.
• The study compared their outcomes to a propensity-matched group of elite male athletes, measuring PRO scores, RTS, and continuation of sport (CTS).

Key Findings

• Female athletes showed significant improvements in all PRO scores, with 80.4% returning to sport and 97.1% continuing their sport at 5 years.
• Postoperative PRO scores and RTS/CTS rates were similar between female and male athletes.

Conclusions

Elite female athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS demonstrate favorable outcomes, with RTS and CTS rates comparable to male athletes.

What Does This Mean For Patients

If you’re an elite female athlete considering hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, expect similar recovery and return-to-sport rates as male athletes.