Hip Arthroscopy Yields Favorable Outcome, Return-to-Sport Rate, and 5-Year Survivorship in Athletic Population With Generalized Ligamentous Laxity in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Labral Tears
Authors
Quesada-Jimenez R, Shah PP, Strok MJ, Becker N, Kahana-Rojkind AH, Domb BG.
Background
Some people naturally have looser ligaments, a condition called generalized ligamentous laxity. This can sometimes affect joint stability and raise concerns about outcomes after hip surgery.
Methods
This study followed athletes who had hip arthroscopy for hip impingement and labral tears. Researchers compared those with ligamentous laxity to those without it over at least 5 years, looking at pain, function, and return to sports.
Key Findings
Both groups improved significantly after surgery. Patients with ligamentous laxity did just as well as those without it in terms of pain relief, function, and ability to return to sports. About 83% of patients with laxity returned to sports after surgery. Most who returned to sports were still playing at 5 years.
Conclusion
Hip arthroscopy provides strong and lasting results in athletes, even in those with naturally looser ligaments.
What Does This Mean For Patients
If you have naturally flexible or “loose” joints, you can still expect good results from hip arthroscopy. Most athletes are able to return to sports and stay active long-term, with outcomes similar to those without ligamentous laxity.