Intraoperative Findings and Clinical Outcomes Associated With Arthroscopic Management of Subspine Impingement: A Propensity-Matched, Controlled Study

Intraoperative Findings and Clinical Outcomes Associated With Arthroscopic Management of Subspine Impingement: A Propensity-Matched, Controlled Study

Authors

Shapira J, Yelton MJ, Glein RM, Rosinsky PJ, Maldonado DR, Meghpara MB, Ankem HK, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.03.057

Background

Subspine impingement (SSI) is a condition that occurs when the bony prominence of the spine in the hip joint causes pain and limits movement. However, its exact impact on hip function and the outcomes of treatment remain unclear.

Methods

This study compared patients who had hip arthroscopy to treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with or without subspine impingement. The patients' intraoperative findings and 2-year clinical outcomes were compared to evaluate the effects of treating SSI.

Key Findings

Patients with SSI required more complex treatments, including labral reconstruction, but the overall clinical outcomes (such as pain reduction and hip function) were similar between the SSI and control groups without SSI. The two groups had comparable outcomes in terms of patient-reported scores and the need for secondary surgeries.

Conclusions

Treating SSI with arthroscopy, including subspine decompression and labral repair, leads to significant improvement in outcomes, similar to patients without SSI. SSI may make labral tears more complex, but treatment still provides good results.

What Does This Mean for Patients

If you have both femoroacetabular impingement and subspine impingement, treatment with hip arthroscopy can still lead to good results, though more complex surgeries may be needed. Discuss the specific details of your case with your surgeon for the best management strategy.