Outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients aged 50 years or older compared with a matched-pair control of patients aged 30 years or younger
Authors
Domb BG, Linder D, Finley Z, Botser IB, Chen A, Williamson J, Gupta A
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.08.030
Purpose
To compare patient characteristics and outcomes after hip arthroscopy in patients aged 50 years or older versus a matched control group aged 30 years or younger, with a minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up.
Methods
Prospective data collection on 52 patients aged ≥50 undergoing primary hip arthroscopy, matched 1:1 with patients aged ≤30 undergoing similar procedures. Outcomes assessed via patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures over at least 2 years.
Key Findings
Both age groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all PRO scores. There was no significant difference between groups in final outcomes or in the magnitude of score improvements. Survivorship (no conversion to total hip arthroplasty) was 98.1% in younger patients and 82.7% in older patients.
Conclusion
Patients aged 50 or older experience similar functional improvements as younger patients after hip arthroscopy when minimal arthritis is present. However, older patients have a higher risk of future total hip replacement.
What This Means for Patients
Hip arthroscopy can be a beneficial treatment for older patients with hip pain and minimal arthritis, offering significant pain relief and function improvement. Older patients should be informed about the possibility of needing hip replacement surgery later.