Patient-Reported Outcome Scores and Rate of Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery: A Sex-Based Comparison in Professional and Collegiate Athletes
Authors
Glein RM, Jimenez AE, Miecznikowski KB, Saks BR, Ankem HK, Sabetian PW, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/03635465211039834
Background
This study examines outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in male and female athletes. There was no prior research comparing the rates of return to sport (RTS) and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) between elite male and female athletes with a minimum 2-year follow-up.
Methods
Female athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI between 2009 and 2018 were included. They were matched to a control group of male athletes. PRO scores and RTS were assessed, with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up.
Key Findings
Female athletes showed significant improvement in PRO scores post-surgery and had a higher rate of achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCID) than male athletes. The RTS rate was similar between males and females.
Conclusions
Female athletes experienced significant improvements in function and pain after hip arthroscopic surgery, achieving better PRO scores than male athletes. Their return to sport rates were comparable to males.
What Does This Mean for Patients
If you are a female athlete with hip impingement undergoing arthroscopic surgery, you can expect improvements in hip function and pain relief similar to those seen in male athletes.