Postoperative Alpha Angle Is Predictive of Return to Sport in Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors
Monahan PF, Jimenez AE, Owens JS, Lee MS, Maldonado DR, Saks BR, Lall AC, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.09.015
Background
Return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a key concern for athletes. This study explores the role of the alpha angle (a radiographic measure of hip morphology) as a predictor for successful return to sport.
Methods
The study reviewed 136 athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI. Factors such as competition level, postoperative alpha angle, and patient-reported outcomes were analyzed to determine predictors of return to sport.
Key Findings
The postoperative alpha angle was identified as a significant predictor of whether athletes would return to sport. Athletes with a postoperative alpha angle ≤46° had a higher likelihood of returning to sport.
Conclusions
A smaller postoperative alpha angle (≤46°) strongly correlates with successful return to sport in athletes following hip arthroscopy.
What Does This Mean for Patients
If you are an athlete undergoing hip arthroscopy, the smaller the postoperative alpha angle, the higher your chances of returning to sport. This provides an important factor to consider when discussing your recovery goals.