Return to sport after hip arthroscopy: aggregate recommendations from high-volume hip arthroscopy centers
Authors
Domb BG, Stake CE, Finch NA, Cramer TL
DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20140924-57
Purpose
To develop aggregate recommendations for timing and criteria for return to sport after hip arthroscopy, based on surveys from surgeons at high-volume hip arthroscopy centers.
Methods
Twenty-seven orthopedic surgeons completed a survey on return-to-sport timing, functional criteria, and risk stratification for various sports after hip arthroscopy.
Key Findings
- 70% of surgeons recommended return to sport between 12 to 20 weeks postoperatively.
- 85% recommended that patients must be able to perform all sport-specific motions without pain.
- Most recommended criteria included pain-free running, jumping, lateral agility drills, and single-leg squats.
- High-risk sports identified included football, basketball, wrestling, and martial arts; low-risk sports included golf.
Conclusion
Return to sport after hip arthroscopy typically occurs between 3 to 5 months, with functional criteria focusing on pain-free full motion and sport-specific activities. Risk stratification varies by sport impact.
What This Means for Patients
Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy can expect to return to their sport after about 3 to 5 months, provided they can move pain-free and perform key sport motions. Some sports pose a higher risk for reinjury.