Sex-Based Differences in Athletes Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy With Labral Reconstruction: A Propensity-Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors
Owens JS, Lee MS, Jimenez AE, Maldonado DR, Paraschos OA, Domb BG
Journal
Orthop J Sports Med, June 2022
Background
There is limited research comparing sex-based differences in outcomes for athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy with labral reconstruction for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).
Methods
- Data were collected from athletes undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with labral reconstruction between 2014 and 2019.
- Patients were matched by sex and propensity to ensure comparability.
- Preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative PRO scores, as well as return-to-sport (RTS) rates, were analyzed.
Key Findings
- Female athletes underwent higher rates of capsular repair and lower rates of acetabular microfracture than male athletes.
- Both female and male athletes showed significant improvements in PROs, high RTS rates, and similar rates of achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCID).
Conclusions
Despite differences in surgical procedures, both male and female athletes experienced significant improvements and high RTS rates following hip arthroscopy with labral reconstruction, with no significant differences in outcomes between the sexes.
What Does This Mean For Patients
Sex does not appear to be a major factor in the success of hip arthroscopy for athletes. Both male and female athletes can expect similar improvements in function and high rates of return to sport.