Younger Age, Capsular Repair, and Larger Preoperative Alpha Angles Are Associated With Earlier Achievement of Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors
Ouyang VW, Saks BR, Maldonado DR, Jimenez AE, Ankem HK, Sabetian PW, Lall AC, Domb BG
Background
- This study aimed to identify factors that influence the time it takes for patients to achieve clinically meaningful improvements following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).
- Clinically meaningful improvement is measured using minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold (MOIT).
Methods
- Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with labral repair or reconstruction for FAIS between 2008 and 2018 were included.
- Data on demographics, radiographic factors, and intraoperative variables were collected.
- Patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) were collected preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years.
Key Findings
- Younger age, capsular repair, and larger preoperative alpha angles were associated with earlier achievement of clinically meaningful improvement (MCID and MOIT).
- Older age, higher baseline PRO scores, and workers' compensation claims were linked to delayed improvements.
Conclusions
- Patients who are younger, undergo capsular repair, and have larger preoperative alpha angles tend to experience faster recovery and reach clinically meaningful improvements earlier after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.
What Does This Mean for Patients
- If you're younger and undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS, you may experience a quicker recovery and earlier pain relief compared to others. Also, undergoing a capsular repair and having larger alpha angles may contribute to a more successful outcome in a shorter time.