Return to Sports and Outcomes at ≥ 5 Years for Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy

Introduction: There is a paucity in the literature regarding outcomes and return to sports for athletes in the mid-term. The purpose of this study was to report minimum five-year outcomes, return to sports, and level of sports in athletic patients who underwent hip arthroscopy. In addition, we compared two to five years outcomes, to evaluate whether there is a deterioration in functional status.

Methods: Data were prospectively collected on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between February 2009 and November 2011. Athletes at the high school, collegiate, or professional level who underwent hip arthroscopy and had preoperative patient reported outcome (PRO) scores were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were pre-operative Tönnis grade >1 or prior ipsilateral hip conditions or surgeries. Data on sport participation, competition level, and ability were collected. At minimum of five years postoperatively, PROs, VAS, satisfaction, and postoperative complications were collected.

Results: 77 hips met all criteria, and 66 hips (85.7%) had minimum five-year follow-up. There were 37 high school, 20 collegiate, and 9 professional athletes. All PROs were significantly improved at minimum five-year follow-up (p < 0.001). At latest follow-up mean IHOT-12 was 78.8 ± 22.7 and satisfaction was 8.2. Fifty-three hips (80.3%) reported that they returned to sports. 71.2% reported “same” or “higher” sport ability compared to a year before surgery. Postoperative complications included three cases (4.5%) of numbness and one case (1.5%) of pulmonary embolism. Ten hips (15.2%) required secondary arthroscopies and no hips converted to THA. There were no significant differences between two-year and five-year PROs, VAS, or satisfaction.

Conclusions: Mid-term results of hip arthroscopy in athletes are shown to be safe and favorable. Most athletes return to sports and continue to play after five years with the same or higher ability.