Femoroacetabular impingement in 45 professional athletes: Associated pathologies and return to sport following arthroscopic decompression

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Marc Philippon, Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation; Mara Schenker, Emory University; Karen Briggs, Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation; David Kuppersmith, Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation
• Language: English
• Date: 2007-07-01
• Publisher: Springer
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © Springer-Verlag 2007
• License: Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License 2.0 Germany
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00167-007-0332-x
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: 908
• End Page: 914
• Keywords: Adolescent; Cartilage, Articular; Joint Diseases; Ligaments, Articular; Athletic Injuries; Adult; Arthroscopy; Middle Aged; Humans; Hip Joint; Fibrocartilage; Retrospective Studies; Recovery of Function; Decompression, Surgical
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Pathology

Abstract

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when an osseous abnormality of the proximal femur (cam) or acetabulum (pincer) triggers damage to the acetabular labrum and articular cartilage in the hip. Although the precise etiology of FAI is not well understood, both types of FAI are common in athletes presenting with hip pain, loss of range-of-motion, and disability in athletics. An open surgical approach to decompressing FAI has shown good clinical outcomes; however, this highly invasive approach inherently may delay or preclude a high level athlete's return to play. The purpose of this study was to define associated pathologies and determine if an arthroscopic approach to treating FAI can allow professional athletes to return to high-level sport. Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI allows professional athletes to return to professional sport. Between October 2000 and September 2005, 45 professional athletes underwent hip arthroscopy for the decompression of FAI. Operative and return-to-play data were obtained from patient records. Average time to follow-up was 1.6 years (range: 6 months to 5.5 years). Forty two (93%) athletes returned to professional competition following arthroscopic decompression of FAI. Three athletes did not return to play; however, all had diffuse osteoarthritis at the time of arthroscopy. Thirty-five athletes (78%) remain active in professional sport at an average follow-up of 1.6 years. Arthroscopic treatment of FAI allows professional athletes to return to professional sport. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.