Microfracture of Acetabular Chondral Lesions Is Not Superior to Other Cartilage Repair Techniques in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review to compare clinical outcomes of hip arthroscopy patients undergoing microfracture (MFx) versus other cartilage repair procedures for chondral lesions of the acetabulum. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify comparative studies that directly compared outcomes between MFx and other cartilage repair procedures for full-thickness chondral lesions of the acetabulum identified during hip arthroscopy. The search phrase used was: hip AND arthroscopy AND microfracture. Patients were evaluated based on reoperation rates and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Six studies (all Level III evidence) met inclusion criteria, including a total of 202 patients undergoing microfracture (group A) and 327 patients undergoing another cartilage repair procedure (group B). Mean patient age ranged from 35.0 to 45.0 years. Mean follow-up time ranged from 12.0 to 72.0 months. Significantly better patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were found in patients undergoing treatment with bone marrow aspirate concentrate, microfragmented adipose tissue concentrate, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis, and a combination of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis and bone marrow aspirate concentrate compared with MFx. No studies found significantly better postoperative PROs in group A. The reoperation rate ranged from 0% to 34.6% in group A and 0% to 15.9% in group B. Three of 5 studies reporting on reoperation rate found a significantly greater reoperation rate in group A, with no difference in the other 2 studies. CONCLUSIONS: The literature on MFx of acetabular chondral lesions is limited and heterogeneous. Based on the available data, MFx alone results in a greater or equivalent reoperation rate and inferior or equivalent PROs compared with other cartilage repair procedures for acetabular chondral lesions in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of level III studies.

Meta-Analysis of the Surgical and Rehabilitative Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Athletes With Femoroacetabular Impingement.

OBJECTIVES: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) poses a threat to athletes' capacity to compete. This review aims to estimate the rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI as well as identify factors that may affect athletes' outcomes. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. METHODS: Four databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched in July 2015 by 2 reviewers. Studies were required to include athletes who were treated with hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI and also report return to sport as an outcome. A validated tool was used for quality assessment and level of agreement between raters was calculated. A meta-analysis for proportions returning to sport was performed on the available data using MedCalc software. Additional outcomes were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 15 case series involving 823 patients were included in the review, with moderate to high methodological quality. 88.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 83.4%-92.4%] of athletes returned to sport after arthroscopy and 85.3% (95% CI, 77.6%-91.6%) returned to preinjury level. All outcome measures used reported measurable improvements. Complication rates were low. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of athletes return to sport after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Severity of intraarticular damage and degree of degenerative changes affect ability to return to sport. Additional validated outcome measures should be used together with return to sport. Future studies should be prospective with longer-term follow-up to provide a higher level of evidence for outcomes.

Evaluation and management of ischiofemoral impingement: a pathophysiologic, radiologic, and therapeutic approach to a complex diagnosis.

Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome (IFI) is an underrecognized form of atypical, extra-articular hip impingement defined by hip pain related to narrowing of the space between the ischial tuberosity and the femur. The etiology of IFI is multifactorial and potential sources of ischiofemoral engagement include anatomic variants of the proximal femur or pelvis, functional disorders as hip instability, pelvic/spinal instability, or abductor/adductor imbalance, ischial tuberosity enthesopathies, trauma/overuse or extreme hip motion, iatrogenic conditions, tumors and other pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic procedure of choice for assessing IFI and may substantially influence patient management. The injection test of the ischiofemoral space (IFS) has both a diagnostic and therapeutic function. Endoscopic decompression of the IFS appears useful in improving function and diminishing hip pain in patients with IFI but conservative treatment is always the first step in the treatment algorithm. Because of the ever-increasing use of advanced MRI techniques, the frequent response to conservative treatment, and the excellent outcomes of new endoscopic treatment, radiologists must be aware of factors that predispose or cause IFI. In addition, focused treatment in these conditions is often more important than in secondary impingement. In this article, we briefly describe the anatomy of the IFS, review the clinical examination and symptoms, assess the diagnostic imaging criteria and pathophysiological mechanisms, and develop an understandable classification of IFI, with particular focus on its etiology, predisposing factors, and associated musculoskeletal abnormalities. We also assess the role of the radiologist in the diagnosis, treatment, and preoperative evaluation of both primary and secondary IFI.

Acetabular Labral Debridement/Segmental Resection Versus Reconstruction in the Comprehensive Treatment of Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review comparing outcomes of labral debridement/segmental resection with labral reconstruction as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for femoroacetabular impingement. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to established PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study groups were divided into labral debridement/segmental resection (group 1) and labral reconstruction (group 2). Multiple search engines were queried (PubMed, Medline) for this analysis. RESULTS: After an exhaustive search of the available literature, 20 publications were included. Twelve studies explored outcomes after labral debridement/resection in a total of 400 hips, whereas 7 studies reported on outcomes after labral reconstruction in a total of 275 hips. One additional matched-pair control study compared labral resection (22 hips) with reconstruction (11 hips). The surgical intervention was a revision in 0% to 100% for group 1 versus 5% to 55% for group 2. A direct anterior approach was not performed in group 2, and cam-type impingement appeared to make up a larger percentage of group 1. The Tönnis grade ranged from 0 to 1 for group 1 versus 0.3 to 1.1 for group 2. Joint replacements were performed in 0% to 30% and 0% to 25%, respectively. The modified Harris Hip Score was the most widely used patient-reported outcome measure and suggested that labral reconstruction was not inferior to labral debridement/segmental resection. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes after labral debridement/segmental resection versus labral reconstruction were found to be comparable. In the setting of unsalvageable labral pathology, labral reconstruction was used more frequently as a revision option whereas debridement may be more commonly used in the index setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level I, III, and IV studies.

Femoroacetabular impingement surgery: are we moving too fast and too far beyond the evidence?

Femoroacetabuler impingement (FAI) is becoming increasingly recognised as a potential pathological entity for individuals with hip pain. Surgery described to correct FAI has risen exponentially in the past 10 years with the use of hip arthroscopy. Unfortunately, the strength of evidence supporting both the examination and treatment of FAI does not appear to accommodate this exponential growth. In fact, the direction currently taken for FAI is similar to previously described paths of other orthopaedic and sports medicine pathologies (eg, shoulder impingement, knee meniscus tear) for which we have learned valuable lessons. The time has come for improved terminology, study design, and focus on delineation of successful treatment variables in the interest of those individuals with clinical indications of FAI so that we can appropriately address their needs.

[Arthroscopic correction of extra-articular subspinal impingement in the hip joint]. / Arthroskopische Korrektur des extraartikulären Subspine-Impingements am Hüftgelenk.

We report the case of symptomatic extra-articular subspinal impingement in the hip joint caused by a pathological contact between the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and the femoral neck. A 28-year-old patient presented with activity-related inguinal pain on the right side and a positive anterior impingement test in the clinical examination. Radiological examinations revealed a hypertrophic AIIS with caudal extension below the acetabulum. After a positive injection test confirmed the AIIS as the origin of the pain, arthroscopic correction with partial resection of the AIIS was performed resulting in significant pain relief and improved range of motion.

Arthroscopic management of hip pathomorphology.

The role for the arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement continues to evolve. As the understanding of hip pathomorphology improves and arthroscopic techniques for managing these disorders advance, the indications for arthroscopic femoroacetabular correction become clearer. Attention to detail with respect to diagnoses and surgical management is critical to optimize outcomes in this patient population. Studies have shown comparable outcomes for arthroscopic management and open surgical techniques. Further study is required to better define the role for arthroscopic versus open surgical management of selected pathomorphologies of the hip.

Pathomorphology and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

Femoroacetabular impingement is recognized as a major cause of hip pain and early hip joint osteoarthritis in young adults. The dynamic conflict between the femoral neck and the acetabular rim has been shown to result in labral tears, cartilage lesions, and early osteoarthritis. To be successful, the treatment strategy should address the underlying pathomorphology at the femoral neck, the acetabulum, or both. An overview of the various pathomorphologies leading to femoroacetabular impingement and a treatment algorithm intended to preserve the native hip joint should be helpful to the orthopaedic surgeon treating patients with this condition.

Femoroacetabular impingement: current clinical evidence.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a recognized cause of hip pain in adolescents and is an etiologic factor in progressive hip osteoarthritis (OA). Optimum care includes early and accurate diagnosis to impede cartilage delamination and progression to OA. Here, we present the current perspectives and spectrum of data pertaining to the association of hip deformity and OA. Management of FAI is reviewed, and the need for efficacy studies is underscored. Further, this paper considers existing (short-term to mid-term) study results and highlights the importance of strengthening data quality and developing a standardized method of reporting outcomes data in surgical treatment for FAI. For the purposes of illustration, outcomes of surgical dislocation of the hip and arthroscopic technique are taken into account; results of surgical management of FAI in athletes are also explored. Through numerous examples from the literature, we demonstrate that current outcome studies of surgical correction for FAI are variable in their description and measurement of disease characteristics, type of surgical procedure, and documentation of complications. A standardized method of data collection and reporting is a fundamental step toward understanding the effects of surgical intervention on the natural history of FAI. Together with a future diagnostic standard and long-term study data, we will be better equipped to provide first-rate operative care for this population of patients.

Femoroacetabular impingement: a common cause of hip pain in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip discomfort in young adults. Recently, a better understanding of the pathomechanics and morphologic abnormalities in the hip has implicated FAI as a possible factor in early osteoarthrosis. The clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and radiographic features are discussed in this article. DATA SOURCES: PubMed was searched using words and terms including femoacetabular impingement, hip osteoarthritis, hip arthroscopy, early osteoarthrosis, and hip dislocation. References of relevant studies were searched by hand. STUDY SELECTION: All studies directly involving the treatment of FAI were reviewed by 3 authors and selected for further analysis, including expert opinion and review articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: The quality of each study was assessed, and the results were summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative measures, including physical therapy, restriction of activities, core strengthening, improvement of sensory-motor, and control and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are the mainstays of nonsurgical treatment. However, surgical management is often necessary to allow full return to activity with options including surgical dislocation of the hip, hip arthroscopy, periacetabular and rotational osteotomies, and combined hip arthroscopy with a limited open exposure. Although the literature is replete with short-term evidence to support surgical treatment, there are currently no long-term prospective data or natural history studies examining the implications of FAI and effects of early intervention.

A Clinician's Guide to Femoacetabular Impingement in Athletes.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the most common cause of hip pain in both professional and recreational athletes. It is caused by abnormal bone development on both the acetabulum and proximal femur as a result of genetic factors and in reaction to high-volume athletics participation. Athletes typically become symptomatic after reaching skeletal maturity and commonly describe deep groin pain that worsens with activities such as squatting, cutting, or pivoting motions. For this reason, sports such as hockey, football, and soccer can be particularly irritating to an athlete with FAI. Moreover, the athlete with FAI often presents with contaminant hip and pelvis pathologies such as athletic pubalgia and iliopsoas tendinopathy that must also be addressed. While this pain often limits performance or participation in sports, perhaps the most significant ramification of FAI is the role it plays in driving early onset osteoarthritis. Fortunately, FAI can be reliably diagnosed through careful history taking, appropriate provocative physical exam maneuvers, and familiarity with hallmark radiographic features. The aims of this review are to provide clinicians with information regarding the pathogenesis of FAI, to thoroughly describe the classic history and physical exam elements, and to introduce various management strategies for athletes suffering from FAI.

[Femoroacetabular impingement in athletes: pathology, diagnostics and operative therapy options]. / Femoroazetabuläres Impingement bei Sportlern: Pathologie, Diagnostik und operative Therapieoptionen.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and its therapy has gained importance in the last decade and several studies could show that if untreated it may lead to osteoarthritis of the hip joint. In this article an overview of the pathology of FAI, the diagnosis and treatment options are presented. A closer look is taken at the treatment of elite athletes regarding the different techniques. The first own clinical and radiological results of 91 patients treated by the arthroscopically-assisted anterior mini-open approach are presented with very good results and significant postoperative improvement regarding the hip injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS), the Western Ontario and McMasters University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, as well as alpha angle correction. This technique which is poorly represented in the literature can be used as a treatment option for FAI. The rehabilitation program is comparable to hip arthroscopy.

Femoroacetabular impingement: an arthroscopic solution.

Young adults with hip pain secondary to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are rapidly being recognised as an important cohort of orthopaedic patients. Interest in FAI has intensified over the last decade since its recognition as a precursor to arthritis of the hip and the number of publications related to the topic has increased exponentially in the last decade. Although not all patients with abnormal hip morphology develop osteoarthritis (OA), those with FAI-related joint damage rapidly develop premature OA. There are no explicit diagnostic criteria or definitive indications for surgical intervention in FAI. Surgery for symptomatic FAI appears to be most effective in younger individuals who have not yet developed irreversible OA. The difficulty in predicting prognosis in FAI means that avoiding unnecessary surgery in asymptomatic individuals, while undertaking intervention in those that are likely to develop premature OA poses a considerable dilemma. FAI treatment in the past has focused on open procedures that carry a potential risk of complications. Recent developments in hip arthroscopy have facilitated a minimally invasive approach to the management of FAI with few complications in expert hands. Acetabular labral preservation and repair appears to provide superior results when compared with debridement alone. Arthroscopic correction of structural abnormalities is increasingly becoming the standard treatment for FAI, however there is a paucity of high-level evidence comparing open and arthroscopic techniques in patients with similar FAI morphology and degree of associated articular cartilage damage. Further research is needed to develop an understanding of the natural course of FAI, the definitive indications for surgery and the long-term outcomes.

Endoscopic pubic symphysectomy for reclacitrant osteitis pubis associated with bilateral femoroacetabular impingement.

This is the first reported case of the completely endoscopic management of osteitis pubis with pubic symphysectomy. A 31-year-old woman suffered from recalcitrant osteitis pubis that had progressed to an end-stage auto-fused condition. Ossified pubic symphyseal fibrocartilage and adjacent heterotopic bone were endoscopically removed as part of a comprehensive surgery that also involved bilateral arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. An innovative dual-portal (anterior and supra-pubic) endoscopic technique is presented along with the rationale for the preservation of the inferior (arcuate) pubic ligament and the posterior pubic ligament. Twelve months following this single-stage surgery, the patient reported high satisfaction with decreased pain, improved function, and resolution of a classic waddling gait. The association of intra-articular hip pathology with osteitis pubis is noted. We believe that this minimally invasive bone-conserving surgery may be useful in the management of recalcitrant osteitis pubis and perhaps find broader application in the outpatient endoscopic treatment of athletes afflicted with this condition.