Insurance Coverage Criteria for Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery: Are They Responding to Improving Evidence?

BACKGROUND: With the rapidly growing body of FAI literature in the last decade, improved evidence exists to support FAI surgery. However, it remains unclear how well third-party insurance company's FAI policies have adapted over time to improved evidence. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the 2020 FAI surgery criteria of four major insurance companies utilizing a multi-center cohort of FAI patients undergoing surgery to identify rates and causes of ineligibility, and (2) to compare the rates of approval based on changes in policy from 2012 to 2020. METHODS: Four major insurance companies' coverage policies with specific criteria for the surgical treatment of FAI were applied to this population at two time points (2012 and 2020). The policies listed various combinations of age, symptom duration, radiographic signs of FAI, radiographic signs of osteoarthritis, and physical exam findings. A prospective, multi-center cohort of 712 patients (including 45.5% males and 54.5% females with a mean age of 28.7 years) undergoing surgical treatment of FAI was utilized for analysis of insurance policies. RESULTS: Based on 2020 FAI policies across 4 insurers, 22.5% (range 18.4-28.4%) of FAI patients would be deemed ineligible. In 2012, the average percent exclusion of the four companies was 23.7%. The most likely reason to be excluded was either failure to meet imaging criteria (alpha angle >50° or positive cross-over sign) [13%, n=94]) or the absence of an impingement sign (9%, n=65). Other causes of exclusion were <6-month symptom duration (6%, n=44), age <15 years (4%, n=28), or skeletally immaturity (3%, n=23). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that despite a six-year span of growing literature and updated policies, nearly 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with FAI would still potentially be denied coverage. This highlights a continued divide between surgeons and insurance companies. There is a major need for improved consensus regarding the diagnosis of FAI and appropriate indications for surgical intervention.Level of Evidence: IV.

Why Does Hip Arthroscopy Fail? Indications and PEARLS for Revision Success.

The surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has been shown to have successful early and mid-term clinical outcomes. Despite these favorable clinical outcomes that have been published in the literature, there is a subgroup of patients that present with continued or recurrent symptoms after surgical treatment. Not only has there been an increase in the number of hip arthroscopy procedures, but also there has been a corresponding increase in the number of revision hip arthroscopy and hip preservation surgeries. Previous studies have reported residual deformity to be the most common reason for revision hip arthroscopy. However, chondral, labral, and capsular considerations also are important when addressing patients not only in the primary but also, the revision setting. In this review, we outline the evaluation and treatment of the patient that presents with continued hip and groin pain after undergoing a hip.

The Dancer's Hip: The Hyperflexible Athlete: Anatomy and Mean 3-Year Arthroscopic Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report preoperative anatomy, patient-related outcomes measures, and return to dance rates in a cohort of competitive dancers undergoing an arthroscopic hip procedure. METHODS: Competitive dancers who underwent an arthroscopic hip procedure between 2008 and 2016 were included. Specific types of dance performed, morphology, and radiographic parameters were documented. Outcomes were evaluated with Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, visual analog scale, and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS). RESULTS: There were 63 competitive dancers (77 hips) with a mean age 21.2 years in the current study. Specific types of dance performed included 57 studio dance and 41 high-kick dance, and 28 dancers (44%) were professional-level. Morphology included cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (95%), pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (40%), anterior inferior iliac spine impingement (subspine) (83%), and mild (borderline) dysplasia (11%). Procedures performed included 95% labral repairs, 5% labral debridements, 99% femoral resections, 49% rim resections, 88% subspine decompressions, and 66% capsular plications. At mean 36 months' follow-up post-arthroscopy, the mean outcome improvements were 25.6 points (mHHS), 18.9 points (HOOS-activities of daily living), 29.9 points (HOOS-Sports), 8.7 points (12-Item Short Form Health Survey), and 3.7 points (visual analog scale) (P < .01 for each). Scores were significantly improved from preoperatively to most recent follow-up for mHHS (60.0 vs 85.6 points), HOOS-activities of daily living (72.5 vs 91.5 points), and HOOS-Sports (49.7 vs 79.6) (P < .01). Sixty-three percent of dancers returned to their previous level of competitive dance, 21% returned to limited or modified dance, and 16% were unable to return to dance, including 1 retirement. CONCLUSIONS: A careful arthroscopic approach to address cam-type pathomorphology, highly prevalent subspine impingement, and capsular laxity in competitive dancers can achieve a modest rate of return to sport and good-to-excellent patient-reported outcomes at short- to mid-term (3-year) follow-up. Eighty-four percent of dancers ultimately returned to competitive dance, although only 63% returned to their preinjury competitive level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Skeletally Immature Athletes: Radiographic and Clinical Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) correction in symptomatic adolescent athletes with open physes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients treated with a non-physeal-sparing arthroscopic approach for symptomatic FAI with open physes and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Specific plain radiographic and computed tomography parameters were determined, and preoperative and postoperative outcomes were prospectively evaluated with modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-Item Veterans-Rand, and pain on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Thirty-seven hips (28 patients; 75% male) with a mean age of 15.9 years (range, 12.8-18.3 years) had imaging studies consistent with open femoral neck and iliac crest physes. The ischial tuberosity and greater trochanteric physes were open in 95% and 54% of the hips, respectively. All patients participated in organized athletics, and 50% were in multiple sports year-round. Mean follow-up was 39.8 months post-arthroscopic FAI correction. There was a mean 27.7-point improvement in the mHHS (P < .001), a 4.8-point decrease in the visual analog scale for pain (P < .001), and a 15.2-point improvement in the 12-Item Veterans-Rand physical component (P < .001). Ninety-three percent of patients returned to their preinjury level of sports participation without limitations. Thirty (81.1%) patients demonstrated improvements in mHHS greater than the minimally clinically important difference (of mHHS 8 points). Two patients could not reach minimally clinically important difference because of a preoperative mHHS of > 92. There were no postoperative physeal growth arrests, growth disturbances, physeal instability, or avascular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: A non-physeal-sparing arthroscopic approach for FAI in adolescents with open physes is safe and effective with no evidence of clinically relevant complication of growth arrest-related deformity or physeal instability in patients with a minimum of 1 year (mean, 39.8 months) of follow-up after surgery. Young, highly athletic adolescent patients with larger FAI deformities demonstrated greater outcomes improvement after arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Low-Dose Computed Tomography Reduces Radiation Exposure by 90% Compared With Traditional Computed Tomography Among Patients Undergoing Hip-Preservation Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the delivered radiation dose between a low-dose hip computed tomography (CT) scan protocol and traditional hip CT scan protocols (i.e., "traditional CT"). METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative cohort study. Patients who underwent hip-preservation surgery (including arthroscopy, surgical hip dislocation, or periacetabular osteotomy procedures) at our institution between 2016 and 2017 were identified. Patients were excluded if they had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35, they underwent previous surgery, or a radiation dose report was absent. The low-dose group included patients who underwent hip CT at our institution using a standardized protocol of 100 kV (peak), 100 milliampere-seconds (mAs), and a limited scanning field. The traditional CT group included patients who had hip CT scans performed at outside institutions. The total effective dose (Ehip), effective dose per millimeter of body length scanned, patients' age, and patients' BMI were compared by univariate analysis. The correlation of Ehip to BMI was assessed. RESULTS: The study included 41 consecutive patients in the low-dose group and 18 consecutive patients in the traditional CT group. Low-dose CT resulted in a 90% reduction in radiation exposure compared with traditional CT (Ehip, 0.97 ± 0.28 mSv vs 9.68 ± 6.67 mSv; P < .0001). Age (28 ± 11 years vs 26 ± 10 years, P = .42), sex (83% female patients vs 76% female patients, P = .74), and BMI (24 ± 3 vs 24 ± 3, P = .75) were not different between the 2 groups. Ehip had a poor but significant correlation to BMI in the low-dose CT group (R2 = 0.14, slope = 0.03, P = .02) and did not correlate to BMI in the traditional CT group (R2 = 0.13, P = .14). CONCLUSIONS: A low-dose hip CT protocol for the purpose of hip-preservation surgical planning resulted in a 90% reduction in radiation exposure compared with traditional CT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

Characterization and Correction of Symptomatic Hip Impingement in American Football Linemen.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) morphology can lead to range-of-motion deficits in football players. It is therefore important for physicians treating these players to be aware of the location and implications of FAI morphology. PURPOSE/QUESTIONS: We sought to characterize the radiographic deformity and dynamic impingement observed in a consecutive series of American football linemen with symptomatic, mechanical hip pain who underwent surgical treatment for FAI and to use software analysis to identify the location of impingement and terminal range of motion and the effects of simulated correction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 17 hips in 13 football linemen who underwent arthroscopic correction for symptomatic FAI. Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to generate preoperative three-dimensional models of the hips. Femoral and acetabular measurements, maximum hip flexion, abduction, internal rotation at 90° flexion (IR90), and flexion/adduction/internal rotation (FADIR) were determined, and areas of bony collision were defined. Simulated femoral correction was performed and motion analysis was repeated. RESULTS: Mean femoral version was 13.1° (range, 0 to 26°), while mean femoral neck-shaft angle was 132.1° (range, 123 to 145°). Mean maximum alpha angle on the radial reformatted CT was 69.2° (range, 48 to 95°) and was located at the 12:45 clock-face position (range, 11:30 to 2:15). Mean acetabular version values at 1:30 and 3:00 were 1.1° (range, - 11 to 11°) and 12.7° (range, 2 to 20°), respectively. Fifty-three percent of hips showed a "crossover" sign. Mean lateral center-edge angle was 31.7° (range, 25 to 44°). CT-derived motion analysis demonstrated a mean preoperative flexion of 108.2° (range, 73 to 127°), IR90 of 20.5° (range, 0 to 52°), and FADIR of 12.3° (range, 0 to 39°). Simulated correction resulted in significant improvements in flexion (6.6°), IR90 (11.3°), and FADIR (10.6°). CONCLUSIONS: While cephalad retroversion was observed in approximately half of the hips, a significant cam deformity was seen maximally at 12:45, a more posterior cam location than that of the general population. Managing this pathology required obtaining preoperative and intraoperative images to characterize lesions and allow for their complete correction. With complete correction of the deformity, simulated range of motion demonstrated significant improvement in flexion, IR90, and FADIR maneuvers.

Delayed Tibial Osteomyelitis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstrings Autograft and Bioabsorbable Interference Screw: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Osteomyelitis following arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has rarely been reported in the literature. We report a case of a 20-year-old female who had delayed tibial osteomyelitis and a pretibial cyst with culture-positive, oxacillin sensitive Staphylococcus epidermidis 15 months after an ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Soft tissue fixation within the tibial tunnel was with a poly-L-D-lactic acid (PLDLA) bioabsorbable interference screw. The patient underwent surgical treatment with curettage, debridement, hardware removal, and bone grafting of the tibial tunnel followed by a course of intravenous antibiotics. Arthroscopic evaluation demonstrated an intact ACL graft without any evidence of intra-articular infection. The patient returned to collegiate athletics without any complications. While the most common biologic complications include pretibial cysts, granuloma formation, tunnel widening, and inflammatory reactions, infection is exceedingly rare. Late infection and osteomyelitis are also rare but can occur and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Indications for Hip Arthroscopy.

CONTEXT: Hip arthroscopy is gaining popularity within the field of orthopaedic surgery. The development and innovation of hip-specific arthroscopic instrumentation and improved techniques has resulted in improved access to the hip joint and ability to treat various hip pathologies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Electronic databases, including PubMed and MEDLINE, were queried for articles relating to hip arthroscopy indications (1930-2017). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: Initially used as a technique for loose body removal, drainage/debridement of septic arthritis, and treatment of pediatric hip disorders, hip arthroscopy is currently used to treat various hip conditions. The recognition of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as a source of hip pain in young adults has rapidly expanded hip arthroscopy by applying the principles of osseous correction that were previously described and demonstrated via an open surgical dislocation approach. Hip pathologies can be divided into central compartment, peripheral compartment, peritrochanteric space, and subgluteal space disorders. CONCLUSION: Although hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that may offer decreased morbidity, diminished risk of neurovascular injury, and shorter recovery periods compared with traditional open exposures to the hip, it is important to understand the appropriate patient selection and indications.

Radiographic Hip Anatomy Correlates With Range of Motion and Symptoms in National Hockey League Players.

BACKGROUND: Hip disorders in athletes have been increasingly recognized. PURPOSE: To characterize radiographic hip anatomy for National Hockey League (NHL) players and correlate it with hip range of motion and hip symptoms and/or surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Fifty-nine professional hockey players (118 hips) with 1 NHL organization (mean age, 24.2 years; range, 18-36) prospectively underwent history and physician examination by 2 independent orthopaedic surgeons. Current or previous groin and/or hip pain or surgery was noted. Anteroposterior (AP) pelvis and bilateral Dunn lateral radiographs were obtained for all players with assessment of hip morphology by 2 blinded independent orthopaedic surgeons. RESULTS: Good to very good reliability of radiographic assessments was noted (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.749-0.958). Sixty-four percent of athletes had a positive crossover sign, while 86% and 60% had a positive posterior wall sign and a prominent ischial spine sign, respectively. Twenty-one percent of hips demonstrated dysplastic acetabular features (lateral center edge angle <25°). Eighty-five percent and 89% of hips demonstrated cam-type morphology based on alpha angle (>50° Dunn lateral) and head-neck offset, respectively. Good to very good reliability was noted for ROM assessments (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.69). Mean hip flexion was 107.4º ± 6.7º, and mean hip internal rotation was 26.1º ± 6.6º. Thirty-one percent of hips had a history of hip-related pain and/or surgery. Higher AP, Dunn lateral, and maximal alpha angles correlated with decreased hip internal rotation ( P = .004). Greater AP alpha angle correlated with decreased hip extension/abduction ( P = .025), and greater Dunn lateral and maximal alpha angle correlated with decreased hip flexion/abduction ( P = .001). A positive posterior wall sign correlated with increased straight hip abduction, while other radiographic acetabular parameters were not predictive of range of motion. Only decreased hip external rotation and total arc of motion correlated with an increased risk for current or prior hip symptoms or surgery ( P < .001). CONCLUSION: Hip anatomy in NHL players is characterized by highly prevalent cam-type morphology (>85%) and acetabular retroversion (>60%). In addition, acetabular dysplasia (21%) was relatively common. Greater cam-type morphology correlated with decreased hip range of motion, and a positive crossover sign correlated with increased hip abduction. Decreased hip external rotation and total arc of motion were predictive of hip-related pain and/or surgery.

Three Patterns of Acetabular Deficiency Are Common in Young Adult Patients With Acetabular Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Detailed recognition of the three-dimensional (3-D) deformity in acetabular dysplasia is important to help guide correction at the time of reorientation during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Common plain radiographic parameters of acetabular dysplasia are limited in their ability to characterize acetabular deficiency precisely. The 3-D characterization of such deficiencies with low-dose CT may allow for more precise characterization. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the variability in 3-D acetabular deficiency in acetabular dysplasia; (2) to define subtypes of acetabular dysplasia based on 3-D morphology; (3) to determine the correlation of plain radiographic parameters with 3-D morphology; and (4) to determine the association of acetabular dysplasia subtype with patient clinical characteristics including sex, range of motion, and femoral version. METHODS: Using our hip preservation database, we identified 153 hips (148 patients) that underwent PAO from October 2013 to July 2015. Among those, we noted 103 hips in 100 patients with acetabular dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle < 20°) and who had a Tönnis grade of 0 or 1. Eighty-six patients (86%) underwent preoperative low-dose pelvic CT scans at our institution as part of the preoperative planning for PAO. It is currently our standard to obtain preoperative low-dose pelvic CT scans (0.75-1.25 mSv, equivalent to three to five AP pelvis radiographs) on all patients before undergoing PAO unless a prior CT scan was performed at an outside institution. Hips with a history of a neuromuscular disorder, prior trauma, prior surgery, radiographic evidence of joint degeneration, ischemic necrosis, or Perthes-like deformities were excluded. Fifty hips in 50 patients met inclusion criteria and had CT scans available for review. These low-dose CT scans of 50 patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia undergoing evaluation for surgical planning of PAO were then retrospectively studied. CT scans were analyzed quantitatively for acetabular coverage, relative to established normative data for acetabular coverage, as well as measurement of femoral version. The cohort included 45 females and five males with a mean age of 26 years (range, 13-49 years). RESULTS: Lateral acetabular deficiency was present in all patients, whereas anterior deficiency and posterior deficiency were variable. Three patterns of acetabular deficiency were common: anterosuperior deficiency (15 of 50 [30%]), global deficiency (18 of 50 [36%]), and posterosuperior deficiency (17 of 50 [34%]). The presence of a crossover sign or posterior wall sign was poorly predictive of the dysplasia subtype. With the numbers available, males appeared more likely to have a posterosuperior deficiency pattern (four of five [80%]) compared with females (13 of 45 [29%], p = 0.040). Hip internal rotation in flexion was significantly greater in anterosuperior deficiency (23° versus 18°, p = 0.05), whereas external rotation in flexion was significantly greater in posterosuperior deficiency (43° versus 34°, p = 0.018). Acetabular deficiency pattern did not correlate with femoral version, which was variable across all subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Three patterns of acetabular deficiency commonly occur among young adult patients with mild, moderate, and severe acetabular dysplasia. These patterns include anterosuperior, global, and posterosuperior deficiency and are variably observed independent of femoral version. Recognition of these distinct morphologic subtypes is important for diagnostic and surgical treatment considerations in patients with acetabular dysplasia to optimize acetabular correction and avoid femoroacetabular impingement.

Femoral Morphology in the Dysplastic Hip: Three-dimensional Characterizations With CT.

BACKGROUND: Hip dysplasia represents a spectrum of complex deformities on both sides of the joint. Although many studies have described the acetabular side of the deformity, to our knowledge, little is known about the three-dimensional (3-D) head and neck offset differences of the femora of dysplastic hips. A thorough knowledge of proximal femoral anatomy is important to prevent potential impingement and improve results after acetabular reorientation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Are there common proximal femoral characteristics in patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)? (2) Where is the location of maximal femoral head and neck offset deformity in hip dysplasia? (3) Do certain subgroups of dysplastic hips more commonly have cam-type femoral morphology? (4) Is there a relationship between hip ROM as well as impingement testing and 3-D head and neck offset deformity? METHODS: Using our hip preservation database, 153 hips (148 patients) underwent PAO from October 2013 to July 2015. We identified 103 hips in 100 patients with acetabular dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] < 20°) and who had a Tönnis grade of 0 or 1. Eighty-six patients (86%) underwent preoperative low-dose pelvic CT scans at our institution as part of the preoperative planning for PAO. It is currently our standard to obtain preoperative low-dose pelvic CT scans (0.75-1.25 mSv, equivalent to three to five AP pelvis radiographs) on all patients before they undergo PAO unless a prior CT scan is performed at an outside institution. Hips with a history of a neuromuscular disorder, prior trauma, prior surgery, radiographic evidence of joint degeneration, ischemic necrosis, or Perthes-like deformities were excluded. Fifty hips in 50 patients met inclusion criteria and had CT scans available for review. Hips were analyzed with Dyonics Plan software and characterized with regard to version, neck-shaft angle, femoral head diameter, head and neck offset, femoral neck length, femoral offset, head center height, trochanteric height, and alpha angle. The maximum head and neck offset deformity was assessed using an entire clockface and an alpha angle ≥ 55° defined coexisting cam morphology. Subgroups included severity of lateral dysplasia: mild (LCEA 15°-20°) and moderate/severe (LCEA < 15°). Femoral version subgroups were defined as normal (5°-20°), decreased (≤ 5°), or increased (> 20°). The senior author (JCC) performed all physical examination testing. RESULTS: The mean LCEA was 14° (±4°), whereas the mean femoral anteversion was 19° (±12°). Eight hips (16%) demonstrated relative femoral retroversion (≤ 5°), whereas 26 (52%) showed excessive femoral anteversion (> 20°). Four hips (8%) had ≥ 35° of femoral anteversion. The mean neck-shaft angle was 136° (±5°). The mean maximum alpha location was 2:00 o'clock (±45 minutes) and the mean maximum alpha angle was 52° (±6°). Minimum head-neck offset ratio was located at 1:30 with a mean of 0.14 (±0.03). An anterior head-neck offset ratio of ≤ 0.17 or an alpha angle ≥ 55° was found in 43 (86%) of hips. Twenty-one dysplastic hips (42%) had an alpha angle ≥ 55°. Mildly dysplastic hips had decreased femoral head and neck offset (9 ± 1) and head and neck offset ratio (0.20 ± 0.03) at 12 o'clock compared with moderate/severe dysplastic hips (10 ± 1 and 0.22 ± 0.03, respectively; p = 0.04 and p = 0.01). With the numbers available, we found that hips with excessive femoral anteversion (> 20°) had no difference in the alpha angle at 3 o'clock (42 ± 7) compared with hips with relative femoral retroversion (≤ 5°; 48 ± 4; p = 0.06). No other differences in femoral morphology were found between hips with mild or moderate/severe dysplasia or in the femoral version subgroups with the numbers available. Anterior impingement test was positive in 76% of hips with an alpha angle ≥ 55° and 83% of the hips with an alpha angle ≤ 55°. No correlation was found between proximal femoral morphology and preoperative ROM. CONCLUSIONS: In this subset of dysplastic hips, cam deformity of the femoral head and neck was present in 42% of hips with maximal head-neck deformity at 2 o'clock, and 82% had reduced head-neck offset at the 1:30 point. We conclude that cam-type deformities and decreased head-neck offset in developmental dysplasia of the hip are common. Patients should be closely assessed for need of a head and neck osteochondroplasty, especially after acetabular correction. Future prospective studies should evaluate the influence of proximal femoral anatomy on surgical results of PAO for dysplastic hips. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic study.

In Vivo Hip Morphology and Kinematics in Elite Baseball Pitchers.

PURPOSE: To compare passive and real-time active hip range of motion (ROM) in asymptomatic collegiate pitchers, to investigate whether differences in hip morphology and ROM exist between lead and trail hips, and to relate active hip ROM during the pitch to hip morphology and femoroacetabular impingement. METHODS: Eleven collegiate baseball pitchers participated in kinematic testing that involved throwing 4 fastball pitches while wearing a full-body inertial-based motion-capture system. Passive flexion and rotation of each hip were measured using a goniometer. Nine pitchers also underwent a computed tomography (CT) pelvic scan, from which subject-specific computer models for each hip were created. Morphologic measurements were calculated from the models, and the models were tested for impingement during simulated pitching. RESULTS: Hip flexion was the only passive ROM measurement showing a significant difference between the lead and trail hips (mean difference [MD], 4°; P = .027). During the pitching motion, within-individual differences were discovered between the lead and trail hips for flexion (MD, 34°; P < .0001), extension (MD, 26°; P < .0001), abduction (MD, 8°; P = .026), adduction (MD, 6°; P = .008), external rotation (MD, 20°; P = .001), and total arc of rotation (MD, 13°; P = .001). There were no significant differences in morphologic measures between the lead and trail hips. Dynamic CT modeling did not lead to bony impingement in any subject. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic collegiate pitchers approach their extremes of passive hip rotation when executing a fastball pitch. No differences were found in passive hip ROM or morphology other than a small difference in passive hip flexion. Dynamic CT modeling did not show femoroacetabular impingement during the pitching motion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hip dysmorphology or poor pitching mechanics may lead to a high risk of bony impingement because pitchers have little reserve hip motion during the fastball pitch.

Qualitative Assessment and Quantitative Analysis of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon in Relation to the Pectoralis Major Tendon Humeral Insertion: An Anatomic Study.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively assess and to quantitatively analyze the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) in the region of the pectoralis major (PM). METHODS: From 11 fresh cadaveric donors, 20 cadaveric shoulders without operative scars were dissected-mean age, 76.9 years (range, 61 to 93 years); male, 75%; left-sided, 55%; mean height, 67.8 inches (range, 61 to 71 inches); mean weight, 148.1 pounds (range, 106 to 176 pounds). Two specimens with discovered ruptures were excluded. The LHBT circumference was measured at the anterior edge of supraspinatus, suprapectorally, midpectorally, and subpectorally. The muscle was then removed from the LHBT and the circumference was again measured at the supra-, mid-, and subpectoral levels. These data were used to calculate the area of the tendon. All measurements were performed by 2 independent observers. Statistical analysis was performed to assess reliability of data and the difference between serial measurements. RESULTS: The mean calculated percentage tendon decreased from 86.7% at the superior edge of the PM to 49.8% at the midpoint of the PM and to 17.5% at the inferior edge of the PM. CONCLUSIONS: Distal to the PM, the LHBT was composed of a small percentage of tendon to muscle, which may have implications for the mechanical strength of fixation of tenodesis. The anatomic location of the musculotendinous junction of the LHBT began proximal to the superior edge of the PM tendon, which implies that restoration of anatomic tensioning may require a more proximal docking site than previously described. Tenodesis performed between the midpoint of the PM insertion and more distal points involves a significant portion of muscle, which may not be optimal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tenodesis performed between the midpoint of the PM insertion and more distal points involves a significant portion of muscle, which may affect the mechanical strength or optimal choice of fixation location.

Surgeon Willingness to Participate in Randomized Controlled Trials for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement.

PURPOSE: To define surgeon willingness to participate in large, multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to address common treatment decisions for the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and to define the feasibility of executing these RCTs. METHODS: Thirty case vignettes of consecutive, symptomatic FAI patients who underwent FAI corrective surgery by a single surgeon were provided to members of the Academic Network of Conservational Hip Outcomes Research (ANCHOR). Each surgeon (n = 10) completed a questionnaire in a blinded fashion to determine willingness to participate and enroll the patient in 6 different potential RCTs. The proportion of yes/no ratings were blindly assessed for all 6 RCTs. Differences were tested with χ(2)-tests, and odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent and 42% of surgeons were willing to enroll patients in a surgical versus nonoperative FAI RCT with 6-month and 12-month crossover arms, respectively. Only 25% and 53% of surgeons were willing to consider randomization of operative versus nonoperative treatment for femoral and acetabular sided osseous deformities, respectively. Regarding the capsulolabral complex, 63% and 78% were amenable to randomization of labral refixation versus debridement and capsular closure versus no closure, respectively. Statistically, surgeon ratings differed significantly (Pearson χ(2) = 246.302; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons are willing to participate in surgical versus nonsurgical trials with a 6-month crossover endpoint, yet surgeons are reluctant to offer surgical treatment of FAI without correction of osseous deformity, particularly for cam-type pathomorphology. RCTs to address management of the capsulolabral structures may be more feasible and generalizable based on the willingness of hip preservation surgeons to enroll patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The feasibility of completing RCTs for the management of FAI is limited even among high-volume hip preservation surgeons; however, surgeons are willing to participate.

Arthroscopic Management of Dysplastic Hip Deformities: Predictors of Success and Failures With Comparison to an Arthroscopic FAI Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Reports regarding arthroscopy for mild hip dysplasia have conflicting results. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopy for borderline/mild hip dysplasia would lead to improved outcomes but be inferior to arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 88 hips (77 patients, 71% female; mean age, 33.9 years) with dysplastic radiographic findings were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 26.0 months after hip arthroscopy. Specific procedures included labral repair (76%), labral debridement (23%), capsular repair/plication (82%), and femoral osteochondroplasty (72%). Radiographic parameters included lateral center-edge angle, neck-shaft angle, Tönnis angle, extrusion index, femoral head lateralization, and break in the Shenton line. Pre- and postoperative function were evaluated prospectively with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and visual analog scale for pain. The results of the dysplastic cohort were compared with an age-matched cohort of 231 hips without radiographic dysplasia that underwent arthroscopic FAI correction during the study period (mean follow-up, 22.7 months). RESULTS: The mean lateral center-edge angle was 20.8° (range, 8.7°-24.5°), and the mean Tönnis angle was 11.0° (range, 0°-22.2°). At the time of final follow-up, the dysplastic cohort demonstrated a mean mHHS of 81.3 with a mean 15.6-point improvement in mHHS, compared with 88.4 and 24.4 points, respectively, in the FAI cohort (P = .00044). The dysplastic cohort had 60.9% good/excellent results and 32.2% failures, compared with 81.2% good/excellent results and 10.5% failures for the FAI cohort (P < .01). Failure was defined as an mHHS ≤70 or eventual pelvic/femoral osteotomy or total hip arthroplasty. Dysplastic hips that underwent capsular plication and labral repair had greater good/excellent results (73%) and mean latest mHHS (85), as well as lower failure rates (18%) compared with the remainder of the dysplastic cohort (P < .05). Grade 4 chondral defects were predictive of lower scores (P = .02). There were no other statistically significant differences for outcomes regarding sex, age, or radiographic parameters (P > .05). There were no iatrogenic subluxations/dislocations. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic management of mild to moderate acetabular dysplasia had inferior good/excellent results and higher failure rates when compared with an FAI cohort; therefore, isolated arthroscopic procedures in this population should be cautiously considered. These results were independent of patient sex. Labral repair and capsular plication resulted in better clinical outcomes in this mildly dysplastic cohort.

Core Muscle Injury/Sports Hernia/Athletic Pubalgia, and Femoroacetabular Impingement.

Core muscle injury/sports hernia/athletic pubalgia is an increasingly recognized source of pain, disability, and time lost from athletics. Groin pain among athletes, however, may be secondary to various etiologies. A thorough history and comprehensive physical examination, coupled with appropriate diagnostic imaging, may improve the diagnostic accuracy for patients who present with core muscular injuries. Outcomes of nonoperative management have not been well delineated, and multiple operative procedures have been discussed with varying return-to-athletic activity rates. In this review, we outline the clinical entity and treatment of core muscle injury and athletic pubalgia. In addition, we describe the relationship between athletic pubalgia and femoroacetabular impingement along with recent studies that have investigated the treatment of these related disorders.

Three-dimensional Imaging and Computer Navigation in Planning for Hip Preservation Surgery.

Hip preservation surgery is performed to address femoroacetabular impingement, alleviate any associated pain, and reduce the risk of early onset of osteoarthritis. In the last decade, arthroscopy has become more popular in addressing femoroacetabular impingement, due to its minimally invasive approach. However, poor visualization and limited spatial awareness of the joint make arthroscopy of the hip difficult, resulting in a steep learning curve. This paper reviews the utility and benefits of 3-dimensional imaging and computer navigation and what these tools may add to the preoperative planning stages of hip preservation surgery.

On-Ice Functional Assessment of an Elite Ice Hockey Goaltender After Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a major cause of performance inhibition in elite-level athletes. The condition is characterized by pain, osseous abnormalities such as an increased alpha angle, and decreased range of motion at the affected hip joint. Arthroscopic surgical decompression is useful in reshaping the joint to alleviate symptoms. Functional kinematic outcomes of sport-specific movements after surgery, however, are presently unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The ability of an ice hockey goaltender to execute sport-specific movements would improve after arthroscopic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: An ice hockey goaltender was evaluated after arthroscopic correction of FAI on the symptomatic hip. Passive range of motion and radiographic parameters were assessed from a computed tomography-derived 3-dimensional model. An on-ice motion capture system was also used to determine peak femoral shock and concurrent hip joint postures during the butterfly and braking movements. RESULTS: Maximum alpha angles were 47° in the surgical and 61° in the nonsurgical hip. Internal rotation range of motion was, on average, 23° greater in the surgically corrected hip compared with contralateral. Peak shock was lower in the surgical hip by 1.39 g and 0.86 g during butterfly and braking, respectively. At peak shock, the surgical hip demonstrated increased flexion, adduction, and internal rotation for both tasks (butterfly, 6.1°, 12.3°, and 30.8°; braking, 14.8°, 19.2°, and 41.4°). CONCLUSION: On-ice motion capture revealed performance differences between hips after arthroscopic surgery in a hockey goaltender. Range of motion and the patient's subjective assessment of hip function were improved in the surgical hip. While presenting as asymptomatic, it was discovered that the contralateral hip displayed measurements consistent with FAI. Therefore, consideration of preemptive treatment in a presently painless hip may be deemed beneficial for young athletes seeking a long career in sport, and future work is needed to determine the costs and benefits of such an approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment of symptomatic FAI can achieve pain relief and improved kinematics of the hip joint with athletic activities. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether improved kinematics enhance the longevity of the native hip and alter the progression of osteoarthritic changes in those with asymptomatic FAI deformity.

Avoiding complications and treating failures of arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement correction.

Complications and failures after hip arthroscopy are reported to be relatively uncommon. Because there are no recent comprehensive, prospective studies observing complications and failures after hip arthroscopy, the current rates are unclear. As the number of surgeons performing hip arthroscopy and the number of procedures performed continue to increase, there is the need for an increased awareness of potential adverse events.

Functional acetabular orientation varies between supine and standing radiographs: implications for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

BACKGROUND: Often, anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiographs are performed with the patient positioned supine. However, this may not represent the functional position of the pelvis and the acetabulum, and so when assessing patients for conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), it is possible that standing radiographs better incorporate the dynamic influences of periarticular musculature and sagittal balance. However, this thesis remains largely untested. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supine and standing pelvic orientation on (1) measurements of acetabular version and common radiographic signs of FAI as assessed on two- and three-dimensional (3-D) imaging; and (2) on terminal hip range of motion (ROM). METHODS: Preoperative pelvic CT scans of 50 patients (50 hips) who underwent arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI between July 2013 and October 2014 were analyzed. The mean age of the study population was 29 ± 10 years (range, 15-50 years) and 70% were male. All patients had a standing AP pelvis radiograph, a reconstructed supine radiograph from the CT data, and a 3-D model created to allow manipulation of pelvic tilt and simulate ROM to osseous contact. Acetabular version was measured and the presence of the crossover sign, prominent ischial spine sign, and posterior wall sign were recorded on simulated plain radiographs. Measurements of ROM to bony impingement were made during (1) simulated hip flexion; (2) simulated internal rotation in 90° of flexion (IRF); and (3) simulated internal rotation in 90° of flexion and 15° adduction (FADIR), and the location of bony contact between the proximal femur and acetabular rim was defined. These measurements were calculated for supine and standing pelvic orientations. A paired Student's t-test was used for comparison of continuous variables, whereas chi square testing was used for categorical variables. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: When changing from supine to the standing radiographs, both mean cranial and central version increased by 2° ± 4° (95% confidence interval [CI], 1°-3°) and 2° ± 3° (95% CI, 1°-3°), respectively (both p < 0.001). However, with the numbers available, there were no changes in the proportion of positive crossover, posterior wall, and prominent ischial spine signs. Standing pelvic position tilt resulted in an increased hip flexion of 3° (95% CI, 2°-4°) as well as an increase in IRF of 2° (95% CI, 1°-3°) and FADIR of 3° (95% CI, 2°-4°) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The functional orientation of the acetabulum varies between supine and standing radiographs and must be considered when diagnosing and treating patients with symptomatic FAI. Standing pelvic orientation results in posterior pelvic tilt and later occurrence of FAI in the arc of motion. Although we cannot recommend standing radiographs on the current study alone, we do recommend larger studies to determine whether any significant differences truly exist.