Majority of competitive soccer players return to soccer following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement: female and older aged players are less likely to return to soccer.

PURPOSE: To determine return to soccer rates and soccer performance in a large cohort of competitive soccer players after hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and to identify possible risk factors associated with not returning to soccer. METHODS: An institutional hip preservation registry was retrospectively reviewed for patients identified as competitive soccer players who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI performed between 2010 and 2017. Patient demographics and injury characteristics as well as clinical and radiographic findings were recorded. All patients were contacted for return to soccer information using a soccer-specific return to play questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for not returning to soccer. RESULTS: Eighty-seven competitive soccer players (119 hips) were included. 32 players (37%) underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral hip arthroscopy. The mean age at surgery was 21.6 ± 7.0 years. Overall, 65 players (74.7%) returned to soccer, of which 43 players (49% of all included players) returned to pre-injury level of play or better. Most common reasons for not returning to soccer were pain or discomfort (50%) followed by fear of re-injury (31.8%). The mean time to return to soccer was 33.1 ± 26.3 weeks. Among 22 players who did not return to soccer, 14 (63.6%) reported satisfaction from surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed female players (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; confidence interval [CI] = 0.083 to 0.872; p = 0.029) and older aged players (OR = 0.895; 95% CI = 0.832 to 0.963; p = 0.003) were less likely to return to soccer. Bilateral surgery was not found to be a risk factor. CONCLUSION: Hip arthroscopic treatment for FAI in symptomatic competitive soccer players allowed three-quarters of them to return to soccer. Despite not returning to soccer, two-thirds of players who did not return to soccer were satisfied with their outcome. Female and older aged players were less likely to return to soccer. These data can better guide clinicians and soccer players with realistic expectations related to the arthroscopic management of symptomatic FAI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Characteristics of Soccer Players Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Sex- and Competitive Level-Specific Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic features of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are prevalent in kicking athletes, especially soccer players. However, there remains a paucity of data on the characteristics of symptomatic soccer players with an established diagnosis of FAI. PURPOSE: To report on patient demographics, injury, and clinical and radiographic characteristics in a large cohort of soccer players who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI and to perform a sex- and competition level-specific analysis of these data. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: An institutional hip preservation registry containing 3318 consecutive primary hip arthroscopies for FAI performed between March 2010 and January 2016 was retrospectively reviewed for patients identified as soccer players. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical and radiographic findings were recorded, and sex- and competition level-specific differences were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 421 hips (336 soccer players) were identified, including 257 (61.0%) men and 164 (39.0%) women. Of these, 105 (24.9%) were reported as highly competitive, 194 (46.1%) as competitive, 75 (17.8%) as recreational, and 47 (11.2%) did not report a level. The majority of the 336 soccer players (231 hips; 55%) reported chronic hip pain lasting >6 months with no acute injury at the initial visit. Alpha angle, coronal center-edge angle, and femoral version on computed tomography scan measured 64.5°± 12°, 32.3°± 9°, and 13.7°± 10° (mean ± SD), respectively. There were 230 (55%) hips with a type 2 anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), 78 (18.5%) with a type 1 AIIS, and 19 (4.5%) with a type 3 AIIS. When compared with male athletes, female athletes had more hip internal rotation on physical examination (14.9° vs 8°; P < .001), lower alpha angles (57.5° vs 68.5°; P < .001), and lower-grade AIIS morphology (P = .003). Acute injury as the reason for hip symptoms was most likely in the highly competitive group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Female soccer players were more likely to have less severe clinical and radiographic findings than were male soccer players. Acute injury as the cause of hip symptoms was more common in highly competitive players. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Focusing on soccer players with an established FAI diagnosis, the findings of this study suggest that there are sex- and competition level-based differences in the presentation, physical examination, and imaging characteristics among the players. These findings can better guide clinicians in the diagnostic evaluation of symptomatic soccer players with FAI and in tailoring treatment recommendations to specific cohorts.

Surface Mapping of the Musculotendinous Attachments at the Pubic Symphysis in Cadaveric Specimens: Implications for the Treatment of Core Muscle Injury.

PURPOSE: To characterize the 3-dimensional muscular, musculotendinous, and neurovascular anatomy about the pubic symphysis relevant to core muscle injury (CMI). METHODS: Ten cadaveric hips were dissected to characterize the musculotendinous insertion of the rectus abdominis and inguinal ligament, origins of the adductor longus and adductor brevis, and the pubic cartilage plate. A 3-dimensional coordinate measuring system and data acquisition software were used to calculate structure cross-sectional area, and the landmark anatomical relationships to 1 another and relevant neurovascular structures. RESULTS: All specimens were male with an average age of 62 ± 2 years. The mean footprints of the rectus abdominis, inguinal ligament, adductor longus, and adductor brevis were 8.4 ± 3.1, 1.2 ± 0.5, 3.8 ± 1.6, and 2.9 ± 1.3 cm2, respectively. The mean pectineus and gracilis footprints were 6.3 ± 2.4 and 3.4 ± 0.9 cm2, respectively. The mean cross-sectional area of the cartilage plate was 24.8 ± 5.6 cm2. The adductor longus was an average 1.5 ± 0.25 cm from the adductor brevis and 0.69 ± 0.52 cm from the rectus abdominis. The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve was an average of 4.3 cm (range, 2.8-6.4) lateral to the insertion of the inguinal ligament. The femoral vein and artery were 3.0 cm (range, 2.5-3.6) and 3.7 cm (range, 2.5-5.9) lateral to the inguinal ligament footprint. The obturator nerve was 2.5 cm (range, 1.6-3.4) lateral to the adductor longus. CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with the anatomy of the pubic symphysis is essential for surgeons treating patients with CMI. We have shown that this relatively small area is the site of many muscular, musculotendinous, and neurovascular structures with various sized footprints and described the 3-dimensional anatomy of the anterior pubic symphysis. The origin of the adductor longus lies in close proximity to other structures, such as the adductor brevis, the insertion of the rectus abdominis, and the obturator nerve. These findings should be considered when operating in this region and treating patients with chronic groin pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The anatomy of the pelvic region and pubic symphysis has not been well characterized. Intimate knowledge of relevant anatomy is essential to treating CMI, also known as athletic pubalgia or sports hernia.

Editorial Commentary: "Dancing the Hip Away"-Does Joint Laxity Correlate With Worse Outcome in Dancers Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoral Acetabular Impingement?

Dancers have a disproportionately high prevalence of hip issues compared with other types of athletes. Many of these hip issues are complex: a cam and/or pincer impingement combined with a seemingly paradoxical borderline dysplasia, capsular laxity, and subsequent instability. Our experience as nonarthritic hip surgeons tells us that careful patient selection is critical for a successful outcome after the arthroscopic treatment of a dancer. But, there is little guidance in the literature on the management of this specific group of patients. We have studies that advise us to repair the labrum when possible versus performing labral debridement in female patients with predominantly pincer-type impingement and studies that support capsular plication and careful capsule closure in patients, predominantly female patients, with combined hip impingement and dysplasia or borderline dysplasia. However, few studies have examined predictors of outcomes after hip arthroscopy in dancers.

Getting Hit by Pitch in Professional Baseball: Analysis of Injury Patterns, Risk Factors, Concussions, and Days Missed for Batters.

BACKGROUND: Although batters are frequently hit by pitch (HBP) in baseball, the effect of HBP injuries remains undefined in the literature. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of HBP injuries in terms of time out of play, injury patterns resulting in the greatest time out of play, and the value of protective gear such as helmets and elbow pads. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Based on the Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System, all injuries to batters HBP during the 2011-2015 MLB and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) seasons were identified and analyzed. Video analysis was performed on all HBP events from the 2015 MLB season. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was utilized to determine the predictive capacity of multiple variables (velocity, pitch type, location, etc) on injury status and severity. RESULTS: A total of 2920 HBP injuries resulted in 24,624 days missed (DM) over the 5 seasons. MLB HBP injuries occurred at a rate of 1 per 2554 plate appearances (1 per 9780 pitches thrown). Mean DM per injury were 8.4 (11.7 for MLB vs 8.0 for MiLB, P < .001). Surgery was required for 3.1% of MLB injuries and 1.2% of MiLB injuries ( P = .005). The most common body regions injured were the hand/fingers (n = 638, 21.8%), head/face (n = 497, 17.0%), and elbow (n = 440, 15.7%), and there were 146 (5.0%) concussions. Injury rates and mean DM correlated with velocity in a near linear fashion. Players hit in the head/face (odds ratio, 28.7) or distal upper extremity (odds ratio, 6.4) were more likely to be injured than players HBP in other locations. Players with an unprotected elbow missed 1.7 more days (95% CI, -4.1 to 7.6) than those with an elbow protector ( P = .554) when injured after being HBP. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although HBP injuries occur infrequently in the course of normal play, they collectively represent a significant source of time out of play. The most common body regions injured include the hands/fingers and head/face, and batters hit in these locations are significantly more likely to be injured. After contusions, concussions were the most common injury diagnosis.

Summative Report on Time Out of Play for Major and Minor League Baseball: An Analysis of 49,955 Injuries From 2011 Through 2016.

BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiologic reports have demonstrated rising injury rates in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Although several studies have recently been published on specific injuries, the majority of injuries have not yet been formally studied. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to (1) generate a summative analysis of all injuries that occur in MLB and MiLB, (2) identify the 50 most common injuries, and (3) generate focused reports and fact sheets on the characteristics of each of those diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The MLB Health and Injury Tracking System was used to identify injuries occurring in MLB and MiLB players from 2011 to 2016. Injuries were defined as those that occurred during normal baseball activity and resulted in at least 1 day out of play. A multitude of player and injury characteristics were analyzed, and detailed reports of the 50 most commonly occurring injuries were generated. RESULTS: A total of 49,955 injuries occurred during the study period; 45,123 were non-season ending, and they resulted in 722,176 days out of play. The mean (median) days missed per injury was 16 (6) days. Overall, 39.1% of all injuries occurred in pitchers. The upper extremity was involved in 39% of injuries, while 35% occurred in the hip/groin/lower extremity. Surgery was required in 6.5% of cases, and 9.7% of injuries were season ending. Hamstring strains were the most common injury (n = 3337), followed by rotator cuff strain/tear (n = 1874), paralumbar muscle strain (n = 1313), biceps tendinitis (n = 1264), oblique strain (n = 1249), and elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury (n = 1191). The diagnoses that were most likely to end a player's season were elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury (60% season ending) and superior labrum anterior and posterior tear (50.9% season ending). CONCLUSION: Contrary to prior reports relying on disabled list data, the annual number of injuries in professional baseball remained steady from 2011 to 2016. Similar trends were noted for the annual number of days missed and mean days missed per injury. Although the mean days missed per injury was high (16), the median was much lower at 6 days.

Decreased Shoulder External Rotation and Flexion Are Greater Predictors of Injury Than Internal Rotation Deficits: Analysis of 132 Pitcher-Seasons in Professional Baseball.

PURPOSE: The primary aims of this work were to (1) describe normal range of motion (ROM) profiles for elite pitchers, (2) describe the characteristics of shoulder and elbow injuries in professional pitchers over a 6-year period in one Major League Baseball organization, and (3) identify ROM measures that were independently associated with a future shoulder or elbow injury. METHODS: Over 6 seasons (2010-2015), a preseason assessment was performed on all pitchers invited to Major League Baseball Spring Training for a single organization. ROM measures included shoulder flexion, horizontal adduction, external rotation (ER), internal rotation, as well as elbow flexion and extension, were measured for both the dominant and nondominant arm, and total range of motion and deficits were calculated. All noncontact shoulder and elbow injuries were identified. Using multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis to control for age, height, weight, and all other ROM measures, the factors associated with an increased risk of subsequent shoulder or elbow injury were identified. RESULTS: A total of 53 shoulder (n = 25) and elbow (n = 28) injuries occurred during 132 pitcher seasons (n = 81 pitchers). The most significant categorical risk factor associated with increased elbow injury rates was the presence of a shoulder flexion deficit >5° (odds ratio [OR] 2.83; P = .042). For continuous variables, the risk of elbow injury increased by 7% for each degree of increased shoulder ER deficit (OR 1.07; P = .030) and 9% for each degree of decreased shoulder flexion (OR 1.09; P = .017). None of the measures significantly correlated with shoulder injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Preseason shoulder ER and flexion deficits are independent risk factors for the development of elbow injuries during the upcoming season. Although prior work has supported the importance of reducing glenohumeral internal rotation deficits in pitchers, this study demonstrates that deficits in shoulder ER and flexion are more significant predictors of subsequent elbow injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The Timing of Hip Arthroscopy After Intra-articular Hip Injection Affects Postoperative Infection Risk.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of preoperative intra-articular hip injection with surgical site infection after hip arthroscopy. METHODS: A large administrative database was used to identify all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy from 2007 to 2015 within a single private insurer and from 2005 to 2012 within Medicare in the United States. Those that received an ipsilateral preoperative intra-articular hip injection were identified. The patients were then divided into the following groups based on the interval between preoperative injection and ipsilateral hip arthroscopy: (1) <3 months, (2) 3 to 6 months, and (3) 6 to 12 months. These groups were compared to a control group composed of patients with no history or a remote history (>12 months) of preoperative hip injection. Patients developing a surgical site infection within 6 months following hip arthroscopy were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology codes associated with infection. Groups were compared using a multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol usage, and multiple medical comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hemodialysis use, inflammatory arthritis, and peripheral vascular disease. RESULTS: In total, 19% of privately insured and 6% of Medicare patients received a hip injection within 12 months of hip arthroscopy. The overall infection rate in privately insured and Medicare patients was 1.19% and 1.10%, respectively. Preoperative hip injection within 3 months of surgery was associated with a significantly higher risk of postoperative infection versus controls (2.16%, odds ratio [OR] 6.1, P < .001, for privately insured group; 2.80%, OR 1.99, P = .037, for Medicare group). In contrast, preoperative hip injection given after more than 3 months of surgery was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection versus controls. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of infection after hip arthroscopy increased when preoperative intra-articular hip injections were given within 3 months of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The Epidemiology and Effect of Sliding Injuries in Major and Minor League Baseball Players.

BACKGROUND: Although sliding occurs frequently in professional baseball, little is known about the epidemiology and effect of injuries that occur during sliding in this population of elite athletes. PURPOSE: To describe the incidence and characteristics of sliding injuries, determine their effect in terms of time out of play, and identify common injury patterns that may represent appropriate targets for injury prevention programs in the future. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiologic study. METHODS: All offensive sliding injuries occurring in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MLB) that resulted in time out of play during a span of 5 seasons (2011-2015) were identified. In addition to player demographics, data extracted included time out of play, location on field where injury occurred, level of play, treatment (surgical vs nonsurgical), direction of slide (head vs feet first), body region injured, and diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution of these injuries, and injury rates were calculated per slide. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2015, 1633 injuries occurred as a result of a slide. The total number of days missed per season was 4263. Surgical intervention was required for 134 (8.2%) injuries, and the mean days missed was 66.5 for players treated surgically and 12.3 days for players treated nonoperatively ( P < .001). MLB players were more likely than MiLB players to require surgical intervention (12.3% vs 7.5%, P = .019). Injuries to the hands/fingers represented 25.3% of all injuries and 31.3% of those requiring surgery. Although the majority of injuries occurred at second base (57%), the per-slide injury rate was similar across all bases ( P = .991). The estimated overall frequency of injury in MLB was once per every 336 slides, and the rate of injury for head- and feet-first slides was 1 in 249 and 413 slides, respectively ( P = .119). CONCLUSION: Injuries occurring while sliding in professional baseball result in a significant amount of time out of play for these elite athletes. Injuries occurring at second base and those occurring to the hands and fingers were most prevalent and may be an appropriate target for future injury prevention programs.

Functional Outcomes and Cam Recurrence After Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in adolescent patients and non-adolescent patients, and to report on the rate of cam recurrence within 2 years after femoral osteoplasty in a limited sample of the adolescent group. METHODS: From 2010 to 2014, patients younger than 18 years with symptomatic FAI (alpha angle >50°) who underwent hip arthroscopy with minimum 2-year follow-up or reoperation were identified. A group of non-adolescent patients with identical inclusion criteria, except age of 18 years or older, was also identified for comparison. In addition, a separate group of adolescent patients with 2-year postoperative radiographs was reviewed for cam recurrence. Demographic data, operative data, and radiographic and clinical outcomes (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living [HOS-ADL], Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale [HOS-SSS], and International Hip Outcome Tool 33 [iHOT-33] score) were collected. RESULTS: We identified 34 adolescent patients (38 hips) with an average age of 16 years (range, 13-17 years). The mean clinical follow-up period was 36.1 ± 11.6 months (range, 24.1-71.7 months) and 29.6 ± 2.4 months (range, 27.9-31.3 months) without and with reoperation, respectively. A control group of 296 non-adolescent patients (306 hips), with a mean age of 31 years (range, 18-59 years), was identified as our non-adolescent group. The mean clinical follow-up period was 34.1 ± 11 months (range, 24.0-77.4 months) and 15.1 ± 9.1 months (range, 3.6-34.6 months) without and with reoperation, respectively. Significant improvement was noted in adolescents in the changes in outcome scores (mHHS, 22.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 15.4-29.0]; HOS-ADL, 18.6 [95% CI, 11.9-25.2]; HOS-SSS, 33.5 [95% CI, 24.5-42.5]; and iHOT-33 score, 30.5 [95% CI, 21.8-39.2]; P < .001). Similar improvements were observed in non-adolescents (mHHS, 21.0 [95% CI, 19.0-23.0]; HOS-ADL, 16.6 [95% CI, 14.6-18.6]; HOS-SSS, 30.1 [95% CI, 26.6-33.6]; and iHOT-33 score, 34.9 [95% CI, 31.5-38.3]; P < .001). There was no evidence of a difference in follow-up survey scores between groups (P > .203). Revision surgery was required in 2 adolescent hips (5.3% [95% CI, 1.5%-17.3%]) and 19 non-adolescent hips (6.2% [95% CI, 4.0%-9.5%]). Minimum 2-year radiographs were available for review in 24 adolescent patients (30 hips). The alpha angle (mean ± standard deviation) was reduced from 55.4° ± 12.1° preoperatively to 38.7° ± 4.9° at 6 weeks postoperatively (mean difference, -16.4° [95% CI, -19.8° to -12.9°]; P < .001). At 2 years, the alpha angle remained at 39.2° ± 11.2°, which did not differ from 6-week measurements (mean difference, 0.5° [95% CI, -2.9° to 3.9°]; P = .784). There were no cases of cam recurrence (0% [95% CI, 0%-11.4%]). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in clinical outcomes can be anticipated after arthroscopic treatment of FAI in adolescents. From a limited sample of our adolescent population, the risk of cam recurrence appears low; however, further follow-up is needed to ensure this does not represent a biased sample of the initial population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Safety of Hip Anchor Insertion From the Midanterior and Distal Anterolateral Portals With a Straight Drill Guide: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: During arthroscopic labral refixation, suture anchors are typically inserted from either the midanterior (MA) portal or the distal anterolateral (DALA) portal; however, no studies have previously compared these techniques. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare acetabular rim accessibility and associated complication rates of anchor insertion from these portals. We hypothesized that rim access would be better from the DALA portal. Additionally, we hypothesized that articular surface perforation would occur more commonly from the MA portal while psoas tunnel perforation would occur more commonly from the DALA portal. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Sixteen pelvic cadaveric specimens (32 hips) were obtained and arthroscopic surgery performed in the supine position. Suture anchors were placed at 7 predetermined locations (9-, 11-, 12-, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-o'clock positions). Hips were treated as matched pairs, such that one hip from each specimen had all anchors placed from the MA portal and the other from the DALA portal. Allocation ensured an equal distribution of laterality between groups. After anchor insertion, specimens underwent computed tomography and dissection for further evaluation. RESULTS: Rim accessibility was similar between the groups; anchor insertion was most difficult at the 9-o'clock position, particularly with the MA portal technique, where only 50% (8/16) of attempts were successful, in comparison to the DALA portal technique, where 75% (12/16) of attempts were successful. Additionally, the 4-o'clock position proved challenging to access with the DALA portal technique, where only 75% (12/16) of attempts were successful, compared with 100% with the MA portal technique. The difference in accessibility of these techniques, however, did not reach statistical significance at the 9-o'clock position ( P = .2734) or 4-o'clock position ( P = .1012). Articular surface perforation occurred in 4.48% of all anchor insertion attempts, most commonly at the 3-o'clock position ( P = .0242). From the MA portal, 4.00% (4/100) perforated the joint, compared with 4.95% (5/101) from the DALA portal ( P > .999). Further, there were no significant differences in perforation rates at each location between the techniques ( P > .999). Psoas tunnel perforation occurred in 7.69% of all anchor insertion attempts between 2 and 4 o'clock, with equal rates at each location ( P ≥ .6606). From the MA portal, 4.17% (2/48) perforated the psoas tunnel, compared with 11.63% (5/43) from the DALA portal ( P ≥ .2486). Further, there were no significant differences at each location between the techniques ( P ≥ .4839). There was no association between acetabular version, femoral version, or lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) and articular surface or psoas tunnel perforation, regardless of portal use. CONCLUSION: Anchor insertion from either the MA or DALA portal appears to confer similar rim access and rates of articular surface or psoas tunnel perforation, with a cumulative rate of 4.48% and 7.69%, respectively. Rates of perforation did not differ between the portals and were not associated with acetabular or femoral version or LCEA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caution should be employed when inserting anchors for labral refixation, particularly in anterior and medial locations (2-4 o'clock), as articular surface and psoas tunnel perforation may occur at a rate higher than previously anticipated. Portal selection does not appear to influence these outcomes.

Diagnosis of Intraabdominal Fluid Extravasation After Hip Arthroscopy With Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Can Identify Patients at an Increased Risk for Postoperative Pain.

BACKGROUND: Intraabdominal fluid extravasation (IAFE) after hip arthroscopy has historically been diagnosed in catastrophic circumstances with abdominal compartment syndrome requiring diuresis or surgical decompression. A previous retrospective study found the prevalence of symptomatic IAFE requiring diuresis or decompression to be 0.16%, with risk factors including surgical procedure and high pump pressures. IAFE can be diagnosed rapidly by using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) via the Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination, which is a well-established means to detect free fluid with high specificity and sensitivity. In this study, we used POCUS to determine the incidence of IAFE in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. We predicted a higher incidence and that patients with IAFE would have symptoms of peritoneal irritation such as pain and nausea. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing ambulatory hip arthroscopy were prospectively enrolled. A FAST examination was performed after induction by a trained anesthesiologist to exclude the preoperative presence of intraperitoneal fluid. Postoperatively, the same anesthesiologist repeated the FAST examination, and patients with new fluid in the abdominal or pelvic peritoneum were diagnosed with IAFE. Patients were followed up in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for 6 hours assessing pain, antiemetic and opioid use, and length of stay. RESULTS: Sixteen of 100 patients were found to have IAFE (16.0%; 99% confidence interval [CI], 8.4-28.1). These patients had, on average, a greater increase in pain score from their baseline assessment throughout their entire PACU stay (adjusted difference in means [99% CI]: 2.1 points [0.4-3.9]; P = .002). Patients with IAFE used more opioids, but this difference did not meet statistical significance (adjusted difference in means [99% CI]: 7.8 mg oral morphine equivalents [-2.8 to 18.3]; P = .053). There were no differences in postoperative nausea interventions or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Our incidence of IAFE was 16%, showing that IAFE occurs quite commonly in hip arthroscopy. Patients with IAFE had a greater increase in pain scores from baseline throughout the PACU stay. None of our patients required interventions. These findings suggest that even a small amount of new fluid in the peritoneum may be associated with a worse postoperative experience. This study brings awareness to a common yet potentially life-threatening complication of hip arthroscopy and highlights a unique and meaningful way that anesthesiologists in the perioperative setting can use POCUS to rapidly identify and guide management of these patients. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to identify surgical and patient risk factors.

Simvastatin Exposure and Rotator Cuff Repair in a Rat Model.

Simvastatin is a common medication prescribed for hypercholesterolemia that accelerates local bone formation. It is unclear whether simvastatin can accelerate healing at the tendon-bone interface after rotator cuff repair. This study was conducted to investigate whether local and systemic administration of simvastatin increased tendon-bone healing of the rotator cuff as detected by maximum load to failure in a controlled animal-based model. Supraspinatus tendon repair was performed on 120 Sprague-Dawley rats. Sixty rats had a polylactic acid membrane overlying the repair site. Of these, 30 contained simvastatin and 30 did not contain medication. Sixty rats underwent repair without a polylactic acid membrane. Of these, 30 received oral simvastatin (25 mg/kg/d) and 30 received a regular diet. At 4 weeks, 5 rats from each group were killed for histologic analysis. At 8 weeks, 5 rats from each group were killed for histologic analysis and the remaining 20 rats were killed for biomechanical analysis. One rat that received oral simvastatin died of muscle necrosis. Average maximum load to failure was 35.2±6.2 N for those receiving oral simvastatin, 36.8±9.0 N for oral control subjects, 39.5±12.8 N for those receiving local simvastatin, and 39.1±9.3 N for control subjects with a polylactic acid membrane. No statistically significant differences were found between any of the 4 groups (P>.05). Qualitative histologic findings showed that all groups showed increased collagen formation and organization at 8 weeks compared with 4 weeks, with no differences between the 4 groups at each time point. The use of systemic and local simvastatin offered no benefit over control groups. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e288-e292.].

Editorial Commentary: The Importance of Developing an Algorithm When Diagnosing Hip Pain.

The differential diagnosis of groin pain is broad and complex. Therefore, it is essential to develop an algorithm when differentiating the hip as a cause of groin pain from other sources. Selective injections in and around the hip can be helpful when making the diagnosis but are only one part of the algorithm.

Return-to-play rates following arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in competitive baseball players.

OBJECTIVE: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been increasingly recognized in cutting sports including soccer, hockey and football. More recently, the prevalence among overhead athletes has also been recognized. The purpose of this study was to review impingement patterns, return-to-play rates and clinical outcome following arthroscopic treatment of FAI among high-level baseball players. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 70 competitive baseball players (86 hips; age 22.4 ± 4.5 years) were identified. Demographics and return-to-play rates were recorded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), the Sport-specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), were collected pre-operatively at 6 months and 1year (n = 34, 49% of cohort). RESULTS: The cohort included professional (27.1%), college (57.1%), high-school (8.6%) and club-team athletes (7.1%). Infielder (37.5%), pitcher (22.9%) and catcher (16.7%) were the most common positions. Average follow-up was 16.8 months (range 12.1-34.2). There was no relationship between playing position and impingement pattern (p ≥ 0.459), or between symptom laterality and handedness, batting position or playing position (p ≥ 0.179). One patient required revision surgery (infection). Return to sport rate was 88%, at a mean of 8.6 ± 4.2 months, with 97.7% returning at/above their pre-injury level of play. There was significant improvement in all outcome measures: mHHS (60.1 ± 11.9 to 93 ± 9.5), HOS-ADL (71.3 ± 16.7 to 96.3 ± 3.6), HOS-SSS (51.3 ± 24.8 to 92.3 ± 8.2) and iHOT-33 (40.7 ± 19.9 to 85.9 ± 14) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of FAI in competitive baseball players resulted in high return-to-play rates at short-term follow-up, with significant improvements in clinical outcome scores.

Simultaneous Versus Staged Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patients undergoing simultaneous versus staged bilateral hip arthroscopy for bilateral symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). METHODS: Between 2010 and 2013, a total of 1,800 hip arthroscopy cases were retrospectively reviewed for cases of simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy. All patients with minimum 1-year follow-up were included. This group was matched 1:2 for age, sex, and alpha angle, to a control group of patients who underwent staged, bilateral procedures. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) were obtained preoperatively at 6 months and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (162 hips) were identified who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Twelve patients (24 hips) who underwent simultaneous bilateral arthroscopy with minimum 1-year follow-up were compared with a matched cohort of 24 patients (48 hips) who underwent staged bilateral procedures. Mean preoperative alpha angle was 65.3° ± 9.6° in the simultaneous group and 65.9° ± 11.2° in the staged group (P = .6). At a mean follow-up of 17.8 months (range, 12 to 33 months), there were comparable improvements in simultaneous versus staged patient-reported outcome scores (mHHS 90.8 ± 11 v 88.9 ± 12.5, P = .662; HOS-ADL 97.3 ± 3.8 v 92.6 ± 10.3, P = .057; HOS-SSS 93.3 ± 10.2 v 86.5 ± 16.6, P = .203). The mean single anesthetic traction time was 90.8 ± 21.9 minutes (sum of both hips) in the simultaneous group, compared with a combined 2-anesthetic traction time of 85.7 ± 27.2 minutes in the staged group (P = .579). There were no traction-related complications in either group. No patients in the simultaneous group required revision surgery, whereas 1 patient in the staged group required lysis of adhesions at 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In a small sample, simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy is shown to be safe and effective, resulting in similar improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 1-year follow-up compared with staged bilateral procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

The Epidemiology of Hip and Groin Injuries in Professional Baseball Players.

Injuries of the hip and groin among professional baseball players can result in a significant number of disabled list days. The epidemiology of these injuries has not been delineated. The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence, mechanism, type, and rehabilitation course of hip and groin injuries among Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) players. The MLB injury database for hip and groin injuries from 2011-2014 was analyzed. Occurrence of injuries was assessed based on level of play, field location, activity during which the injury occurred, mechanism of injury, and days missed. The treatment was recorded as nonoperative or surgical. The subsequent rehabilitation and return to play were recorded. Chi-square tests were used to test the hypothesis of equal proportions between the various categories of hip and groin characteristics. From 2011-2014, 1823 hip and groin injuries occurred among MLB and MiLB players, which accounted for approximately 5% of all injuries. Of these, 1514 (83%) occurred among MiLB players and 309 (17%) among MLB players; 96% of injuries were extra-articular. Among all players, a noncontact mechanism during defensive fielding was the most common activity causing injury (74%), and infielders experienced the most hip and groin injuries (34%). The majority of extra-articular injuries were treated nonoperatively (96.2%), resulting in an average of 12 days missed. Intra-articular pathology more commonly required surgery, and resulted in an average of 123 days missed. Hip and groin injuries can be debilitating and result in a significant number of days missed. Intra-articular pathology and athletic pubalgia were usually treated surgically, while the majority of extra-articular hip injuries were treated successfully with nonoperative modalities. Correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to a high rate of return to play for professional baseball players with injuries to the hip and groin.

Vulvodynia and Concomitant Femoro-Acetabular Impingement: Long-Term Follow-up After Hip Arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that in patients with vulvodynia and femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI), vulvar pain may be generated by the effect of FAI on pelvic floor structures, and treatment with arthroscopy may improve vulvodynia. We also sought to identify characteristics of patients whose vulvodynia improved after arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series of patients with vulvodynia and FAI underwent physical therapy, and, if hip symptoms did not improve, arthroscopy. Three to 5 years postoperatively, follow-up of outcomes after arthroscopy on vulvodynia was performed using chart review and patient questionnaire. Clinical characteristics and pain scores describing patients with and without vulvodynia improvement were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with generalized unprovoked vulvodynia (GUV) or clitorodynia underwent arthroscopy for FAI. Six patients, all younger than 30 years, experienced lasting improvement in vulvodynia. Twenty patients, with an older mean age, longer mean vulvodynia duration, and mainly severe pain scores, did not experience vulvar pain improvement after arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: This case series describes improved vulvodynia outcomes after arthroscopy for FAI in women younger than 30 years. Patients with vulvar pain and coexisting FAI had GUV and clitorodynia.

Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in major league baseball athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to (1) investigate the rate of return to play among Major League Baseball (MLB) athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), (2) determine the impact of ACL injury on ability to perform baseball-specific planting and pivoting tasks (batting and stealing bases), and (3) to explore the effect of the injured side on these metrics. METHODS: ACL injury data from 1999 to 2012 were compiled, along with player performance statistics recorded for players with at least 30 games before ACL injury. Predictor variables included side of injury and outcome variables focused on batting average, stolen bases, and number of times caught stealing before injury and after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 26 (88%) players were able to return to at least 30 games after ACLR, although they experienced a decline of 21.2% in number of games played (P = .004). Those who had a ACLR for a rear batting leg injury averaged a 12.3% decline in batting average, whereas those who had ACLR for a lead leg injury had a 6.4% increase in batting average (P = .04). Side of injury was not predictive of stolen base metrics. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of return to play among MLB position players after ACLR was 88%, although there was a 21.2% decline in the number of games played postoperatively. Injury to the rear batting leg resulted in a lower returning batting average compared with an injury to the lead batting leg. Side of injury had no effect on stolen bases or on the number of times a player was caught stealing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Causes and risk factors for revision hip preservation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Identifying causes and risk factors for failure of hip preservation surgery is critical to properly address residual pathological abnormalities in the revision setting and improve outcomes in this subset of patients. PURPOSE: To identify the structural causes of failure in both open and arthroscopic hip preservation procedures and to identify demographic and radiographic risk factors that correlate with the need for revision surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A single-center hip preservation registry was reviewed (N = 1898 procedures in 1600 patients) to identify 147 patients (n = 152 procedures) who had undergone previous pelvic surgery. Exclusion criteria included residual deformity from pediatric hip disease (n = 5 patients). Preoperative demographics, intraoperative findings, radiographic data, and clinical outcome scores were compared between cohorts with and without revision surgery in the registry. Postoperative, short-term patient-reported outcome scores for the revision cohort were described. RESULTS: The most common reason for revision was residual intra-articular femoroacetabular impingement (74.8%), followed by extra-articular impingement (9.5%). The majority of revision cases (78.9%) could be addressed with arthroscopic surgery, with the exception of extra-articular impingement or residual acetabular dysplasia, which necessitated open approaches. Patients who underwent revision were more likely to be female, were younger in age, and had worse preoperative outcome scores than did those in the primary cohort. Abnormal femoral version and the presence of acetabular dysplasia were not significantly different between the revision and primary cohorts. Short-term improvements in patient-reported outcome scores were found in the revision cohort at a mean of 15.0 months from the last revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Residual intra- and extra-articular impingement were the most common reasons for revision in this cohort. Patients who underwent revision tended to be younger in age, were female, and had worse preoperative hip functional outcomes than did those in the primary cohort. Abnormal femoral version or acetabular coverage was not increased in our revision cohort.