Incidence, Risk Score Performance, and In-Hospital Outcomes of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) frequently complicates cardiac surgery. Predicting POAF can guide interventions to prevent its onset. This study assessed the incidence, risk factors, and related adverse outcomes of POAF after cardiac surgery. METHODS: A cohort of 1,606 patients undergoing cardiac surgery at a tertiary referral center was analyzed. Postoperative AF was defined based on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' criteria: AF/atrial flutter after operating room exit that either lasted longer than 1 hour or required medical or procedural intervention. Risk factors for POAF were evaluated, and the performance of established risk scores (POAF, HATCH, COM-AF, CHA2DS2-VASc, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores) in predicting POAF was assessed using discrimination (area under the receiver operator characteristics curve) analysis. The association of POAF with secondary outcomes, including length of hospital stay, ventilator time, and discharge to rehabilitation facilities, was evaluated using adjusted linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: The incidence of POAF was 32.2% (n = 517). Patients who developed POAF were older, had traditional cardiovascular risk factors and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores, and often underwent valve surgery. The POAF risk score demonstrated the highest area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (0.65), but risk scores generally underperformed. Postoperative AF was associated with extended hospital stays, longer ventilator use, and higher likelihood of discharge to rehabilitation facilities (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.73-3.08). CONCLUSION: This study observed a high incidence of POAF following cardiac surgery and its association with increased morbidity and resource utilization. Accurate POAF prediction remains elusive, emphasizing the need for better risk-prediction methods and tailored interventions to diminish the effect of POAF on patient outcomes.

Risk Stratification in Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is effective in preventing thromboembolism. Risk stratification tools could help identify patients at risk for early mortality after LAAO. In this study, we validated and recalibrated a clinical risk score (CRS) to predict risk of all-cause mortality after LAAO. This study used data from patients who underwent LAAO in a single-center, tertiary hospital. A previously developed CRS using 5 variables (age, body mass index [BMI], diabetes, heart failure, and estimated glomerular filtration rate) was applied to each patient to assess risk of all-cause mortality at 1 and 2 years. The CRS was recalibrated to the present study cohort and compared with established atrial fibrillation-specific (CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED) and generalized (Walter index) risk scores. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of mortality and discrimination was assessed by Harrel C-index. Among 223 patients, the 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 6.7% and 11.2%, respectively. With the original CRS, only low BMI (<23 kg/m2) was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI] 2.76 [1.03 to 7.35]; p = 0.04). With recalibration, BMI <29 kg/m2 and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were significantly associated with an increased risk of death (HR [95% CI] 3.24 [1.29 to 8.13] and 2.48 [1.07 to 5.74], respectively), with a trend toward significance noted for history of heart failure (HR [95% CI] 2.13 [0.97 to 4.67], p = 0.06). Recalibration improved the discriminative ability of the CRS from 0.65 to 0.70 and significantly outperformed established risk scores (CHA2DS2-VASc = 0.58, HAS-BLED = 0.55, Walter index = 0.62). In this single-center, observational study, the recalibrated CRS accurately risk stratified patients who underwent LAAO and significantly outperformed established atrial fibrillation-specific and generalized risk scores. In conclusion, clinical risk scores should be considered as an adjunct to standard of care when evaluating a patient's candidacy for LAAO.

Accelerated Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy (1 Week Apart): Outcomes Compared With Delayed Bilateral Procedure (4-12 Weeks) and Case-Control Matched Unilateral Arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Staged bilateral hip arthroscopy is an option for athletes who have symptomatic bilateral femoroacetabular impingement; however, the optimal timing of the second procedure is unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate minimum 2-year outcomes for patients undergoing accelerated bilateral arthroscopy against those undergoing (1) delayed bilateral and (2) unilateral arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing bilateral primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement between 2009 and 2022. Inclusion criteria entailed competitive athletes with concurrent bilateral symptoms at initial presentation. Exclusion criteria (either hip) were Tönnis grade >1, dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <25°), Perthes disease, protrusio acetabuli, and avascular necrosis. Two groups were established based on the duration between procedures: within 7 days (accelerated group) and within 4 to 12 weeks (delayed group). Patients from the accelerated group were matched in a 1:2 ratio with patients undergoing unilateral surgery based on age ±2 years, sex, and athletic status. Minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (including modified Harris Hip Score, University of California Los Angeles activity scale, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference, rates of continuing to play main sport, and satisfaction were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 131 athletes (262 hips) with bilateral femoroacetabular impingement were included: 91 in the accelerated group and 40 in the delayed group. Duration between surgeries was 0.99 ± 0.02 and 6.35 ± 2.18 weeks, respectively. All accelerated athletes were each successfully matched to 2 athletes with unilateral procedures (N = 182). All 3 groups demonstrated significant improvement from baseline across all PROs (P < .001 for all). Acquired change in PROs was similar and not significantly different between groups (P > .05). Satisfaction with relief from pain was achieved by 85.9% of patients in the accelerated group compared with 83.1% in the delayed group (P = .053) and 87.3% in the unilateral group (P = .933). The minimal clinically important difference for the modified Harris Hip Score was achieved by 84.9% of patients in the accelerated group compared with 91.5% in the delayed group (P = .212) and 87.6% in the unilateral group (P = .456). At 2 years postoperatively, the continue-to-play rate was 73.6% for the accelerated group compared with 77.1% for the delayed group (P = .577) and 73.0% for the unilateral group (P = .903). There were no increased complications associated with the accelerated group. CONCLUSION: Accelerated bilateral hip arthroscopy 1 week apart was a safe and effective treatment option for athletes with bilateral symptoms. Improvement in PROs and continue-to-play rates were comparable with those after a delayed duration between procedures and with those case-control matched athletes undergoing unilateral arthroscopy.

High survivorship and excellent 5-year outcomes in patients older than 40 years undergoing arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

PURPOSE: To assess 5-year clinical outcome, in adults > 40 years of age, following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement compared to a younger, matched, control group. METHODS: All primary arthroscopies for FAI between 2009 and 2016 were considered (n = 1762). Hips presenting with Tönnis > 1, lateral centre edge angle < 25°, or prior hip surgery were excluded. Younger (< 40 years) and older hips (> 40 years) were matched for gender, Tönnis grade, capsular repair and radiological parameters. Survival (avoidance of total hip replacement {THR}) was compared between the groups. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were also completed at baseline and 5 years to assess changes in functional capacity. Additionally, hip range of motion (ROM) was assessed at baseline and review. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined and compared between groups. RESULTS: Ninety-seven older hips were matched to 97 younger controls (78% male in both groups). The average age of the older group at the time of surgery was 48.0 ± 5.7 years, compared to 26.7 ± 6.0. Six (6.2%) of the older hips and 1 (1%) of younger hips converted to THR (p = 0.043, effect size = 0.74, large). There were statistically significant improvements in all PROMs. At follow-up, there were no differences in PROMs between groups; significant improvements in hip ROM were also observed with no difference in ROM between groups at either time point. Similar achievement of MCIDs was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients experience a high survivorship rate at 5 years, although this may be lower than younger patients. Where THR is avoided, large clinically significant improvements in pain and function are observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

High Survivorship and Comparable Patient-Reported Outcomes at a Minimum 5 Years After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement, With and Without Lateral Rim Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in patients with dysplasia presents a unique challenge to surgeons. Short-term outcomes are conflicting, while longer term follow-up data are only emerging. PURPOSE: To quantify midterm (minimum 5-year follow-up) outcomes after the arthroscopic correction of FAI in the presence of lateral rim dysplasia compared with a matched control group with FAI with normal acetabular coverage. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Prospective outcome data, collected in a consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic FAI correction with lateral rim dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] of 13°-25°), were reviewed (N = 75 cases). An age- and sex-matched control group of 120 cases was also formed (LCEA >25°). Survivorship was defined as the avoidance of total hip replacement and assessed using a Kaplan-Meier curve with the log-rank test. Survival rates and patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36], and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] preoperatively and at 5 years postoperatively) were compared between the groups. The proportion of patients across groups achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was compared for each PROM. The dysplasia group was also analyzed independently to identify any factors that may indicate a less favorable outcome using regression analysis. The group was divided into 2 subgroups: borderline dysplasia (LCEA of 20°-25°) and severe dysplasia (LCEA <20°). RESULTS: The survival rate in the dysplasia group was 97%. There was no statistical difference with respect to survival rates or any PROM scores (P > .05 for all) between the groups. There were similar rates of achieving the MCID between the groups for the mHHS, UCLA, and WOMAC. The FAI control group had a higher rate of achieving the MCID for the SF-36 (P = .012; effect size = 0.274 [small]). Subgroup analysis indicated a lower survival rate (78% vs 100%, respectively; P < .001) in female cases in the dysplasia group (n = 9) compared with male cases in the dysplasia group (n = 66). The UCLA score in female cases in the dysplasia group at 5 years was statistically lower compared with that in male cases in the dysplasia group (6 vs 10, respectively; P = .003; effect size = 0.378 [medium]), but no other outcome revealed any differences between the sexes. There were also no variables identified on regression analysis that accurately predicted a poorer outcome in the dysplasia group. When stratified by severity, there was no difference in survivorship or outcomes between those with severe dysplasia (LCEA <20°; n = 11) and those with borderline dysplasia (LCEA of 20°-25°; n = 64). CONCLUSION: An arthroscopic intervention was a successful treatment option for FAI in the presence of lateral rim dysplasia at midterm follow-up. Irrespective of the severity of dysplasia, patients can expect similar improvements to those in patients with normal femoral head coverage.

Hip Arthroscopy in the Presence of Advanced Osteoarthritis Results in 57% Survivorship, With 78% Survivor Satisfaction, at 10 Years. A Matched-Control Study.

PURPOSE: To (1) determine the 10-year survivorship (avoidance of total hip arthroplasty, THA) for patients with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, and (2) compare survivorship and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a matched-control group without OA. METHODS: Advanced OA hips (Tönnis ≥2) were matched in a 1:1 ratio (age ± 5 years, sex) to hips with preoperative Tönnis grade ≤1. Exclusion criteria was dysplasia, age <18 years, previous hip conditions/surgeries, and bilaterally operated patients with OA on one side only. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis for levels of sex, age groups and Tönnis. Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios (HR) of undergoing THA conversion. Where THA was avoided, outcomes and proportion of cases achieving patient acceptable symptomatic state was determined RESULTS: 53 OA hips were matched with 53 control hips. Survival distributions were significantly different for: (1) Group: OA 57.1%, control 87.0% (P = .001); (2) Tönnis grade: Tönnis 0, 89.2%; Tönnis 1, 77.8%; Tönnis 2, 67.6%; Tönnis 3, 25.0% (P < .001); and (3) age: (OA: 75.0% vs 44.8%, control: 100%, vs 75.0%, for <35 and >35 years respectively) (P = .002). Conversion to THA was greater for increasing Tönnis: HR 1.9 (P = .450), 3.5 (P = .032), and 11.0 (P < .001) for Tönnis 1, 2, and 3 respectively, relative to no OA (Tönnis 0) and >35 years: HR 4.3 (95% confidence interval 1.6-11.3, P = .003). Patient acceptable symptomatic state achievement was similar for both groups (78% OA vs 91% control, P = .167). modified Harris Hip Score and Short Form-36 significantly improved within both groups from baseline to 10 years CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement, in the presence of advanced OA results in 57% survivorship at 10 years (68% Tönnis 2, 25% Tönnis 3). Where THA was avoided, 78% considered their 10-year post-HA state to be satisfactory, with patient-reported outcomes similar to a matched non-OA cohort. Tönnis 2 in particular should be considered for arthroscopic hip preservation to avoid the need to prematurely replace the hip joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Incidence and Severity of Hamstring Injuries in Female Athletes Who Play Field Sports: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and severity of hamstring injuries (HSIs) in female athletes who play field sports. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective epidemiology studies. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, OVID Medline, and SPORTDiscus databases from inception to June 30, 2021. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included prospective epidemiology studies quantifying HSI in female field sport athletes. We excluded retrospective studies, intervention studies and studies that included male athletes only. DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk-of-bias assessments were conducted using a tool for assessing risk of bias in prospective epidemiology studies. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). Data were pooled to report overall injury risk per 1000 exposure hours using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: We included 12 studies for quantitative synthesis. There were injury data available from 1070 female athletes with a mean age of 22.7 years. The predominant sport was soccer (50%). The risk of bias was low across the studies. Overall, there was moderate certainty evidence that injury incidence was 0.6 injuries per 1000 exposure hours (95% CI 0.4-0.8). Due to a lack of reporting, we could not estimate the severity of HSIs. CONCLUSION: There was moderate certainty evidence that the incidence of hamstring injuries was 0.6 injuries per 1000 exposure hours in female field sport athletes. Appropriate reporting from those working with female athletes is essential to support understanding and better implement effective injury prevention strategies for female athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(11):740-749. Epub: 5 August 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11144.

PRP Is Not Associated With Improved Outcomes Following Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery: Very Low-Quality Evidence Suggests Hyaluronic Acid and Cell-Based Therapies May Be Beneficial-A Systematic Review of Biological Treatments.

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of biologic agents in the treatment of cartilage defects associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Methods: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers for eligible studies. We included randomized and nonrandomized control trials as well as uncontrolled case series and retrospective studies. Studies were excluded if they included injections of corticosteroids, papers that described technique only, review papers, and those not in the English language. Demographics, treatment type, outcome of treatment, and complications were extracted, whereas risk of bias and study quality were assessed independently using the risk of bias tool (ROB2) and effective public health practice project tool. A narrative synthesis was performed, and standardized mean differences were reported. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Eighteen studies consisting of 1,024 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three studies involved the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to surgery and were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies administered hyaluronic acid (HA) as a primary treatment. Twelve involved various cell-based methods of chondrocyte stimulation for cartilage defects associated with FAI, but heterogeneity did not allow for pooling. Low-quality evidence indicates PRP is not associated with improved outcomes following surgery (mean difference -1.42, 95% confidence interval -3.95 to 1.11, P = .27). Very-low-quality evidence suggests HA (standardized mean difference 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.64-1.66, P < .001, Z = 4.39) and cell-based therapies may improve function and pain in patients with FAI. Conclusions: Low-quality evidence indicates PRP is not associated with improved outcomes following hip FAI surgery, and very-low-quality evidence suggests HA and cell-based therapies may improve outcomes. Level of Evidence: systematic review of Level I-V studies.

Hip Range of Motion Is Increased After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of arthroscopic correction of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement on postoperative hip range of motion (ROM), as an objectively measured postoperative clinically reported outcome. Methods: A systematic review of the current literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, OVID/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried in November 2020. Studies not reporting pre- to postoperative ROM measurements were excluded. Methodologic quality was assessed using the MINORS assessment, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Effect size using standardized mean differences assessed magnitude of change between pre- and postoperative ROM. Results: In total, 23 studies were included evaluating 2,332 patients. Mean age ranged from 18 to 44.2 years. Flexion, internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER) were the predominantly measured ROMs reported in 91%, 100% and 65% of studies, respectively. Observed change following hip arthroscopy was considered significant in 57.1% (flexion), 74% (IR), and 20% (ER). Effect size of change in significantly improved ROMs were weak (16.7% flexion, 33.3% ER), moderate (58.3% flexion, 29.4% IR), and large (25% flexion, 64.7% IR, 66.7% ER). For goniometric assessment mean observed changes ranged as follows: flexion: 0.1° to 12.2°; IR: 3.6° to 21.9°; ER: -2.6° to 12.8°. For computed tomography-simulated assessment, the mean observed change ranged as follows: flexion: 3.0° to 8.0°; IR 9.3° to 14.0°. Conclusions: Outcome studies demonstrate overall increased range of flexion and IR post-hip arthroscopy, with a moderate and large effect respectively. Change in ER is less impacted following hip arthroscopy. Certainty of evidence to support this observation is low. Current research evaluating changes in this functional ability is limited by a lack of prospective studies and non-standardized measurement evaluation techniques. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Survivorship Rate and Clinical Outcomes 10 Years After Arthroscopic Correction of Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common mechanical hip condition, prevalent in both the athletic and the general population. Surgical intervention is an effective treatment option that improves both symptoms and function in short- to medium-term follow-up. Few studies within the literature have reported the longer-term success of arthroscopic surgery. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to quantify the 10-year survivorship and clinical outcome for patients treated arthroscopically for symptomatic FAI. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients from our hip registry (n = 119) completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at a minimum of 10 years after arthroscopy (range, 10-12 years). Results were compared with baseline scores using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The associations among several prognostic factors, which included age, sex, Tönnis grade, and labral treatment, and subsequent conversion to total hip replacement (THR) or repeat hip arthroscopy (RHA) were analyzed using the chi-square analysis. Relationships between range of motion and radiological findings with clinical outcome were also examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using a distribution method (0.5 standard deviation of the change score), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) was determined using an anchor method. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curves with subsequent Youden index were used to determine cutoffs for PROMs, which equated to a Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). RESULTS: A total of 8.4% of cases required conversion to THR, and 5.9% required RHA. Statistically significant improvements in mHHS, SF-36, and WOMAC scores, with high satisfaction (90%), were observed 10 years after surgery. No significant change was seen in activity level (UCLA score) despite patients being 10 years older. A high percentage of patients achieved MCID for mHHS (88%), SF-36 (84%), and WOMAC (60%). The majority of patients also achieved PASS (62% for mHHS, 85% for UCLA, 78% for SF-36, and 84% for WOMAC) and SCB (74% for mHHS, 58% for UCLA, 52% for SF-36, and 56% for WOMAC). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic intervention is a safe and viable treatment option for patients with symptomatic FAI, and patients can expect long-term improvements and high satisfaction. Results indicated a high satisfaction (90%) and survivorship rate (91.6%), with excellent clinical outcome, 10 years after the initial procedure.

Arthroscopic Correction of Sports-Related Femoroacetabular Impingement in Competitive Athletes: 2-Year Clinical Outcome and Predictors for Achieving Minimal Clinically Important Difference.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature supports surgical intervention for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in young, active athletes. However, factors likely to influence results in this cohort are less clearly defined. PURPOSE: To quantify changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and determine whether differences in baseline athlete demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, and surgical techniques are associated with achieving improved outcomes and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after arthroscopic management of sports-related FAI. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from competitive athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2009 and February 2017. Athletes who underwent primary arthroscopic correction of sports-related FAI with labral repair were included providing they had a Tönnis grade ≤1 and a lateral center-edge angle ≥20°, excluding significant articular cartilage injury and lateral rim dysplasia. The modified Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, University of California Los Angeles activity scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were used to measure outcomes at the 2-year follow-up. MCID was measured using 3 methods: a mean change method, a distribution-based method, and the percentage of possible improvement (POPI) method. Multivariate regression models were used to assess a number of diagnostic and surgical variables associated with good outcome and achieving MCID at follow-up. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, statistically significant improvements were observed for all PROMs (P < .001 for all), and 84% of athletes continued to play sport. Higher preoperative PROM scores reduced the likelihood of achieving MCID; however, returning to play was the strongest predictor of reaching MCID in this athletic cohort. Using absolute score change (mean change or distribution method) to calculate MCID was less accurate owing to ceiling effects and dependence on preoperative PROM scores. CONCLUSION: Athletes undergoing arthroscopy for sports-related FAI can expect a successful outcome and continued sports participation at 2 years postoperatively. The majority of athletes will achieve MCID. The POPI method of MCID calculation was more applicable to higher functioning athletic cohorts. Reduced preoperative PROM scores and the ability to return to sport increased the likelihood of achieving MCID in this population.

Arthroscopic correction of femoroacetabular impingement improves athletic performance in male athletes.

PURPOSE: To measure the changes in athletic performance in athletes treated arthroscopically for femoroacetabular impingement and compare results to a matched controlled athletic cohort, over a 1-year period. METHODS: Male athletes scheduled for arthroscopic correction of symptomatic FAI were recruited and tested (pre-operatively and 1-year postsurgery) for measures of athletic performance which included acceleration (10-m sprint), change of direction speed (CODS), squatting depth, and reactive strength index (RSI). The FAI group was compared to a matched, healthy, control group who were tested at baseline and 1 year later with no disruption to their regular training or competition status; the prevalence of anterior groin pain during testing in either group was recorded. Hip range of motion (ROM) was also measured for both groups at baseline and at 1 year in the FAI group to look for change following intervention. RESULTS: Prior to surgery, the FAI group were slower than the control group (p < 0.001) for acceleration (3% slower) and CODS (10% slower). At 1 year, 91% of the FAI group returned to full competition at an average time of 17 weeks, while substantial reductions in pain were also noted during acceleration (51-6%, p = 0.004), CODS (62-8%, p = 0.001), and squat test (38-8%, p = 0.003). Significant improvements were seen in the FAI group for CODS (7%, p < 0.001) and squat depth measures (6%, p = 0.004) from baseline to 1 year (significant time × group interaction effects were noted for these also). The changes in performance in the control group over time were non-significant across all of the measures (n.s.). At 1-year postsurgery, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups for any of the athletic measures. There was a significant and clinically important improvement in range of hip motion in the FAI group at 1-year postsurgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic FAI causes substantial reductions in athletic performance compared to healthy competitors placing these athletes at a distinct performance disadvantage. The results from the current study demonstrate that arthroscopic correction (including labral repair) in athletes with symptomatic FAI, reduces pain and restores athletic performance to a level which is comparable to healthy athletes, at 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Differences in Athletic Performance Between Sportsmen With Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement and Healthy Controls.

OBJECTIVE: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a commonly recognized condition in athletes characterized by activity-related hip pain and stiffness, which if left untreated can progress to hip osteoarthritis. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of symptomatic FAI on performance in young athletes based on the hypothesis that athletes with FAI would show deficits in performance compared with healthy controls. DESIGN: The functional performance of a cohort of preoperative, competitive sportsmen with symptomatic FAI (FAI group, n = 54), was compared with that of a group of age, sex and activity-level matched controls (n = 66). OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants performed functional tests including a 10-m sprint, a modified agility T-test, a maximal deep squat test and a single-leg drop jump (reactive strength index). Hip range of motion was assessed by measuring maximal hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation (at 90 degree hip flexion). RESULTS: The FAI group was significantly slower during the 10-m sprint (3%, P = 0.002) and agility T-test (8%, P < 0.001); flexion, abduction, and internal rotation values for the FAI group were reduced compared with controls (P < 0.001). No significant differences between groups were identified for squat depth or reactive strength index. The FAI group also reported higher levels of anterior groin pain during the 10-m sprint, modified agility T-test, and while squatting. CONCLUSIONS: Many sportsmen with confirmed FAI continue sports participation up to and after diagnosis, despite issues with activity-related pain and stiffness. This study highlights the functional limitations in speed, agility, and flexibility that are likely to be present in this group of FAI patients.