Hip Arthroscopy in Patients Ages 50 Years or Older: Minimum 5-Year Outcomes, Survivorship, and Risk Factors for Conversion to Total Hip Replacement

Hip Arthroscopy in Patients Ages 50 Years or Older: Minimum 5-Year Outcomes, Survivorship, and Risk Factors for Conversion to Total Hip Replacement

Authors: Perets I, Chaharbakhshi EO, Mu B, Ashberg L, Battaglia MR, Yuen LC, Domb BG
Journal: Arthroscopy. 2018 Nov;34(11):3001-3009.
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.05.034 | PMID: 30301626

Background

Evaluates long-term hip arthroscopy outcomes in patients ≥50 years, focusing on factors predicting conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Key Findings

• Significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at ~5.8 years follow-up.
• 54.3% achieved acceptable symptomatic state on modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS).
• 4.3% required secondary arthroscopy; 4.3% progressed to THA.
• Risk factors for THA conversion: higher BMI, larger alpha angles, and advanced osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Hip arthroscopy can benefit patients over 50, but careful patient selection is vital due to increased THA risk with certain clinical and radiographic features.

What Does This Mean for Providers?

• Consider hip arthroscopy for patients over 50 who have favorable joint status.
• Counsel patients with higher BMI, severe osteoarthritis, or adverse hip morphology about increased THA risk.
• Use risk factors to guide surgical decision-making and manage patient expectations.