Minimum 2-Year Outcomes and Return to Sports of Competitive Athletes Who Undergo Subspine Decompression During Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Subspine Impingement: A Propensity-Matched Controlled Study
Authors: Jimenez AE, Lee MS, George T, Owens JS, Harris WT, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG
Journal: American Journal of Sports Medicine, May 2022
DOI: 10.1177/03635465221085664
Background
Subspine impingement (SSI), an extra-articular source of impingement from a prominent anterior inferior iliac spine, may coexist with FAIS. Limited data exist on the impact of subspine decompression in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy.
Methods
- Competitive athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with subspine decompression (2011–2018) were followed for ≥2 years.
- PROs and RTS were evaluated.
- A propensity-matched control group of athletes without SSI was used for comparison.
Key Findings
- Significant improvement in all PROs in the SSI group (P < .001).
- 88.5% RTS rate; 6.7% revision rate.
- No significant difference in outcomes or revision rates compared to controls.
Conclusions
Subspine decompression in athletes with FAIS and SSI leads to favorable functional outcomes and RTS rates, comparable to athletes without SSI.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
When treating competitive athletes with FAIS and radiographic or clinical evidence of SSI, subspine decompression during arthroscopy can be safely incorporated without compromising outcomes. It may address an often-overlooked contributor to impingement, supporting its inclusion in comprehensive hip preservation strategies.