Minimum Five-Year Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Labral Tears in Patients with Obesity: A Match-Controlled Study
Authors: Perets I, Rybalko D, Chaharbakhshi EO, Mu BH, Chen AW, Domb BG
Journal: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2018 Jun 6;100(11):965-973.
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.17.00892 | PMID: 29870448
Background
Obesity poses challenges in surgical outcomes. This study compares mid-term hip arthroscopy outcomes in obese versus normal-weight patients with FAI and labral tears.
Methods
Obese patients (BMI ≥30) were matched to normal-weight patients (BMI 18.5–24.99) on demographics. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively over a minimum 5-year follow-up.
Key Findings
- Both groups had significant improvement in PROs after surgery.
- Obese patients started with worse baseline scores.
- Conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) was higher in obese patients (29.7%) compared to controls (14.9%).
Conclusions
Hip arthroscopy can improve function in obese patients with FAI and labral tears but carries an increased risk for subsequent THA.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Providers should counsel obese patients regarding the elevated risk of conversion to THA after hip arthroscopy. Careful patient selection, weight management strategies, and realistic expectation setting are critical for optimizing outcomes in this population.