Younger Age, Capsular Repair, and Larger Preoperative Alpha Angles Are Associated With Earlier Achievement of Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Younger Age, Capsular Repair, and Larger Preoperative Alpha Angles Are Associated With Earlier Achievement of Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Authors: Ouyang VW, Saks BR, Maldonado DR, Jimenez AE, Ankem HK, Sabetian PW, Lall AC, Domb BG

DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.12.007

Background

Time to clinically meaningful improvement after hip arthroscopy for FAIS varies. This study identifies demographic, radiographic, and surgical factors influencing early improvement.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with labral repair/reconstruction for FAIS. PROs collected pre-op, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-op.

Key Findings

• Younger patients, capsular repair, and larger preoperative alpha angles predicted earlier achievement of MCID and MOIT.
• Older age, higher baseline PROs, and workers' compensation status were linked to delayed improvement.

Conclusions

Younger age, capsular repair, and larger alpha angles facilitate quicker recovery and earlier clinically meaningful improvement after FAIS surgery.

What Does This Mean for Providers?

Providers should recognize that younger patients and those with larger alpha angles may achieve faster recovery. Capsular repair during arthroscopy may enhance early functional gains. Patients with older age or workers’ compensation claims may require counseling about a potentially prolonged recovery timeline.