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Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 7 | Pages 447 - 454
10 Jul 2023
Lisacek-Kiosoglous AB Powling AS Fontalis A Gabr A Mazomenos E Haddad FS

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly growing across many domains, of which the medical field is no exception. AI is an umbrella term defining the practical application of algorithms to generate useful output, without the need of human cognition. Owing to the expanding volume of patient information collected, known as ‘big data’, AI is showing promise as a useful tool in healthcare research and across all aspects of patient care pathways. Practical applications in orthopaedic surgery include: diagnostics, such as fracture recognition and tumour detection; predictive models of clinical and patient-reported outcome measures, such as calculating mortality rates and length of hospital stay; and real-time rehabilitation monitoring and surgical training. However, clinicians should remain cognizant of AI’s limitations, as the development of robust reporting and validation frameworks is of paramount importance to prevent avoidable errors and biases. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI and its subfields, as well as to delineate its existing clinical applications in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Furthermore, this narrative review expands upon the limitations of AI and future direction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(7):447–454.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 12, Issue 1 | Pages 22 - 32
11 Jan 2023
Boschung A Faulhaber S Kiapour A Kim Y Novais EN Steppacher SD Tannast M Lerch TD

Aims

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients report exacerbation of hip pain in deep flexion. However, the exact impingement location in deep flexion is unknown. The aim was to investigate impingement-free maximal flexion, impingement location, and if cam deformity causes hip impingement in flexion in FAI patients.

Methods

A retrospective study involving 24 patients (37 hips) with FAI and femoral retroversion (femoral version (FV) < 5° per Murphy method) was performed. All patients were symptomatic (mean age 28 years (SD 9)) and had anterior hip/groin pain and a positive anterior impingement test. Cam- and pincer-type subgroups were analyzed. Patients were compared to an asymptomatic control group (26 hips). All patients underwent pelvic CT scans to generate personalized CT-based 3D models and validated software for patient-specific impingement simulation (equidistant method).


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 12 | Pages 873 - 880
1 Dec 2022
Watanabe N Miyatake K Takada R Ogawa T Amano Y Jinno T Koga H Yoshii T Okawa A

Aims

Osteoporosis is common in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. It plays a substantial factor in the surgery’s outcome, and previous studies have revealed that pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis influences implant survival rate. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of and treatment rates for osteoporosis prior to THA, and to explore differences in osteoporosis-related biomarkers between patients treated and untreated for osteoporosis.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study included 398 hip joints of patients who underwent THA. Using medical records, we examined preoperative bone mineral density measures of the hip and lumbar spine using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and the medications used to treat osteoporosis at the time of admission. We also assessed the following osteoporosis-related biomarkers: tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b); total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (total P1NP); intact parathyroid hormone; and homocysteine.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 11 | Pages 826 - 834
17 Nov 2022
Kawai T Nishitani K Okuzu Y Goto K Kuroda Y Kuriyama S Nakamura S Matsuda S

Aims. The preventive effects of bisphosphonates on articular cartilage in non-arthritic joints are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral bisphosphonates on the rate of joint space narrowing in the non-arthritic hip. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed standing whole-leg radiographs from patients who underwent knee arthroplasties from 2012 to 2020 at our institute. Patients with previous hip surgery, Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ II hip osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. The rate of hip joint space narrowing was measured in 398 patients (796 hips), and the effects of the use of bisphosphonates were examined using the multivariate regression model and the propensity score matching (1:2) model. Results. A total of 45 of 398 (11.3%) eligible patients were taking an oral bisphosphonate at the time of knee surgery, with a mean age of 75.8 years (SD 6.2) in bisphosphonate users and 75.7 years (SD 6.8) in non-users. The mean joint space narrowing rate was 0.04 mm/year (SD 0.11) in bisphosphonate users and 0.12 mm/year (SD 0.25) in non-users (p < 0.001). In the multivariate model, age (standardized coefficient = 0.0867, p = 0.016) and the use of a bisphosphonate (standardized coefficient = −0.182, p < 0.001) were associated with the joint space narrowing rate. After successfully matching 43 bisphosphonate users and 86 non-users, the joint narrowing rate was smaller in bisphosphonate users (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The use of bisphosphonates is associated with decreased joint degeneration in non-arthritic hips after knee arthroplasty. Bisphosphonates slow joint degeneration, thus maintaining the thickness of joint cartilage in the normal joint or during the early phase of osteoarthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(11):826–834


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 11, Issue 3 | Pages 180 - 188
1 Mar 2022
Rajpura A Asle SG Ait Si Selmi T Board T

Aims

Hip arthroplasty aims to accurately recreate joint biomechanics. Considerable attention has been paid to vertical and horizontal offset, but femoral head centre in the anteroposterior (AP) plane has received little attention. This study investigates the accuracy of restoration of joint centre of rotation in the AP plane.

Methods

Postoperative CT scans of 40 patients who underwent unilateral uncemented total hip arthroplasty were analyzed. Anteroposterior offset (APO) and femoral anteversion were measured on both the operated and non-operated sides. Sagittal tilt of the femoral stem was also measured. APO measured on axial slices was defined as the perpendicular distance between a line drawn from the anterior most point of the proximal femur (anterior reference line) to the centre of the femoral head. The anterior reference line was made parallel to the posterior condylar axis of the knee to correct for rotation.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 10 | Pages 629 - 638
20 Oct 2021
Hayashi S Hashimoto S Kuroda Y Nakano N Matsumoto T Ishida K Shibanuma N Kuroda R

Aims. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. The study analyzed a consecutive series of 69 patients who underwent robotic-arm assisted THA between September 2018 and December 2019. Of these, 30 patients had DDH and were classified according to the Crowe type. Acetabular component alignment and 3D positions were measured using pre- and postoperative CT data. The absolute differences of cup alignment and 3D position were compared between DDH and non-DDH patients. Moreover, these differences were analyzed in relation to the severity of DDH. The discrepancy of leg length and combined offset compared with contralateral hip were measured. Results. The mean values of absolute differences (postoperative CT-preoperative plan) were 1.7° (standard deviation (SD) 2.0) (inclination) and 2.5° (SD 2.1°) (anteversion) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between non-DDH and DDH patients. The mean absolute differences for 3D cup position were 1.1 mm (SD 1.0) (coronal plane) and 1.2 mm (SD 2.1) (axial plane) in DDH patients, and no significant differences were found between two groups. No significant difference was found either in cup alignment between postoperative CT and navigation record after cup screws or in the severity of DDH. Excellent restoration of leg length and combined offset were achieved in both groups. Conclusion. We demonstrated that robotic-assisted THA may achieve precise cup positioning in DDH patients, and may be useful in those with severe DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(10):629–638


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 9 | Pages 619 - 628
27 Sep 2021
Maestro-Paramio L García-Rey E Bensiamar F Saldaña L

Aims

To investigate whether idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is related to impaired osteoblast activities.

Methods

We cultured osteoblasts isolated from trabecular bone explants taken from the femoral head and the intertrochanteric region of patients with idiopathic ONFH, or from the intertrochanteric region of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and compared their viability, mineralization capacity, and secretion of paracrine factors.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 9 | Pages 558 - 570
1 Sep 2021
Li C Peng Z Zhou Y Su Y Bu P Meng X Li B Xu Y

Aims. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a complex musculoskeletal disease that occurs mostly in children. This study aimed to investigate the molecular changes in the hip joint capsule of patients with DDH. Methods. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed in hip joint capsules between healthy controls and DDH patients. Biological assays including cell cycle, viability, apoptosis, immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blotting were performed to determine the roles of the differentially expressed genes in DDH pathology. Results. More than 1,000 genes were differentially expressed in hip joint capsules between healthy controls and DDH. Both gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications, muscle system processes, and cell proliferation were markedly influenced by the differentially expressed genes. Expression of Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1), COL3A1, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP3, MMP9, and MMP13 was downregulated in DDH, with the loss of collagen fibres in the joint capsule. Expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was downregulated, while that of TGF-β2, Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3), and WNT11 were upregulated in DDH, and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a key myofibroblast marker, showed marginal increase. In vitro studies showed that fibroblast proliferation was suppressed in DDH, which was associated with cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Cell cycle regulators including Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), Cyclin E2 (CCNE2), Cyclin A2 (CCNA2), Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), E2F1, cell division cycle 6 (CDC6), and CDC7 were downregulated in DDH. Conclusion. DDH is associated with the loss of collagen fibres and fibroblasts, which may cause loose joint capsule formation. However, the degree of differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts needs further study. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(9):558–570


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 12 | Pages 857 - 869
1 Dec 2020
Slullitel PA Coutu D Buttaro MA Beaule PE Grammatopoulos G

As our understanding of hip function and disease improves, it is evident that the acetabular fossa has received little attention, despite it comprising over half of the acetabulum’s surface area and showing the first signs of degeneration. The fossa’s function is expected to be more than augmenting static stability with the ligamentum teres and being a templating landmark in arthroplasty. Indeed, the fossa, which is almost mature at 16 weeks of intrauterine development, plays a key role in hip development, enabling its nutrition through vascularization and synovial fluid, as well as the influx of chondrogenic stem/progenitor cells that build articular cartilage. The pulvinar, a fibrofatty tissue in the fossa, has the same developmental origin as the synovium and articular cartilage and is a biologically active area. Its unique anatomy allows for homogeneous distribution of the axial loads into the joint. It is composed of intra-articular adipose tissue (IAAT), which has adipocytes, fibroblasts, leucocytes, and abundant mast cells, which participate in the inflammatory cascade after an insult to the joint. Hence, the fossa and pulvinar should be considered in decision-making and surgical outcomes in hip preservation surgery, not only for their size, shape, and extent, but also for their biological capacity as a source of cytokines, immune cells, and chondrogenic stem cells.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(12):857–869.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 9, Issue 5 | Pages 242 - 249
1 May 2020
Bali K Smit K Ibrahim M Poitras S Wilkin G Galmiche R Belzile E Beaulé PE

Aims

The aim of the current study was to assess the reliability of the Ottawa classification for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia.

Methods

In all, 134 consecutive hips that underwent periacetabular osteotomy were categorized using a validated software (Hip2Norm) into four categories of normal, lateral/global, anterior, or posterior. A total of 74 cases were selected for reliability analysis, and these included 44 dysplastic and 30 normal hips. A group of six blinded fellowship-trained raters, provided with the classification system, looked at these radiographs at two separate timepoints to classify the hips using standard radiological measurements. Thereafter, a consensus meeting was held where a modified flow diagram was devised, before a third reading by four raters using a separate set of 74 radiographs took place.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 8, Issue 10 | Pages 443 - 450
1 Oct 2019
Treacy RBC Holland JP Daniel J Ziaee H McMinn DJW

Objectives

Modern metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), while achieving good results with well-orientated, well-designed components in ideal patients, is contraindicated in women, men with head size under 50 mm, or metal hypersensitivity. These patients currently have no access to the benefits of HRA. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) has demonstrated clinical success in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and, when used in HRA, potentially reduces metal ion-related sequelae. We report the early performance of HRA using a direct-to-bone cementless mono-bloc XLPE component coupled with a cobalt-chrome femoral head, in the patient group for whom HRA is currently contraindicated.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, observational assessment of 88 consecutive metal-on-XLPE HRAs performed in 84 patients between 2015 and 2018 in three centres (three surgeons, including the designer surgeon). Mean follow-up is 1.6 years (0.7 to 3.9). Mean age at operation was 56 years (sd 11; 21 to 82), and 73% of implantations were in female patients. All patients were individually counselled, and a detailed informed consent was obtained prior to operation. Primary resurfacing was carried out in 85 hips, and three cases involved revision of previous MoM HRA. Clinical, radiological, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) assessments were studied, along with implant survival.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 6 | Pages 379 - 387
1 Jun 2018
Hansen L De Raedt S Jørgensen PB Mygind-Klavsen B Kaptein B Stilling M

Objectives

To validate the precision of digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) radiostereometric analysis (RSA) and the model-based method (MBM) RSA with respect to benchmark marker-based (MM) RSA for evaluation of kinematics in the native hip joint.

Methods

Seven human cadaveric hemipelves were CT scanned and bone models were segmented. Tantalum beads were placed in the pelvis and proximal femoral bone. RSA recordings of the hips were performed during flexion, adduction and internal rotation. Stereoradiographic recordings were all analyzed with DRR, MBM and MM. Migration results for the MBM and DRR with respect to MM were compared. Precision was assessed as systematic bias (mean difference) and random variation (Pitman’s test for equal variance).


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 7, Issue 3 | Pages 223 - 225
1 Mar 2018
Jones LD Golan D Hanna SA Ramachandran M


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 7 | Pages 439 - 445
1 Jul 2017
Sekimoto T Ishii M Emi M Kurogi S Funamoto T Yonezawa Y Tajima T Sakamoto T Hamada H Chosa E

Objectives. We have previously investigated an association between the genome copy number variation (CNV) and acetabular dysplasia (AD). Hip osteoarthritis is associated with a genetic polymorphism in the aspartic acid repeat in the N-terminal region of the asporin (ASPN) gene; therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether the CNV of ASPN is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Methods. Acetabular coverage of all subjects was evaluated using radiological findings (Sharp angle, centre-edge (CE) angle, acetabular roof obliquity (ARO) angle, and minimum joint space width). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Agilent’s region-targeted high-density oligonucleotide tiling microarray was used to analyse 64 female AD patients and 32 female control subjects. All statistical analyses were performed using EZR software (Fisher’s exact probability test, Pearson’s correlation test, and Student’s t-test). Results. CNV analysis of the ASPN gene revealed a copy number loss in significantly more AD patients (9/64) than control subjects (0/32; p = 0.0212). This loss occurred within a 60 kb region on 9q22.31, which harbours the gene for ASPN. The mean radiological parameters of these AD patients were significantly worse than those of the other subjects (Sharp angle, p = 0.0056; CE angle, p = 0.0076; ARO angle, p = 0.0065), and all nine patients required operative therapy such as total hip arthroplasty or pelvic osteotomy. Moreover, six of these nine patients had a history of operative or conservative therapy for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Conclusions. Copy number loss within the region harbouring the ASPN gene on 9q22.31 is associated with severe AD. A copy number loss in the ASPN gene region may play a role in the aetiology of severe AD. Cite this article: T. Sekimoto, M. Ishii, M. Emi, S. Kurogi, T. Funamoto, Y. Yonezawa, T. Tajima, T. Sakamoto, H. Hamada, E. Chosa. Copy number loss in the region of the ASPN gene in patients with acetabular dysplasia: ASPN CNV in acetabular dysplasia. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:439–445. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.BJR-2016-0094.R1


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 11 | Pages 586 - 593
1 Nov 2016
Rakhra KS Bonura AA Nairn R Schweitzer ME Kolanko NM Beaule PE

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the thickness of the hip capsule in patients with surgical hip disease, either with cam-femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or non-FAI hip pathology, with that of asymptomatic control hips.

Methods

A total of 56 hips in 55 patients underwent a 3Tesla MRI of the hip. These included 40 patients with 41 hips with arthroscopically proven hip disease (16 with cam-FAI; nine men, seven women; mean age 39 years, 22 to 58) and 25 with non-FAI chondrolabral pathology (four men, 21 women; mean age 40 years, 18 to 63) as well as 15 asymptomatic volunteers, whose hips served as controls (ten men, five women; mean age 62 years, 33 to 77). The maximal capsule thickness was measured anteriorly and superiorly, and compared within and between the three groups with a gender subanalysis using student’s t-test. The correlation between alpha angle and capsule thickness was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 6 | Pages 225 - 231
1 Jun 2016
Yeung M Kowalczuk M Simunovic N Ayeni OR

Objective. Hip arthroscopy in the setting of hip dysplasia is controversial in the orthopaedic community, as the outcome literature has been variable and inconclusive. We hypothesise that outcomes of hip arthroscopy may be diminished in the setting of hip dysplasia, but outcomes may be acceptable in milder or borderline cases of hip dysplasia. Methods. A systematic search was performed in duplicate for studies investigating the outcome of hip arthroscopy in the setting of hip dysplasia up to July 2015. Study parameters including sample size, definition of dysplasia, outcomes measures, and re-operation rates were obtained. Furthermore, the levels of evidence of studies were collected and quality assessment was performed. Results. The systematic review identified 18 studies investigating hip arthroscopy in the setting of hip dysplasia, with 889 included patients. Criteria used by the studies to diagnose hip dysplasia and borderline hip dysplasia included centre edge angle in 72% of studies but the range of angles were quite variable. Although 89% of studies reported improved post-operative outcome scores in the setting of hip dysplasia, revision rates were considerable (14.1%), with 9.6% requiring conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion. The available orthopaedic literature suggests that although improved outcomes are seen in hip arthroscopy in the setting of hip dysplasia, there is a high rate of re-operation and conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Furthermore, the criteria used to define hip dysplasia vary considerably among published studies. Cite this article: M. Yeung, M. Kowalczuk, N. Simunovic, O. R. Ayeni. Hip arthroscopy in the setting of hip dysplasia: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:225–231. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.56.2000533


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 3 | Pages 73 - 79
1 Mar 2016
Anwander H Cron GO Rakhra K Beaule PE

Objectives

Hips with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) have a high rate of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR), often associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) measures tissue perfusion with the parameter Ktrans (volume transfer constant of contrast agent). Our purpose was 1) to evaluate the feasibility of DCE-MRI in patients with THA and 2) to compare DCE-MRI in patients with MoM bearings with metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearings, hypothesising that the perfusion index Ktrans in hips with MoM THA is higher than in hips with MoP THA.

Methods

In this pilot study, 16 patients with primary THA were recruited (eight MoM, eight MoP). DCE-MRI of the hip was performed at 1.5 Tesla (T). For each patient, Ktrans was computed voxel-by-voxel in all tissue lateral to the bladder. The mean Ktrans for all voxels was then calculated. These values were compared with respect to implant type and gender, and further correlated with clinical parameters.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 2 | Pages 66 - 72
1 Feb 2016
Gebhart JJ Weinberg DS Bohl MS Liu RW

Objectives

Sagittal alignment of the lumbosacral spine, and specifically pelvic incidence (PI), has been implicated in the development of spine pathology, but generally ignored with regards to diseases of the hip. We aimed to determine if increased PI is correlated with higher rates of hip osteoarthritis (HOA). The effect of PI on the development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) was used as a negative control.

Methods

We studied 400 well-preserved cadaveric skeletons ranging from 50 to 79 years of age at death. Each specimen’s OA of the hip and knee were graded using a previously described method. PI was measured from standardised lateral photographs of reconstructed pelvises. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age and PI with HOA and KOA.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 4, Issue 7 | Pages 105 - 116
1 Jul 2015
Shea CA Rolfe RA Murphy P

Construction of a functional skeleton is accomplished through co-ordination of the developmental processes of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and synovial joint formation. Infants whose movement in utero is reduced or restricted and who subsequently suffer from joint dysplasia (including joint contractures) and thin hypo-mineralised bones, demonstrate that embryonic movement is crucial for appropriate skeletogenesis. This has been confirmed in mouse, chick, and zebrafish animal models, where reduced or eliminated movement consistently yields similar malformations and which provide the possibility of experimentation to uncover the precise disturbances and the mechanisms by which movement impacts molecular regulation. Molecular genetic studies have shown the important roles played by cell communication signalling pathways, namely Wnt, Hedgehog, and transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein. These pathways regulate cell behaviours such as proliferation and differentiation to control maturation of the skeletal elements, and are affected when movement is altered. Cell contacts to the extra-cellular matrix as well as the cytoskeleton offer a means of mechanotransduction which could integrate mechanical cues with genetic regulation. Indeed, expression of cytoskeletal genes has been shown to be affected by immobilisation. In addition to furthering our understanding of a fundamental aspect of cell control and differentiation during development, research in this area is applicable to the engineering of stable skeletal tissues from stem cells, which relies on an understanding of developmental mechanisms including genetic and physical criteria. A deeper understanding of how movement affects skeletogenesis therefore has broader implications for regenerative therapeutics for injury or disease, as well as for optimisation of physical therapy regimes for individuals affected by skeletal abnormalities.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:105–116


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 3, Issue 11 | Pages 321 - 327
1 Nov 2014
Palmer AJR Ayyar-Gupta V Dutton SJ Rombach I Cooper CD Pollard TC Hollinghurst D Taylor A Barker KL McNally EG Beard DJ Andrade AJ Carr AJ Glyn-Jones S

Aims. Femoroacetabular Junction Impingement (FAI) describes abnormalities in the shape of the femoral head–neck junction, or abnormalities in the orientation of the acetabulum. In the short term, FAI can give rise to pain and disability, and in the long-term it significantly increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The Femoroacetabular Impingement Trial (FAIT) aims to determine whether operative or non-operative intervention is more effective at improving symptoms and preventing the development and progression of osteoarthritis. . Methods. FAIT is a multicentre superiority parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial comparing physiotherapy and activity modification with arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of symptomatic FAI. Patients aged 18 to 60 with clinical and radiological evidence of FAI are eligible. Principal exclusion criteria include previous surgery to the index hip, established osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence ≥ 2), hip dysplasia (centre-edge angle < 20°), and completion of a physiotherapy programme targeting FAI within the previous 12 months. Recruitment will take place over 24 months and 120 patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio and followed up for three years. The two primary outcome measures are change in hip outcome score eight months post-randomisation (approximately six-months post-intervention initiation) and change in radiographic minimum joint space width 38 months post-randomisation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01893034. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:321–7