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The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 4 | Pages 336 - 343
1 Apr 2024
Haertlé M Becker N Windhagen H Ahmad SS

Aims

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is widely recognized as a demanding surgical procedure for acetabular reorientation. Reports about the learning curve have primarily focused on complication rates during the initial learning phase. Therefore, our aim was to assess the PAO learning curve from an analytical perspective by determining the number of PAOs required for the duration of surgery to plateau and the accuracy to improve.

Methods

The study included 118 consecutive PAOs in 106 patients. Of these, 28 were male (23.7%) and 90 were female (76.3%). The primary endpoint was surgical time. Secondary outcome measures included radiological parameters. Cumulative summation analysis was used to determine changes in surgical duration. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify independent factors influencing surgical time.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 5, Issue 1 | Pages 28 - 36
18 Jan 2024
Selmene MA Moreau PE Zaraa M Upex P Jouffroy P Riouallon G

Aims

Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare but serious. Few studies carried out on small cohorts have reported them in the literature. The aim of this work is to describe the specific characteristics of post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures, and the outcome of their surgical treatment in terms of function and complications.

Methods

Patients with this type of fracture were identified retrospectively over a period of six years (January 2016 to December 2021). The following data were collected: demographic characteristics, date of insertion of the prosthesis, details of the intervention, date of the trauma, characteristics of the fracture, and type of treatment. Functional results were assessed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Data concerning complications of treatment were collected.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 7 | Pages 751 - 759
1 Jul 2023
Lu V Andronic O Zhang JZ Khanduja V

Aims

Hip arthroscopy (HA) has become the treatment of choice for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, less favourable outcomes following arthroscopic surgery are expected in patients with severe chondral lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of HA in patients with FAI and associated chondral lesions, classified according to the Outerbridge system.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on four databases. Studies which involved HA as the primary management of FAI and reported on chondral lesions as classified according to the Outerbridge classification were included. The study was registered on PROSPERO. Demographic data, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, and rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were collected.


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 10 | Pages 804 - 814
13 Oct 2022
Grammatopoulos G Laboudie P Fischman D Ojaghi R Finless A Beaulé PE

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to determine the ten-year outcome following surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We assessed whether the evolution of practice from open to arthroscopic techniques influenced outcomes and tested whether any patient, radiological, or surgical factors were associated with outcome. Methods. Prospectively collected data of a consecutive single-surgeon cohort, operated for FAI between January 2005 and January 2015, were retrospectively studied. The cohort comprised 393 hips (365 patients; 71% male (n = 278)), with a mean age of 34.5 years (SD 10.0). Over the study period, techniques evolved from open surgical dislocation (n = 94) to a combined arthroscopy-Hueter technique (HA + Hueter; n = 61) to a pure arthroscopic technique (HA; n = 238). Outcome measures of interest included modes of failures, complications, reoperation, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Demographic, radiological, and surgical factors were tested for possible association with outcome. Results. At a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (SD 2.5), there were 43 failures in 38 hips (9.7%), with 35 hips (8.9%) having one failure mode, one hip (0.25%) having two failure modes, and two hips (0.5%) having three failure modes. The five- and ten-year hip joint preservation rates were 94.1% (SD 1.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 91.8 to 96.4) and 90.4% (SD 1.7%; 95% CI 87.1 to 93.7), respectively. Inferior survivorship was detected in the surgical dislocation group. Age at surgery, Tönnis grade, cartilage damage, and absence of rim-trimming were associated with improved preservation rates. Only Tönnis grade was an independent predictor of hip preservation. All PROMs improved postoperatively. Factors associated with improvement in PROMs included higher lateral centre-edge and α angles, and lower retroversion index and BMI. Conclusion. FAI surgery provides lasting improvement in function and a joint preservation rate of 90.4% at ten years. The evolution of practice was not associated with inferior outcome. Since degree of arthritis is the primary predictor of outcome, improved awareness and screening may lead to prompt intervention and better outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):804–814


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 10, Issue 9 | Pages 574 - 590
7 Sep 2021
Addai D Zarkos J Pettit M Sunil Kumar KH Khanduja V

Outcomes following different types of surgical intervention for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are well reported individually but comparative data are deficient. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to analyze the outcomes following surgical management of FAI by hip arthroscopy (HA), anterior mini open approach (AMO), and surgical hip dislocation (SHD). This SR was registered with PROSPERO. An electronic database search of PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE for English and German language articles over the last 20 years was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We specifically analyzed and compared changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), α-angle, rate of complications, rate of revision, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 48 articles were included for final analysis with a total of 4,384 hips in 4,094 patients. All subgroups showed a significant correction in mean α angle postoperatively with a mean change of 28.8° (95% confidence interval (CI) 21 to 36.5; p < 0.01) after AMO, 21.1° (95% CI 15.1 to 27; p < 0.01) after SHD, and 20.5° (95% CI 16.1 to 24.8; p < 0.01) after HA. The AMO group showed a significantly higher increase in PROMs (3.7; 95% CI 3.2 to 4.2; p < 0.01) versus arthroscopy (2.5; 95% CI 2.3 to 2.8; p < 0.01) and SHD (2.4; 95% CI 1.5 to 3.3; p < 0.01). However, the rate of complications following AMO was significantly higher than HA and SHD. All three surgical approaches offered significant improvements in PROMs and radiological correction of cam deformities. All three groups showed similar rates of revision procedures but SHD had the highest rate of conversion to a THA. Revision rates were similar for all three revision procedures.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1491 - 1496
1 Nov 2020
Buddhdev PK Vanhegan IS Khan T Hashemi-Nejad A

Aims

Despite advances in the treatment of paediatric hip disease, adolescent and young adult patients can develop early onset end-stage osteoarthritis. The aims of this study were to address the indications and medium-term outcomes for total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ceramic bearings for teenage patients.

Methods

Surgery was performed by a single surgeon working in the paediatric orthopaedic unit of a tertiary referral hospital. Databases were interrogated from 2003 to 2017 for all teenage patients undergoing THA with a minimum 2.3 year follow-up. Data capture included patient demographics, the underlying hip pathology, number of previous surgeries, and THA prostheses used. Institutional ethical approval was granted to contact patients for prospective clinical outcomes and obtain up-to-date radiographs. In total, 60 primary hips were implanted in 51 patients (35 female, 16 male) with nine bilateral cases. The mean age was 16.7 years (12 to 19) and mean follow-up was 9.3 years (2.3 to 16.8).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1003 - 1009
1 Aug 2020
Mononen H Sund R Halme J Kröger H Sirola J

Aims

There is evidence that prior lumbar fusion increases the risk of dislocation and revision after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The relationship between prior lumbar fusion and the effect of femoral head diameter on THA dislocation has not been investigated. We examined the relationship between prior lumbar fusion or discectomy and the risk of dislocation or revision after THA. We also examined the effect of femoral head component diameter on the risk of dislocation or revision.

Methods

Data used in this study were compiled from several Finnish national health registers, including the Finnish Arthroplasty Register (FAR) which was the primary source for prosthesis-related data. Other registers used in this study included the Finnish Health Care Register (HILMO), the Social Insurance Institutions (SII) registers, and Statistics Finland. The study was conducted as a prospective retrospective cohort study. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used for analysis.


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.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 4 | Pages 403 - 414
1 Apr 2019
Lerch TD Vuilleumier S Schmaranzer F Ziebarth K Steppacher SD Tannast M Siebenrock KA

Aims

The modified Dunn procedure has the potential to restore the anatomy in hips with severe slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE). However, there is a risk of developing avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN). In this paper, we report on clinical outcome, radiological outcome, AVN rate and complications, and the cumulative survivorship at long-term follow-up in patients undergoing the modified Dunn procedure for severe SCFE.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis involving 46 hips in 46 patients treated with a modified Dunn procedure for severe SCFE (slip angle > 60°) between 1999 and 2016. At nine-year-follow-up, 40 hips were available for clinical and radiological examination. Mean preoperative age was 13 years, and 14 hips (30%) presented with unstable slips. Mean preoperative slip angle was 64°. Kaplan–Meier survivorship was calculated.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1551 - 1558
1 Dec 2018
Clohisy JC Pascual-Garrido C Duncan S Pashos G Schoenecker PL

Aims

The aims of this study were to review the surgical technique for a combined femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), and to report the short-term clinical and radiological results of a combined FHRO/PAO for the treatment of selected severe femoral head deformities.

Patients and Methods

Between 2011 and 2016, six female patients were treated with a combined FHRO and PAO. The mean patient age was 13.6 years (12.6 to 15.7). Clinical data, including patient demographics and patient-reported outcome scores, were collected prospectively. Radiologicalally, hip morphology was assessed evaluating the Tönnis angle, the lateral centre to edge angle, the medial offset distance, the extrusion index, and the alpha angle.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 7 | Pages 867 - 874
1 Jul 2018
Makarewich CA Anderson MB Gililland JM Pelt CE Peters CL

Aims

For this retrospective cohort study, patients aged ≤ 30 years (very young) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) were compared with patients aged ≥ 60 years (elderly) to evaluate the rate of revision arthroplasty, implant survival, the indications for revision, the complications, and the patient-reported outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA between January 2000 and May 2015 from our institutional database. A total of 145 very young and 1359 elderly patients were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (1 to 18). Logistic generalized estimating equations were used to compare characteristics and the revision rate. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves and hazard rates were created using Cox regression.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1577 - 1583
1 Dec 2017
Nakano N Lisenda L Jones TL Loveday DT Khanduja V

Aims

The number of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery of the hip has increased significantly during the past decade. It has now become an established technique for the treatment of many intra- and extra-articular conditions affecting the hip. However, it has a steep learning curve and is not without the risk of complications. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of complications during and following this procedure.

Materials and Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used in designing this study. Two reviewers systematically searched the literature for complications related to arthroscopy of the hip. The research question and eligibility criteria were established a priori. Pertinent data were abstracted and analysed.


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 6, Issue 8 | Pages 472 - 480
1 Aug 2017
Oduwole KO de SA D Kay J Findakli F Duong A Simunovic N Yen Y Ayeni OR

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the existing literature from 2005 to 2016 reporting on the efficacy of surgical management of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) secondary to slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Methods. The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched and screened in duplicate. Data such as patient demographics, surgical technique, surgical outcomes and complications were retrieved from eligible studies. Results. Fifteen eligible level IV studies were included in this review comprising 261 patients (266 hips). Treatment groups included arthroscopic osteochondroplasty, surgical hip dislocation, and traditional open osteotomy. The mean alpha angle corrections were 32.14° (standard deviation (. sd). 7.02°), 41.45° (. sd. 10.5°) and 6.0° (. sd. 5.21°), for arthroscopy, surgical hip dislocation, and open osteotomy groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Each group demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes across their respective scoring systems. Major complication rates were 1.6%, 10.7%, and 6.7%, for arthroscopy, surgical dislocation and osteotomy treatments, respectively. Conclusion. In the context of SCFE-related FAI, surgical hip dislocation demonstrated improved correction of the alpha angle, albeit at higher complication and revision rates than both arthroscopic and open osteotomy treatments. Further investigation, including high-quality trials with standardised radiological and clinical outcome measures for young patients, is warranted to clarify treatment approaches and safety. Cite this article: K. O. Oduwole, D. de Sa, J. Kay, F. Findakli, A. Duong, N. Simunovic, Y. Yi-Meng, O. R. Ayeni. Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement following slipped capital femoral epiphysis: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:472–480. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2017-0018.R1


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 3 | Pages 303 - 309
1 Mar 2017
Beaulé PE Bleeker H Singh A Dobransky J

Aims. Joint-preserving surgery of the hip (JPSH) has evolved considerably and now includes a number of procedures, including arthroscopy, surgical dislocation, and redirectional osteotomies of the femur and acetabulum. There are a number of different factors which lead to failure of JPSH. Consequently, it is of interest to assess the various modes of failure in order to continue to identify best practice and the indications for these procedures. . Patients and Methods. Using a retrospective observational study design, we reviewed 1013 patients who had undergone JPSH by a single surgeon between 2005 and 2015. There were 509 men and 504 women with a mean age of 39 years (16 to 78). Of the 1013 operations, 783 were arthroscopies, 122 surgical dislocations, and 108 peri-acetabular osteotomies (PAO). We analysed the overall failure rates and modes of failure. Re-operations were categorised into four groups: Mode 1 was arthritis progression or organ failure leading to total hip arthroplasty (THA); Mode 2 was an Incorrect diagnosis/procedure; Mode 3 resulted from malcorrection of femur (type A), acetabulum (type B), or labrum (type C) and Mode 4 resulted from an unintended consequence of the initial surgical intervention. Results. At a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, there had been 104 re-operations (10.2%) with a mean patient age of 35.5 years (17 to 64). There were 64 Mode 1 failures (6.3%) at a mean of 3.2 years following JPSH with a mean patient age of 46.8 years (18 to 64). There were 17 Mode 2 failures (1.7%) at a mean of 2.2 years post-JPSH with a mean patient age of 28.9 years (17 to 42) (2% scopes; 1% surgical dislocations). There were 19 Mode 3 failures (1.9%) at a mean of 2.0 years post-JPSH, with a mean patient age of 29.9 years (18 to 51) (2% scopes; 2% surgical dislocations; 5% PAO). There were 4 Mode 4 failures (0.4%) at a mean of 1.8 years post-JPSH with a mean patient age of 31.5 years (15 to 43). Using the modified Dindo-Clavien classification system, the overall complication rate among JPSHs was 4.2%. Conclusion. While defining the overall re-operation and complication rates, it is important to define the safety and effectiveness of JPSH. Standardisation of the modes of failure may help identify the best practice. Application of these modes to large clinical series, such as registries, will assist in further establishing how to improve the efficacy of JPSH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:303–9


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 1 | Pages 16 - 21
1 Jan 2017
Aprato A Leunig M Massé A Slongo T Ganz R

Aims. Several studies have reported the safety and efficacy of subcapital re-alignment for patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) using surgical dislocation of the hip and an extended retinacular flap. Instability of the hip and dislocation as a consequence of this surgery has only recently gained attention. We discuss this problem with some illustrative cases. Materials and Methods. We explored the literature on the possible pathophysiological causes and surgical steps associated with the risk of post-operative instability and articular damage. In addition, we describe supplementary steps that could be used to avoid these problems. Results. The causes of instability may be divided into three main groups: the first includes causes directly related to SCFE (acetabular labral damage, severe abrasion of the acetabular cartilage, flattening of the acetabular roof and a bell-shaped deformity of the epiphysis); the second, causes not related to the SCFE (acetabular orientation and poor quality of the soft tissues); the third, causes directly related to the surgery (capsulotomy, division of the ligamentum teres, shortening of the femoral neck, pelvi-trochanteric impingement, previous proximal femoral osteotomy and post-operative positioning of the leg). Conclusion. We present examples drawn from our clinical practice, as well as possible ways of reducing the risks of these complications, and of correcting them if they happen. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:16–21


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1214 - 1219
1 Sep 2015
Loh BW Stokes CM Miller BG Page RS

There is an increased risk of fracture following osteoplasty of the femoral neck for cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Resection of up to 30% of the anterolateral head–neck junction has previously been considered to be safe, however, iatrogenic fractures have been reported with resections within these limits. We re-evaluated the amount of safe resection at the anterolateral femoral head–neck junction using a biomechanically consistent model.

In total, 28 composite bones were studied in four groups: control, 10% resection, 20% resection and 30% resection. An axial load was applied to the adducted and flexed femur. Peak load, deflection at time of fracture and energy to fracture were assessed using comparison groups.

There was a marked difference in the mean peak load to fracture between the control group and the 10% resection group (p < 0.001). The control group also tolerated significantly more deflection before failure (p < 0.04). The mean peak load (p = 0.172), deflection (p = 0.547), and energy to fracture (p = 0.306) did not differ significantly between the 10%, 20%, and 30% resection groups.

Any resection of the anterolateral quadrant of the femoral head–neck junction for FAI significantly reduces the load-bearing capacity of the proximal femur. After initial resection of cortical bone, there is no further relevant loss of stability regardless of the amount of trabecular bone resected.

Based on our findings we recommend any patients who undergo anterolateral femoral head–neck junction osteoplasty should be advised to modify their post-operative routine until cortical remodelling occurs to minimise the subsequent fracture risk.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1214–19.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1441 - 1448
1 Nov 2014
Bali K Railton P Kiefer GN Powell JN

We report the clinical and radiological outcome of subcapital osteotomy of the femoral neck in the management of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) resulting from a healed slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). We believe this is only the second such study in the literature.

We studied eight patients (eight hips) with symptomatic FAI after a moderate to severe healed SCFE. There were six male and two female patients, with a mean age of 17.8 years (13 to 29).

All patients underwent a subcapital intracapsular osteotomy of the femoral neck after surgical hip dislocation and creation of an extended retinacular soft-tissue flap. The mean follow-up was 41 months (20 to 84). Clinical assessment included measurement of range of movement, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis score (WOMAC). Radiological assessment included pre- and post-operative calculation of the anterior slip angle (ASA) and lateral slip angle (LSA), the anterior offset angle (AOA) and centre head–trochanteric distance (CTD). The mean HHS at final follow-up was 92.5 (85 to 100), and the mean WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function were 1.3 (0 to 4), 1.4 (0 to 6) and 3.6 (0 to 19) respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in all the radiological measurements post-operatively. The mean ASA improved from 36.6° (29° to 44°) to 10.3° (5° to 17°) (p <  0.01). The mean LSA improved from 36.6° (31° to 43°) to 15.4° (8° to 21°) (p < 0.01). The mean AOA decreased from 64.4° (50° to 78°) 32.0° (25° to 39°) post-operatively (p < 0.01). The mean CTD improved from -8.2 mm (-13.8 to +3.1) to +2.8 mm (-7.6 to +11.0) (p < 0.01). Two patients underwent further surgery for nonunion. No patient suffered avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Subcapital osteotomy for patients with a healed SCFE is more challenging than subcapital re-orientation in those with an acute or sub-acute SCFE and an open physis. An effective correction of the deformity, however, can be achieved with relief of symptoms related to impingement.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1441–8.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 1 | Pages 5 - 18
1 Jan 2014
Leunig M Ganz R

The use of joint-preserving surgery of the hip has been largely abandoned since the introduction of total hip replacement. However, with the modification of such techniques as pelvic osteotomy, and the introduction of intracapsular procedures such as surgical hip dislocation and arthroscopy, previously unexpected options for the surgical treatment of sequelae of childhood conditions, including developmental dysplasia of the hip, slipped upper femoral epiphysis and Perthes’ disease, have become available. Moreover, femoroacetabular impingement has been identified as a significant aetiological factor in the development of osteoarthritis in many hips previously considered to suffer from primary osteoarthritis.

As mechanical causes of degenerative joint disease are now recognised earlier in the disease process, these techniques may be used to decelerate or even prevent progression to osteoarthritis. We review the recent development of these concepts and the associated surgical techniques.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:5–18.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 1 | Pages 24 - 30
1 Jan 2014
Haddad B Konan S Haddad FS

We have reviewed the current literature to compare the results of surgery aimed to repair or debride a damaged acetabular labrum. We identified 28 studies to be included in the review containing a total of 1631 hips in 1609 patients. Of these studies 12 reported a mean rate of good results of 82% (from 67% to 100%) for labral debridement. Of the 16 studies that reported a combination of debridement and re-attachment, five reported a comparative outcome for the two methods, four reported better results with re-attachment and one study did not find any significant difference in outcomes. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis or draw accurate conclusions. Confounding factors in the studies include selection bias, use of historical controls and high rates of loss of follow-up.

It seems logical to repair an unstable tear in a good quality labrum with good potential to heal in order potentially to preserve its physiological function. A degenerative labrum on the other hand may be the source of discomfort and its preservation may result in persistent pain and the added risk of failure of re-attachment. The results of the present study do not support routine refixation for all labral tears.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:24–30.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 11_Supple_A | Pages 26 - 30
1 Nov 2013
Fayad TE Khan MA Haddad FS

Young adults with hip pain secondary to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are rapidly being recognised as an important cohort of orthopaedic patients. Interest in FAI has intensified over the last decade since its recognition as a precursor to arthritis of the hip and the number of publications related to the topic has increased exponentially in the last decade. Although not all patients with abnormal hip morphology develop osteoarthritis (OA), those with FAI-related joint damage rapidly develop premature OA. There are no explicit diagnostic criteria or definitive indications for surgical intervention in FAI. Surgery for symptomatic FAI appears to be most effective in younger individuals who have not yet developed irreversible OA. The difficulty in predicting prognosis in FAI means that avoiding unnecessary surgery in asymptomatic individuals, while undertaking intervention in those that are likely to develop premature OA poses a considerable dilemma. FAI treatment in the past has focused on open procedures that carry a potential risk of complications.

Recent developments in hip arthroscopy have facilitated a minimally invasive approach to the management of FAI with few complications in expert hands. Acetabular labral preservation and repair appears to provide superior results when compared with debridement alone. Arthroscopic correction of structural abnormalities is increasingly becoming the standard treatment for FAI, however there is a paucity of high-level evidence comparing open and arthroscopic techniques in patients with similar FAI morphology and degree of associated articular cartilage damage. Further research is needed to develop an understanding of the natural course of FAI, the definitive indications for surgery and the long-term outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:26–30.