Accelerated rehabilitation and return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is safe and effective

Abstract

Present recommendations in the literature advocate for a return to sport (RTS) between 5- and 10 months following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have adopted the International Society of Hip Preservation protocol with modifications for the rehabilitation of our patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the time to RTS with this rehabilitation approach after hip arthroscopy for FAI. It was hypothesized that most athletes will RTS by 5 months post-surgery without any adverse effects. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively followed with preoperative and postoperative Patient Reported Outcome Measures including: Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Preinjury sports and competition level, postoperative RTS rate, time, and level, complications, and revision surgeries were recorded. A total of 56 patients were identified for inclusion (36.6 ± 14.1 years old at date of surgery, 34 females and 22 males). There were 35 recreational athletes and 21 competitive-level athletes (10 in high-demand sports and 11 in moderate-demand sports). In all, 44 patients (79%) returned to sport at 5.3 ± 3.5 months postoperatively. Of the 12 patients who did not RTS, 5 (42%) did not return for reasons other than their hip. Neither HAGOS (P = .458) nor mHHS (P = .424) differed between athletes with RTS in ≤ 5 months (HAGOS: 80.4 ± 22.3; mHSS: 88.0 ± 17.7) versus >5 months (HAGOS: 84.6 ± 11.8; mHSS: 91.5 ± 8.7). The current study demonstrates that accelerated rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy for FAI can safely return athletes to sport within 6 months.