As the number of hip arthroscopy cases, and the indications for these patients, rise year on year worldwide, the need for revision arthroscopic surgery is rising at a comparable rate. Internationally, many studies are being carried out in order to determine the reasons for which a revision arthroscopy is decided upon.
A recent study set out to answer these questions. It drew on the database of a single centre, covering patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between 2012 and 2019. Demographic data were recorded, and the mean follow-up time was 5.2 years. A total of 173 patients were included, and the four main indications for revision arthroscopy were: residual femoroacetabular impingement morphology (67.8%), instability due to capsular insufficiency (14.6%), heterotopic ossification (4.6%) and adhesions (4.2%).
Patients showed a statistically significant difference on the hip outcome scales (Hip Outcome Score, Activity of Daily Living, HOS-Sports Specific Subscale and International Hip Outcome Tool-33).
The authors concluded that the most common indication for revision hip arthroscopy is residual femoroacetabular impingement morphology. Instability due to capsular insufficiency is the second most common cause, and may lead to functional impairment in a particular group of patients.
Source: “American Journal of Sports Medicine”, October 2025