Trends in the use and outcomes of hip arthroscopy in the USA between 2005 and 2013

The use of hip arthroscopy continues to increase in the USA. The aim of the study, recently published in the journal “Journal of Arthroplasty”, was to examine the trends in hip arthroscopy and its outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study was carried out using data from private insurers. The cohort comprised 10,042 privately insured patients aged 18 to 64 who underwent hip arthroscopy between 2005 and 2013. Trends in the use of the procedure were examined using rates of hip arthroscopy by age, sex and calendar date. Outcomes were examined using survival analysis methods, drawing on data for a further hip arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty.
Rates of hip arthroscopy rose significantly over time, from 3.6 per 100,000 in 2005 to 16.7 per 100,000 in 2013. The overall two-year cumulative incidence of a further hip arthroscopy and of total hip arthroplasty was 11% and 10% respectively.
The authors concluded that the use of hip arthroscopy has increased dramatically over the past decade among privately insured patients aged 18 to 64, with the greatest increase seen in the younger age groups. Further studies may be needed in order to understand the factors behind this large rise in the use of hip arthroscopy and in its outcomes.
Source: “Journal of Arthroplasty”, September 2016