The outcomes after hip arthroscopy in players of the Australian football league: a review of 27 hips

The Journal of Arthroscopy and Related Surgery, June 2010
Parminder Singh and John O’Donnel
The aim of the study was to investigate the hip pathology found during hip arthroscopy in players of the Australian football league and to describe current treatments and outcomes. The authors studied 24 patients (27 hips) who underwent hip arthroscopy in the lateral position between 2003 and 2008. The patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the Harris Hip Score and Nonarthritic Hip Score hip outcome scores. The mean follow-up of the patients was 22 months and their mean age 22 years. The most common condition found at hip arthroscopy was acetabular chondral lesions, which affected 93% of cases. The microfracture technique was used in 22% of patients. Bursitis was found in 70%, and it coexisted most often with acetabular chondral lesions. Lesions of the labrum were found in 33% of cases, the most common being a labral tear. As regards the femur, cam-type femoroacetabular impingement was found in 81% and was treated by femoral osteoplasty. Lesions of the articular cartilage and of the acetabular labrum were the most frequent lesions. An os acetabuli was also found in 7% and loose bodies likewise in 7%. The latter coexisted with a labral tear and had to be removed. The hip outcome scores improved in all the patients postoperatively and the improvement was maintained for up to 4 years after hip arthroscopy. In all cases but one, the patients returned to professional football and were satisfied with the postoperative result.