Femoroacetabular impingement in 45 professional athletes: associated pathologies and return to sport following arthroscopic decompression

• DOI: 10.1007/s00167-007-0332-x
• Publication Date: 2007-05-03T18:09:04Z
• Authors: Marc Philippon; Mara Schenker; Karen Briggs; David Kuppersmith
• Keywords: Femoroacetabular Impingement; Return to Sport

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when an osseous abnormality of the proximal femur (cam) or acetabulum (pincer) triggers damage to acetabular labrum and articular cartilage in hip. Although precise etiology FAI is not well understood, both types are common athletes presenting with hip pain, loss range-of-motion, disability athletics. An open surgical approach decompressing has shown good clinical outcomes; however, this highly invasive inherently may delay preclude a high level athlete's return play. The purpose study was define associated pathologies determine if arthroscopic treating can allow professional high-level sport. Hip arthroscopy for treatment allows Between October 2000 September 2005, 45 underwent decompression FAI. Operative return-to-play data were obtained from patient records. Average time follow-up 1.6 years (range: 6 months 5.5 years). Forty two (93%) returned competition following Three did play; all had diffuse osteoarthritis at arthroscopy. Thirty-five (78%) remain active sport average years. Arthroscopic