Athletes do better after FAI arthroscopic treatment in male population

Arthroscopic surgery is becoming popular in the management of hip pathologies. There are numerous studies describing the outcomes of the treatment of athletes with this method. These outcomes are generally found to be excellent. Yet there are little data in the literature with respect to the arthroscopic treatment of nonathletes. The objective of our study is to compare the outcomes of the femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment between athletes and nonathletes using arthroscopy, using two popular scales.

The study involved a total of 129 male patients operated at our departments between 2009 and 2013. The subjects were divided into two groups: athletes and nonathletes. The results were assessed using the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS). In addition, the length of postoperative hospitalization was evaluated.

Analyses revealed that athletes performed better in NAHS over each period under analysis (prior to the operation, 12 and 24 months after the operation). As regards MHHS in these periods, the results in both groups were comparable. In addition, it was found that the length of postoperative hospitalization was similar in athletes and nonathletes.

Arthroscopic treatment of FAI is an effective method producing visible effects in athletes as well as nonathletes but quicker recovery in male athletic population. In the examined population, NAHS was a better measurement tool than MMHS, showing differences between the athlete and nonathlete population.