Comparing Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

There is much debate in the current literature with regard to the most appropriate hip-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) measurement for assessment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and outcomes after surgical treatment. Despite systematic reviews assessing the validity of classic hip-specific PROs as well as newer PROs developed to target the young, active population, there lacks a direct comparison of the question content between each PRO.

To compare the question composition and degree of overlap between commonly used PROs for FAIS.

Cross-sectional study.

A literature review yielded the 6 most commonly cited PROs for assessment of FAIS: modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), and Hip Outcome Score (HOS). Questions from each PRO were classified as identical, similar, or unique after pooled comparison, and the number of overlapping (identical or similar) questions between each PRO was determined. Questions were then classified into 5 domains: pain, symptoms, functional activities, sports, and quality of life, and variations in questions assessing each domain based on PRO were analyzed.

Analysis of 164 total questions from 6 PROs showed that 87 questions (53%) were identical between 2 or more PROs, 39 (24%) were similar, and 38 (23%) were unique. The iHOT-33 contained the highest number of unique questions, with 13 of 33 (39.4%), while the HOOS contained the lowest number of unique questions, with 3 of 40 (7.5%). The HOOS, HAGOS, and iHOT-33 contained questions assessing all 5 domains of patient outcomes; the NAHS did not evaluate quality of life; the mHHS only assessed pain, symptoms, and functional activities; and the HOS only assessed functional activities and sports.

As there is a high percentage of overlapping (identical or similar) questions between the most commonly used hip-specific PROs for FAIS, multiple tests may be appropriate for use. The iHOT-33, HOOS, and HAGOS are well suited for the general population as they offer comprehensive assessments across all domains, while the HOS provides added focus to sports/activity assessments for athletes and highly active patients.