Factors affecting return to sports after eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hip dysplasia
• Sports medicine

Background:

• Eccentric acetabular rotation osteotomy (ERAO) is a surgical procedure for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
• Limited data exists on patient return to sports and long-term outcomes after ERAO.
• Understanding factors influencing sports participation is crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient factors influencing return to sports after ERAO.
• To determine if postoperative sports participation affects osteoarthritis progression.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 124 patients who participated in sports preoperatively and underwent ERAO between 1990 and 2010.
• Comparison of patient demographics, preoperative hip parameters (Kellgren-Lawrence grade, center edge angle, joint congruency), and functional scores between patients who returned to sports and those who did not.
• Analysis of osteoarthritis progression and joint survival rates (requiring total hip arthroplasty) over a 20-year follow-up period.

Main Results:

• An overall return to sports rate of 64% was observed.
• A preoperative center edge angle <0° was the only significant factor negatively impacting return to sports (OR 3.42, p<0.01).
• No significant differences were found in osteoarthritis progression or total hip arthroplasty conversion rates between patients who returned to sports and those who did not.

Conclusions:

• A preoperative center edge angle <0° is a key predictor of limited sports participation after ERAO.
• Continuing sports activities post-ERAO does not appear to adversely affect long-term joint health or increase the need for total hip arthroplasty.
• ERAO can facilitate return to sports for many DDH patients, with outcomes independent of continued athletic activity.