Hip Disorders in Bull Riders: Clinical Observations and Outcomes of Arthroscopy

Bull riders represent a microcosm of athletes in whom severe consequences of femoroacetabular impingement may challenge the limits of arthroscopic intervention. Observations of this cohort may provide meaningful insight into the treatment of other populations. All patients undergoing hip arthroscopy are prospectively assessed with a modified Harris Hip Score. Sixteen consecutive bull riders (21 hips) with minimum 2-year follow-up are reported. The average age was 26 years, duration of symptoms was 33 months, and follow-up was 57 months. Arc of rotational hip motion averaged 31°. All had femoroacetabular impingement (17 combined and 4 cam impingements). Among the cam impingements, 1 also had dysplasia and 1 also had borderline dysplasia. Radiographic Tönnis grades were as follows: 2 Tönnis 1; 18 Tönnis 2; and 1 Tönnis 3. All had acetabular articular damage (14 Outerbridge grade 4; 6 Outerbridge grade 3; and 1 Outerbridge grade 1). Nine underwent microfracture. Four had accompanying femoral chondral lesions (3 grade 3; 1 grade 4). There were 20 labral tears (14 repaired and 6 debrided). All but 1 (95%) improved after surgery. One bilateral case underwent conversion to resurfacing arthroplasty on one side and revision arthroscopy on the other. The average improvement was 21.3 points. Thirteen (81.25%) returned to bull riding at an average of 7 months. Among the 3 who did not return, each had undergone bilateral procedures. There were no complications. Femoroacetabular impingement can be a significant problem among bull riders. Limited range of motion, grade 4 articular damage, and Tönnis 2 radiographic changes may not preclude successful arthroscopic treatment, but advanced bilateral disease may be too much even for these hardened athletes. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(2):79-82.].