Arthroscopic surgery for global versus focal pincer femoroacetabular impingement: are the outcomes different?

To determine outcomes from arthroscopic surgery for global pincer femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a large multicenter prospective study investigating arthroscopic surgical outcomes was performed with minimum 2-year follow-up. Global (center-edge angle 40+ degrees) and Focal (center-edge angle 25–39 degrees) cohorts were based on pre-operative radiographs. Pre-operative and intra-operative findings, surgical procedures, post-operative nonarthritic hip score (NAHS) and satisfaction (5-point Likert scale), complications and conversion arthroplasties were compared. A nested case–control study was also performed. The Global cohort consisted of 15 patients (18 hips) of mean age 37.2 years. Pre-operative NAHS was 51.5 and 74.1 at 24+ months post-surgery. The change in NAHS was significant (P = 0.01). Mean satisfaction was 4.2. There was one total hip arthroplasty (THA) conversion (5.6%), no revision surgeries or complications. The Focal cohort consisted of 125 patients (129 hips) of mean age 39.8 years. Pre-operative NAHS was 54.8 and 77.8 at 24+ months post-surgery. The change in NAHS was significant (P < 0.0001). Mean satisfaction was 4.2. There were eight THA conversions (6.2%), three complications (2.3%) and two revision surgeries (1.5%). Cohort comparisons revealed no statistically significant difference in NAHS (P = 0.30), satisfaction (P = 0.92) or THA conversion rate (P = 0.91). The nested case–control study found mean post-operative change in NAHS was +22.2 and +20.4, respectively, at 24+ months (P = 0.76). Arthroscopic treatment of global pincer FAI is a safe and effective procedure. With outcomes comparable to those observed in the arthroscopic treatment of lesser focal deformities, arthroscopic surgery provides a less invasive option for the treatment of global pincer FAI.