Arthroscopic Treatment of FAI in Adolescent Athletes

OBJECTIVES: Athletic activities are implicated in the development of symptomatic FAI in adolescents as reflected by a high prevalence of sports participation among young individuals who present with this problem. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of arthroscopic treatment. METHODS: All patients undergoing arthroscopy are prospectively assessed with a modified Harris hip score. 104 athletes (117 hips) were identified among 108 consecutive adolescents (122 hips) less than 18 years of age who had undergone arthroscopic surgery for FAI and had achieved minimum one-year follow-up. This cohort of athletes represents the substance of this report. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 28 months (range 12-60 months). Average age was 16 years (range 12-17 years). There were 47 males and 57 females. The average improvement was 22 points (preop 73; postop 95) with 113 hips (97 %) improved with 112 (96%) good & excellent results. Eighty-eight athletes (84%) returned to their sport. Among the 16 that did not return to sports, 5 were unable, 6 chose not, and 5 had completed their high school athletic careers. Most common sports were football 15, soccer 13, basketball 13, dance 11, volleyball 7, cross-country 7, swim 7, gymnastics 5, baseball 4, softball 4, and lacrosse 4. FAI correction was performed for 33 cam, 17 pincer, and 67 combined lesions. 107 labral tears underwent 82 refixations and 24 debridements. There were 99 acetabular chondral lesions (42 Grade I, 18 Grade II, 34 Grade III, 5 Grade IV) with four microfractures. There were 3 femoral chondral lesions (1 Grade II, 2 Grade III). Seven loose bodies were removed and 19 lesions of the ligamentum teres were debrided. Concomitant extra-articular procedures included 13 iliopsoas tendon releases, two iliotibial band tendoplasties, and one trochanteric bursectomy. There were two complications, transient pudendal neurapraxias, that resolved within two weeks. Four patients underwent repeat arthroscopy and one a PAO. CONCLUSION: Athletic activities are implicated in the development of symptomatic FAI at a young age, and this study reports favorable outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of FAI among adolescent athletes. A high portion was improved, although only 84% actually returned to their sport. Return to sport may be influenced by factors other than just the success of the procedure.