Cartilage status in FAI patients – results from the Danish Hip Arthroscopy Registry (DHAR)

Introduction: The femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) morphology is associated with specific cartilage lesions, which are suspected to be early stages of the osteoarthritic development, which can be the end result of FAI. The cartilage status of FAI afflicted hip joints at the time of arthroscopic management is not fully elucidated. This study from the Danish Hip Arthroscopy Registry (DHAR) will try to show data on the cartilage status from a large cohort. Data from a national registry potentially represent large amounts of population-based epidemiological information from multiple centres and surgeons. Therefore, outcome data might be more reliable for a specific surgical intervention. Methods: This study includes patients operated for symptomatic FAI from January 2012 until December 31st 2013, with a minimum of two-year follow-up and being registered in DHAR. The extent of cartilage damage at the time of surgery is reported and the Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROM) outcome data are presented. Results: Data from a total of 686 FAI procedures in 1082 patients from January 2012 until December 31st 2013 were extracted from DHAR. Cartilage injuries were found in 88% of cases, mainly on the acetabular side. Overall PROM including pain scores improved significantly from preoperative status to follow-up one and two years postoperatively. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) and global hip function showed less improvements in patients with more severe acetabular cartilage injury. Discussion: The majority of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) undergoing hip arthroscopy have significant cartilage changes at the time of surgery primarily at the acetabulum and to a lesser degree at the femoral head. During FAI surgery the majority of patients have cartilage debridement performed but rarely cartilage repair. The presence of severe cartilage injury at the time of arthroscopic FAI surgery results in reduced subjective outcome and hip function.