Beyond the Basics of Athletic Hip Evaluation

ABSTRACT: There is a growing trend in the world of orthopedics and sports medicine revolving around the nonarthritic hip. The incidence of hip arthroscopy has exponentially grown in the past decade and despite the importance of the recognition of these hip pathologies as contributors to pain and dysfunction, there is an ever-increasing rate of “failed” procedures emerging in the literature. The etiology of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and associated pathologies of the hip are now better understood. With this understanding there appears a tendency to point a finger at the hip joint without consideration for the involvement of the surrounding joints or extraarticular structures. Because of the nature of the morphological condition of FAI and the high incidence of a gradual progression of pain and impairments over time, as opposed to an acute injury, there is a need for a more robust assessment of the hip. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the importance of a combined traditional orthopedic exam, imaging, and movement assessment in diagnosis and treatment recommendations in those with nonarthritic hip pain. It is our belief that this combined model can assist in identifying movement dysfunction that may lead to poor surgical outcomes and developing improved nonoperative or preoperative care pathways. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.