The anterior mini-open approach for femeroacetabular impingement: Gait and functional assessment at one year post-surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of the anterior mini-open approach of the hip for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) at one year post-surgery by use of questionnaires, functional capacity tests and biomechanical studies.

DESIGN

This is a case series prospective study. A total of 14 patients diagnosed of FAI were included. Patients were classified according to Tönnis scale. Hip joint mobility, Faber distance, pain levels (assessed on a visual analogic scale [VAS]), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Timed up & go test (TUGT), Stairs climbing test, Lequesne functional index, and gait analysis were assessed prior to and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Pain significantly improved following surgery. An improvement of 80% or more was found in 6 patients (42.85% of cases). Improvements were also seen in time support of the affected limb and in the braking force of the contralateral limb, although these are not clinically significant. No statistically significant changes were seen in functional capacity tests. At 12 months after surgery, meralgia paraesthetica presented in 3 patients (21.4%), and a total hip arthroplasty was performed in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

There was significant reduction in pain intensity 12 months following mini-open approach for FAI compared to preoperatively. Improvement in gait analysis and functional capacity was also seen, although not statistically significant.