OBJECTIVES

Little is known about hip function after hip arthroscopic surgery in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Hence, the aim of the study was (1) to investigate changes in hip muscle strength from before to one year after hip arthroscopic surgery, (2) to compare patients with a reference group.

DESIGN

Cohort study with a cross-sectional comparison.

METHODS

Before and after hip arthroscopic surgery, patients underwent hip muscle strength testing of their hip flexors and extensors during concentric, isometric and eccentric contraction in an isokinetic dynamometer. Reference persons with no hip problems underwent tests at a single time point. Participants completed completed the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) questionnaire and physical capacity (stair climbing loaded and unloaded, stepping loaded and unloaded and jumping) tests.

RESULTS

After surgery, hip flexion strength improved during all tests (6-13%, p<0.01) and concentric hip extension strength improved (4%, p=0.002). Hip flexion and extension strength was lower for patients than for reference persons (9-13%, p<0.05) one year after surgery. Higher hip extension strength after surgery was associated with better patient reported outcomes. Patients, who were unable to complete at minimum one test of physical capacity, demonstrated significantly weaker hip muscle strength. Compared with their healthy counterparts, female patients were more impaired than male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

One year after surgery, patients improved their maximal hip muscle strength. When compared to reference persons, maximal hip muscle strength was still impaired.