Functional Condition of Patients after Unilateral Hip Arthroscopy in the Process of FAI-Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Case-Control Study and Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION

Femoroacetabular impingement is a commonly recognized condition among people with hip pain.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess how arthroscopy and physiotherapy treatment influenced the quality of life and functional condition of patients after arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 19 people for the study and included 12 (6 men and 6 women). Their mean age was 40.1 ± 9.7 years. Manual and digital goniometers were used for the range of motion (ROM) measurements, and a dynamometer for muscle strength was used. Results from the operated limb were compared to the nonoperated healthy limb. We examined the patient's health and well-being using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales. The mean follow-up period was 21.2 months.

RESULTS

The postsurgery mean range of motion for all movements was lower in the operated limb. Statistically significant differences between limbs in ROM were observed for flexion, abduction, extension, and external rotation. Muscle strength was comparable between hip joints, except extension and adduction, which were statistically significantly weaker. The mean strength of the hip flexors and internal rotators was higher in the operated limb. After surgery, 67% of patients returned to exercise at the same or higher level. The mean HHS results were good, with values of 88.00 ± 11.48. The SF-36 scores were >50.

CONCLUSION

After surgery and physiotherapy of FAI, ROM remained lower in the operated limb. Flexion and rotations remained to cause pain. The strength of flexors and internal rotators improved, and there was a high rate of return to sport.