Treatment of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement using anterolateral mini-open and arthroscopic osteochondroplasty

Abstract

Abstract Background Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is associated with decreased hip function and early hip osteoarthritis. Surgical treatment is often required to halt the process of mechanical degeneration. The study investigated the short-to-midterm results of using a modified anterolateral mini-open and arthroscopic osteochondroplasty in the treatment of cam-type FAI. Methods Thirty-six patients (39 hips), with the mean age of 43.6 years, who had cam-type FAI, were operated by a mini-open and arthroscopy-assisted osteochondroplasty via the Watson-Jones interval between 2002 and 2016. Radiographic parameters and Harris hip scores were retrospectively analyzed after a mean follow-up of 44 months. Results Of the 39 hips, the mean Harris hip score significantly improved from 61.1 preoperatively to 84.2 postoperatively (P < 0.01). There were nine hips (23%) undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a mean of 22 months (range, 3~64 months) due to progression of hip osteoarthritis. The 5-year survival for hip preserving was 74.9%. Cox proportional-hazards model showed that age ≥ 55 years (P = 0.03) and preoperative Tönnis stage II (P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for conversion to THA. Conclusions The mini-open and arthroscopic approach allowed direct visualization and improved quality of the osteochondroplasty of FAI hip while avoiding the need for surgical dislocation. This technique could be a safe and viable option for symptomatic cam-type FAI patients to relieve symptoms and improve hip function.